I'm sure the Xbox One will have a strong E3 line-up, so a lot of the panic is likely unfound - but it is a bit shocking to see Microsoft effectively turning away from the strategy that they used to get to the position they're in now. We'll see Forza, CoD, Battlefield, Fifa, UFC, Madden and a teaser for Halo I'm sure....and the bro-gamer generation will be happy.
Microsoft gained momentum by putting together the framework of XBLA so that indie developers could get their games in front of a large installed based. Now? They're nearly impossible to work with and are the least developer friendly platform in existence.
Microsoft also gained a huge fanbase by supporting passionate "gamer" projects like Panzer Dragoon Orta, and Jet Set Radio Future - but they've now turned around and effectively said "hey, we're the Call of Duty/Fifa/Madden/Halo box - it's what we do, and it's what gamers want!!!!!".
...Meanwhile, Sony is going to be working even closer with indie developers and game studios at large to ensure that PS4 is THE place to be for great, unique, forward-thinking titles.
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