Yesterday I wrote about console makers marketing strategies and a look at some historical successes and failures using various methods in the wake of the XBOX One Reveal.  I questioned if Microsoft’s strategy of appealing to the masses rather than focus on the gamer was a good move or not.  While it will still be some time before we can answer that question there seems to be another issue that cropped up. The idea that alienating ones core fan base in an effort to expand ones fan base beyond the core is one thing (Nintendo had great success with this), but when a company does things that gamers don’t like in an effort to appease other corporations, gamers react.  Probably much more than most other markets; the core game purchaser has no issue withholding their money and supporting somebody else when they perceive that they’re being ignored or taken advantage of.   The most current example of this being consumer backlash to the XBOX One reveal.

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For the first time in watching a console launch I have this inescapable feeling in the back of my head that I’m not entirely sure what the Microsoft is attempting to achieve with the XBOX One exactly.  When the Wii U was introduced I wasn’t at all confused about that even though many people were.  When the PS3 was introduced it suffered many of the same sorts of questions that Microsoft is facing now.  Basically who is the target audience that the device is aimed at?  Is it more gamer or more entertainment geared?  

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IGN has put up a handy comparison chart.  I believe that the constant internet connection for the Xbox One is not required for operation but to what capacity has not been confirmed:

http://ca.ign.com/wikis/xbox-o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlOF03DUoWc

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Cqb11Neq6tM

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Trion has announced that Rift will be moving to a hybrid pay to play / free to play model.  While details aren't fully available yet free to play gamers won't have level caps and will be able to participate in all of the games areas and modes.  Subscribers appear to have added value tacked on.

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This gave me tingles:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=hxnQi1qAvdM

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Loved the first one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmqxZrqk3bc

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IGN is reporting that the Durango development kits come with documentation that states that every XBOX will have a hard drive, all games will require an install and BluRay discs will not have play from disc support.  In addition the console features and "always on always connected" fe

http://ca.ign.com/articles/2013/03/18/researchers-build-real-life-phasers-using-sound-waves