Once again, we thought we were on to something. Alas, our hopes and dreams were shattered by Microsoft, who once again denied that the 360 is getting a Blu-ray disc drive.
At the same time though, the statement they released smacks of “flip-flopping”. Hit the jump to find out why.
As much as we might have liked to have seen it come true, no matter how much we may have wanted it (or not, as the case may be) it looks like 360 owners are still staring at a bleak, Blu-ray-less future for the time being. Microsoft told UK industry magazine EDGE today that there are still no plans to produce a drive attachment for the console and that the chances of any plans being formed were slim. That statement in full:
As we’ve said before, Microsoft has no plans to introduce an Xbox 360 Blu-ray add-on…games are what drive consumers to purchase game consoles, and we remain focused on providing the largest library of blockbuster games available.
Isn’t it sort of ironic that, as the EDGE article reports, Microsoft are still hugely focused on digitally distributing movies?
If the Xbox 360 is all about the large library of blockbuster games (and the reason to buy a 360) why sign a deal with Netflix to allow members of the movie rental site to stream films to their console? Why sign deal upon deal with movie and TV companies alike so high-definition programming is available for LIVE users to download? To put it bluntly: what are Microsoft really after?
One moment they’ll release statements like the one above, proclaiming the 360 as the perfect gaming console. Then, at other times – let’s say, July this year – they might give us a doozy like this one:
The Netflix partnership is very consistent with our overall strategy that the Xbox 360 is not just about gaming, it’s also about music and it’s also about video…we’re trying to make it clear that Xbox 360 has fun and entertainment for everyone.
So, the console that’s all about the games isn’t just about the games, except that it’s about the games? If Microsoft were so serious about music and video content, they’d hop on the Blu-ray bandwagon right away. It might sway some undecided console owners into buying a 360 (so they can watch There Will Be Blood and then fulfill said prophecy in GTA IV) but Microsoft may be able to join the Blu-ray Disc Association and take a slice of sales for themselves.
It’s hardly going to be a losing strategy. This time around the drive wont be made extinct within a matter of months. The least Microsoft can do is try: after all, any chance to reduce the profits (or, conversely, increase the losses) of Sony is one worth taking.
Microsoft Again Denies 360 Blu-Ray – EDGE Online
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HILARIOUS image for that article! Nicely done Yamster!
I think it’s the little eyes on the 360 that do the trick.
I don’t think their statements show flip-flopping. They just said that it’s games that drive the sales of the console and that’s true. However, they do want the console to have added value to it. Value adds don’t sell a product on their own (unless you’re Nintendo). They just enhance the use and brand loyalty. Netflix is an example of a value add. I doubt anyone will run out and get a 360 because of Netflix. But those who have a 360 will gain an enhanced experience with Netflix. However, I predict that Netflix is gonna get a boost in subscribers. I’m sure as hell gonna subscribe when this feature comes out.
I just saw fanboys in the first 2 comments
lol
I am happy xbox isn’t getting blu-ray I mean my ps3 is doing nothing that my 360 can’t do at the moment except Blu-ray so I just want to keep something for my PS3. I mean come on the 360 is the best thing out there at this current time and the cheapest.
Side-Note. i would sign up for netflicks if we had it in the UK I like the idea alot.
Awesome Picture Yamster.
I want my blu ray though!
@KBC
Could get a ps3….um…yea… >_>