Why did Microsoft Reverse their policies when the damage is already done?

[Elfgore]

...Damage control? If a fire is already started by the time firefighters come, they don't let it continue they put it out aka damage control.

Microsoft made a fire in their sales and now are trying to put it out before more damage is done hoping to save some of the lost sales.

 

[Lightknight]

The moment preorder numbers started showing up, the XBO was clearly more than a little dazed by their antics. Think about this, the ps4 day one edition had more units to sell than Microsoft's day one version did. That's why with them both sold out you see the ps4 day one at the #3 best seller of 2013 (so far) and the sold out XBO version is at #6:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/2013/videogames/ref=zg_bsar_nav_b_0_b#1 (note that either company could add more units to their day one versions and throw these figures off).

What's more, the XBO day one version did not sell out until last week and the ps4 sold out in what? The first couple weeks after being announced? Additionally, Sony's other bundles were selling like hot cakes, assuming hot cakes sold well in their day. Sony had four other bundles (Killzone, Knack, Watch Dogs, Battlefield 4) in addition to the standard version. I said "had" and not has because all of them are sold out except for the standard version which likely won't ever stop selling because it does not make a launch day promise. The ratio people initially talked about regarding the ps4 outselling the XBO at 2:1 was actually really low, we may be looking at 5 or 6 times or even more. Even with their backing out of Microsoft's statement, the XBO is still getting hammered (note that the XBO standard version isn't even on that link I posted above, but the standard PS4 is currently at #61 and rising AND Sony has alternate bundles of the ps4 that are sold out at #79 and #96 as of the time of this posting. The knack and killzone bundles had less units but they are also sold out and killzone was still on the top 100 list last week so it's not far behind). We're looking at a massive stealing of the show by Sony.

In any event, the huge disparity in sales for a company that had a sizeable lead over the ps3 last generation surprised and pushed them to make the change. As the CEO told reporters, they had done market research and expected backlash for the policies that they made but did not anticipate that it would make any difference when it came to buying the system of choice. Because consumers don't care about the details, they said. They did not count on just how aware the internet and media would make them into a running joke and just how clearly the word would get out there. They underestimated us and that was drastically apparent the moment the preorder sales came back.

So they did the only thing they could do, try to save face by rolling back policies that customers by and large did not want.

 

[Saltyk]

Why did they reverse their policy?

Sales is why.

I went into one of the retail stores, asked them how the pre-orders for the consoles were going and they said and I quote: 64 preorders for the PS4 and 8 orders for the XBone.

This was right after E3's conference.

If this was accurate and the same elsewhere. You can see why microsoft felt the need to make the change.

I've heard estimates as high as 10 to one in favor of PS4. Though, I assumed those are in error. That's just absurd.

As far as I know, even now, the PS4 has a lead. The price tag probably didn't help in that regard. I do think that Xbox One has made up some ground since the reversal. Though, I have yet to hear any official numbers from anyone.

 

[008Zulu_v1legacy]

All the features they cancelled means that those of us without god-like internet can now look forward to the next gen consoles. However, my getting it will depend on whether or not Kinect can be baffled sufficiently.

 

[ACM_Shadow]

I think they turned back for a couple of reasons,

1: how much can we get away with: they wanted to see if they were able to get away with the DRM policies, which would in turn mean they have a different hold on the market, with more control at microsoft and the publishers.

2: they saw how bad (1) was, and the popularity of the PS4 in comparison, not to mention they would have to release XB1's with different software in places with strict privacy laws (Germany comes to mind). Due to this PS3 loyalists would remain with Sony, and Microsoft would lose some of their "gaming" crowd, while gaining some of the "TV" crowd.
(not to mention what would happen in the US if a concerned mother approached FOX news over timmy's box always watching him)

3: they can now implement something that is still evil, but no-where near as visibly restrictive as their old DRM plans as many people wont be scrutinising the fine print as much (since they got rid of the bad policies...) , and due to the removal of the original DRM they will have gained back most of the XB people that were thinking of switching, and potentially gain some PS3/4 people.


I wouldn't rule out a subtle change in the OS after some time has passed from its release to reinstate a couple of their "planned" features (think PS3 OS debarkle)

 

[MeChaNiZ3D]

I'm sorry what?

It's one thing to say the damage has been done, it's another to suggest they go ahead selling a product people have expressed their ardent disagreement with. The change was good overall and will lead to more sales from people who know what they're buying, regardless of the ones who don't. The thing I wonder is why they didn't try harder to keep features that may have been useful (false dichotomy is my guess so they can have another crack next time or later). But sell as it was? It would have been a disaster among the devoted crowd. As for the masses, who knows really.

 

[Something Amyss]

the same reason coke cola dropped new coke for classic rather than just pushing. they get some good will from "listenng to consumer demands" the people who wanted the console the way microsoft originally planned to release it are more than likely going to buy it regardless

Indeed. The Bone isn't getting completely slaughtered now, though the ratios still seem to all be in Sony's favour (or as is being reported).

 

[KrossBillNye]

Why did they reverse their policy?

Sales is why.

I went into one of the retail stores, asked them how the pre-orders for the consoles were going and they said and I quote: 64 preorders for the PS4 and 8 orders for the XBone.

This was right after E3's conference.

If this was accurate and the same elsewhere. You can see why microsoft felt the need to make the change.

I've heard estimates as high as 10 to one in favor of PS4. Though, I assumed those are in error. That's just absurd.

As far as I know, even now, the PS4 has a lead. The price tag probably didn't help in that regard. I do think that Xbox One has made up some ground since the reversal. Though, I have yet to hear any official numbers from anyone.

That is possible. I haven't really looked into the current pre-orders for either console.

It's possible that with the recent change of policy there has been an increase in sales. But there is probably others out there like myself who feel that since Microsoft announced their DRM console we abandoned them even after they said that they would reverse their policies, much like too soon too late mentality.

I am totally getting a PS4 though. I decided on that after E3 and with Microsoft trying to save face it only stengthens that decision.

I have nothing against them personally, but I can't stand companies who acted like they were the best then turn around saying: "FINE! You don't want this DRM? Then we will remove it. BUT you won't get all the sweet stuff we promised!"

In short their marketing department must be ashamed.

 

[Andy Shandy]

Well my guess is that now that they have, people like me, who were resistant to the console at first, will now buy it because they've gotten rid of some of the ridiculous restrictions.

 

[Strazdas]

The console launch is still 6 months away. consumers have extremely poor memory. they will forget about it in a month and go order thier Xbine version.

Capcha: evil genius
It was quite simple, really.

 

[Something Amyss]

I have nothing against them personally, but I can't stand companies who acted like they were the best then turn around saying: "FINE! You don't want this DRM? Then we will remove it. BUT you won't get all the sweet stuff we promised!"

"We're taking you to the future! Unless you don't wantt his stuff directly from the past. Then screw you!"

I wanted a strong console from Microsoft, for the record. They would probably have lost me anyway with mandatory Kinect integration, but the DRM and the attitude were more than enough to put me off. I'm not sure I'm getting a next-gen console (my newly-upgraded PC plays most games at good quality and so I'll likely just drop money on its (new) weakest link, the processor and be good to go until my modest graphics card is outdated), but I'm far more likely to get a PS4 if I do.

 

[Random Argument Man]

There was damage done. However, who wants to have more damage to its reputation? Seriously, it's like I had a bad cut with a large knife. I don't want that knife to keep cutting me.

 

[ZZoMBiE13]

I'm buying one now that they reversed their shitty policies. So your logic is kinda defeated right there.

Make that two.

My only real gripe was the 24 hour check in. I have pretty crappy internet sometimes. It's great when it works, but storms can see us with outages longer than 24 hours if history ever repeats itself around here. And when I don't have the internet to occupy my twisted brain, the voices come. So I play video games to sooth them while I wait for the service to return.

 

[Zenn3k]

You know some ppl actually wanted those policies and were ready for a brave new digital age, but why did MS change course? I haven't heard ONE person say they are getting an XB1 and most don't even know XB1 did a Uturn. What was the point but alienate the ONLY ppl who were going to buy it in the first place? No no one is going to buy your console b/c all you did was make a console that was just a repeat of last gen. Like the PS4 but more expensive. Skipping this gen of consoles...

So they can be seen as "listening to their audience" and such and such, clearly.

I already have my PS4 launch edition pre-ordered and will have it day 1, I'm also almost ready to cancel my LIVE sub as well.

Microsoft completely lost me as a customer this gen, they've fucked up way too much. I MIGHT consider an XBone IF a fantastic/amazing/outstanding/game of the year Kinect games comes out, but I'm not holding my breath for that to ever happen.

 

[Denamic]

Because slightly less pissed off customers are better customers than very pissed off customers. I'm not planning on buying an xbone, but depending on future games, I MIGHT buy one eventually. Had they not changed their minds on the DRM issue, I wouldn't even have considered it.

 

[Lightknight]

I'm buying one now that they reversed their shitty policies. So your logic is kinda defeated right there.

Make that two.

My only real gripe was the 24 hour check in. I have pretty crappy internet sometimes. It's great when it works, but storms can see us with outages longer than 24 hours if history ever repeats itself around here. And when I don't have the internet to occupy my twisted brain, the voices come. So I play video games to sooth them while I wait for the service to return.

Just remember that the kinect is still required and the fact that Microsoft is pushing cloud computing means that many games will be always online by virtue of cloud computing. So if the 24 hour thing irked you, just wait until most games for them are always online.

Additionally, the kinect is also completely mandatory still, without any changes there.

Lastly, understand that at the present course, unless XBO sales pick up they'll have a really small market share. This means Sony will have a lot more bargaining power when it comes to exclusives which they were already good at getting this past generation when they were the small dog.

Regardless of all that. The XBO will most likely be fun and has some pretty good exclusives lined up already. Good luck to you both if you go that route. The next few years will be my first generation since the Xbox line was created without me having one. PS4 and computer for me.

 

[masticina]

Must have been the Pre-Sales numbers coming in. I mean they don't really care that much about customers.. but they care about money. And PS4 was having allot more pre-sales. Also on some polls, some, the PS4 did get 95% where the xbox one did get 5%.

Look america always has been a little bit more supportive of the Xbox. When it comes to sales Xbox'es did sell better.

THIS time though... yeah a whole different story!

In short their DRM dream of controlling everything.. was hurting their sales.

The players just didn't want all that stuff. So even big Microsoft Fans we're against the DRM and hence less pre-sales.
Bouncing off even your biggest fans is something you have to work hard for!

Guess what low sales means that you are more willing to pull things back.

I mean and for good, because can you trust Microsoft. Oh they would make it easy to buy games on their xbox Live, it would be awesome. May I point you at the Sales currently at steam.. those kind of prices would NEVER happen at Microsoft. Gamesharing, as much information has gotten out about it, it would be just DEMOS.

No, no, just no.. the gamers would not get enough back for giving up all those things.

 

[ZZoMBiE13]

I'm buying one now that they reversed their shitty policies. So your logic is kinda defeated right there.

Make that two.

My only real gripe was the 24 hour check in. I have pretty crappy internet sometimes. It's great when it works, but storms can see us with outages longer than 24 hours if history ever repeats itself around here. And when I don't have the internet to occupy my twisted brain, the voices come. So I play video games to sooth them while I wait for the service to return.

Just remember that the kinect is still required and the fact that Microsoft is pushing cloud computing means that many games will be always online by virtue of cloud computing. So if the 24 hour thing irked you, just wait until most games for them are always online.

Additionally, the kinect is also completely mandatory still, without any changes there.

Lastly, understand that at the present course, unless XBO sales pick up they'll have a really small market share. This means Sony will have a lot more bargaining power when it comes to exclusives which they were already good at getting this past generation when they were the small dog.

Regardless of all that. The XBO will most likely be fun and has some pretty good exclusives lined up already. Good luck to you both if you go that route. The next few years will be my first generation since the Xbox line was created without me having one. PS4 and computer for me.

Your argument assumes that I'm not getting a PS4 as well. Your argument, is invalid.