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I have no doubt that most of these have been or are being talked about by Microsoft, just from a due diligence standpoint. It's not too late to save the Titanic before it sinks itself. It looks like avoiding the launch shortages will be impossible due to the yield issues, but that can be made up in the long term so let's ignore that for now.
1. Drop or *fix* DRM
Either match Sony's policy step for step or do what that Thurrot dude suggested and if the disc is present and in the drive, don't require any online checks at all. The military and everyone else will thank you for it. People say it's too late to back track on this but I don't think it's too late at all. Five months from launch and almost universal criticism means both Microsoft and its partners all have plenty to lose if they don't change course.
2. Publish League of Legends and Dayz as Exclusives
Look what getting Minecraft did. Hugely popular PC games brought to the console audience is a great idea. Don't hesitate. Do it.
3. Create a Better Microsoft published Indy XBLA program
One that would make XB1 the destination for Indies as exclusives or, at the very least, as easy port options. Drop this idea that you won't support ports. And stop making it so difficult for Indies to update and get their games up there. Ridiculous. The next minecraft could be found through this program.
4. Get the Console exclusive on Oculus Rift
It seems like it is there for the taking. You think those guys wouldn't want a huge partner who will support their new device? ORift is getting universal acclaim and it can be the next "Kinect" mid gen launch for the XB1 to give it another shot in the arm. By that time the price might be $199 and most XB1 games can be patched to support it. This is another no brainer.
5. Either Drop the Price to $399 or add more value
There's no reason this thing shouldn't be $399 or packed in with a game and a couple months of Live or more. Take that initial loss and the reward in market and mind share will be well worth it, especially considering all the royalties from games, dlc, online movies/music, etc. that await. If you want that box in every home, you have to price it right from the get go. $499 is one thing if there's no competition, but Microsoft has to stop living in a bubble.
Take these steps now, Microsoft, and you will reach 125mil + for XB1. Don't and watch the PS4 become the PS2 in market share.
1. Drop or *fix* DRM
Either match Sony's policy step for step or do what that Thurrot dude suggested and if the disc is present and in the drive, don't require any online checks at all. The military and everyone else will thank you for it. People say it's too late to back track on this but I don't think it's too late at all. Five months from launch and almost universal criticism means both Microsoft and its partners all have plenty to lose if they don't change course.
2. Publish League of Legends and Dayz as Exclusives
Look what getting Minecraft did. Hugely popular PC games brought to the console audience is a great idea. Don't hesitate. Do it.
3. Create a Better Microsoft published Indy XBLA program
One that would make XB1 the destination for Indies as exclusives or, at the very least, as easy port options. Drop this idea that you won't support ports. And stop making it so difficult for Indies to update and get their games up there. Ridiculous. The next minecraft could be found through this program.
4. Get the Console exclusive on Oculus Rift
It seems like it is there for the taking. You think those guys wouldn't want a huge partner who will support their new device? ORift is getting universal acclaim and it can be the next "Kinect" mid gen launch for the XB1 to give it another shot in the arm. By that time the price might be $199 and most XB1 games can be patched to support it. This is another no brainer.
5. Either Drop the Price to $399 or add more value
There's no reason this thing shouldn't be $399 or packed in with a game and a couple months of Live or more. Take that initial loss and the reward in market and mind share will be well worth it, especially considering all the royalties from games, dlc, online movies/music, etc. that await. If you want that box in every home, you have to price it right from the get go. $499 is one thing if there's no competition, but Microsoft has to stop living in a bubble.
Take these steps now, Microsoft, and you will reach 125mil + for XB1. Don't and watch the PS4 become the PS2 in market share.
