Microsoft Admits Surprise at Extent of Xbox One Negativity

Microsoft's Albert Penello has admitted that while the company was aware the decisions it made with regard to the Xbox One's original used game and DRM policies would be controversial, they were taken aback by the extent of the negativity which engulfed the console in the weeks following its announcement. 

In an interview with Rev3Games Penello said: 

"Was I surprised that people had a reaction to it? No. I mean, we knew it was going to be a controversial decision. Was I surprised how negative the reaction was going to be? Yes.

"We were surprised at how vocal it was, we were surprised at the reaction and the assumptions that people had about what we were trying to do. So we did the famous '180'.

He admitted that in retrospect he would change the Xbox One's initial messaging. 

"If I had to go back and wish that I could rewind time and redo one thing, that would be the one thing.

"People got in their minds that what we were trying to do was evil or anti-customer when, in fact, we were looking at what Steam does, we were looking at what iOS is going, we were looking where the customers were going and saying 'I think we can actually give you a better all-digital experience’.

Echoing comments he made in a separate GameSpot interview Penello alluded to the possibility that some of the Xbox One's game sharing features could see a return at a later time. 

"I think with time, people have understood what we were trying to do, and in fact I'm sure you've seen it with the fans. They were saying, 'God, I wish some of this stuff would come back'.”

You can watch the interview with Penello below.