In an interview with Edge, EA executive Frank Gibeau has spoken about Microsoft's "challenges" and leadership changes following the Xbox One's announcement.
Asked how Sony and Microsoft stack up with the launch of their next-gen consoles drawing closer Gibeau said:
"I think the Sony team has executed exceptionally well – and they did not execute particularly well on PS3, whereas last time around Microsoft executed perfectly. This time, Microsoft has run into some challenges, some leadership changes, but they’re a very resilient organisation, and if you look at their counter punches on any setbacks, they’ve done a pretty good job of getting back on track.
"From our perspective, we believe that both platforms will be successful. They’ll definitely both have great Christmases this time around; anything [Sony and Microsoft] build is going to sell out. We’re making games for both platforms, and the response to them has been pretty positive."
Don Mattrick left Microsoft shortly after the console's announcement and was briefly replaced by Julie Larson-Green who in-turn gave way to Nokia's Steven Elop – one of the key contender's for Microsoft's CEO position when Steve Ballmer resigns next year.
EA has also experienced changes at the top this year with Andrew Wilson of EA Sports replacing John Riccitiello as CEO in September.
Gibeau said that EA wants both Sony and Microsoft to succeed with their next-gen consoles.
"What’s important to EA is that this is a multipolar world – that there are competing platforms and that both are experiencing some degree of success. We don’t [want] a monopolar world where one platform is dominant. I think that harms the overall health of the business and isn’t in our interest. So the fact that PS4 and Xbox One have had a combative summer is good."
This is despite a number of deal with Microsoft which will see FIFA 14 given away to Xbox One Day One Edition buyers in Europe and which prevents TItanfall ever coming to PlayStation. Gibeau echoed previous comments by denying that EA has shifted in favour of Xbox:
"We’re not tilting Microsoft’s way; we are firm longterm supporters of Sony. I’m sure you’ll see tactical programmes between us and Sony in the future that we haven’t announced, but will make things much more balanced."
Gibeau said EA has six games coming to the PS4 and Xbox One by Christmas this year.
