Pre-order numbers and word of mouth be damned – the Xbox One is going to start its long journey ahead of the PlayStation 4. At least, that’s what Microsoft Canada's Xbox director of marketing Craig Flannagan told GameIndustry International at a recent X13 showcase event in Toronto. Xbox Live, a greater focus on social integration, and a larger suite of games that garnered more awards at the most recent E3 are just three of the reasons that Flannagan is confident in his company’s box.
"Xbox One is going to start ahead, in terms of the experience we can deliver," Flannagan said. "And because we're built for the future, we're going to stay ahead. I think there is not a better experience you can buy this holiday, and there will not be a time this generation where there's a better experience you can buy than Xbox One…And it's probably going to be a pretty long generation. We're probably here for a while because we're built for the future. This is a console that will last you, conservatively a decade, if I had to put a bet down today."
A decade is a significant chunk of time to commit to, but with the Xbox One likely adopting its old policies over time, the piece of hardware does seem a bit future proof. As long as there are games to be played and consumers excited about the brand, the Xbox One will find a home in what’s sure to be a competitive market.
