As we approach the mid-generation point that is being kicked off by Sony’s PS4 Pro, many have started looking to the next generation already. It’s clear to see that the strong advances in technology are allowing for companies to push into new areas and create some truly impressive hardware for video game lovers to enjoy. But, as this generation slowly approaches its end, who has actually won?
A case can be made for either Sony and their PS4 or Microsoft with the Xbox One, as both have done the unimaginable. In a time where everyone was claiming that console gaming was dead, these two behemoths set records, surpassed milestones, and continue to garner the attention of fans around the world. It’s difficult to say just who actually won, but we came up with five strong arguments that definitely put Sony, along with their latest console, on top.
If you want to see some arguments for Microsoft and the Xbox One, click here.
Initial Message
It’s no secret that the initial messaging for the Xbox One was botched to say the least. Due to conflicting statements between different PR reps, the now infamous “deal with it” solution to fans, and the confusion surrounding how the box actually worked, Microsoft had shot itself in the foot right before the race properly began. Sony, on the other hand, kept their approach clean and simple when first introducing the PS4, and made sure to make a point of being everything that Microsoft was not.
If you asked anyone what the PS4 was after it was first unveiled in early 2013, they would’ve told you that it was a powerful machine for gamers. It was simple, but it was exactly the message that the company was trying to get across in order to start this eight generation of right. While extra features such as media and social interaction were important, it was the video games that had to come first. It may sound easy and overly simple, but that singular message alone helped give Sony’s latest console one seriously large early lead.
Exclusives
With gaming, at the end of the day it all comes down to a matter of preference. One person may like something like Uncharted, while another may prefer something more along the lines of Halo. But for those who are unsure of what it is they prefer, they often turn to critics for what is “better.” This is where Sony’s PS4 lineup really shines. Just take a look at the console’s games over on Metacritic and you’ll come across five PlayStation exclusives in the top 10 alone, all of which rank higher than the Xbox One’s highest rated exclusive, Ori and the Blind Forest.
Sony, according to critics at least, has provided a stronger lineup of games since the very start. The company has made sure to offer a steady stream of releases that are fun and of high quality. That isn’t to say they’ve been perfect, though, as there have been a few less than stellar releases (we’re looking at you, The Order: 1886), but overall, the exclusive library has been one that has impressed many and provided a strong incentive for players to jump over to the PlayStation family during this generation.
Third Party Deals
While it’s great to have exclusives, those alone cannot carry a console. One need only look at the Wii U for proof of that. Sony knew that they needed strong third-party support if they were going to be able to compete with Microsoft and the Xbox One. The Xbox 360 had pulled a lot of attention thanks to exclusivity deals and advertising, so Sony pulled a page right out its book.
Destiny, a new title from Bungie – you know, the creators of Halo, the biggest Xbox game ever – was on its way as a multi-platform title. Sony decided to take the house that Halo built and make it work for them by pushing for exclusive content that included missions, weapons, armor, and more. That push, as simple as it may have seemed, helped to sell tons of PS4s and the company didn’t stop there. They then jumped over and made a similar deal for Call of Duty, a game long considered a cornerstone of the Xbox market. That too proved to be a successful endeavor.
From there Sony would make deals with EA, Square Enix, Ubisoft, several strong indie partners, and more as they provided perfect support for their own strong library. It even allowed for them to release very little in terms of exclusives during 2015, yet still remain on top, a telling sign of intelligent decisions on the business side of things.
PS4 Pro
Okay, so the PS4 Pro stumbled a bit out of the reveal gate. A misunderstanding between PR and some questions about patches, along with the lack of a 4K Blu-Ray optical drive left a few people wanting. But, it’s still in a solid position when compared to the competition. It may not be the most powerful offering on paper when you compare specs, but the fact that it is going to be available in the very near future is just one of the upgraded console’s advantages.
While 4K gaming is still a relatively new thing, the fact that Sony is committed to getting in on the ground floor is something that has already captured the attention of some of those who are interested. Not ones to rest on their laurels, Sony is already building upon the success they’ve created for themselves rather than just being content with their lead. That is the sign of a company who wants to stay on top and knows that it needs to put in word to do so.
Keeping Up With Technology
Once upon a time, all a company needed to do was put out a box that played the games they wanted to provide. Times have since changed and companies are expected to keep up as new ways of interacting with video games come out. Right now that means 4K, motion controls, and VR, all of which that Sony is on top of with their upcoming offerings. It allows the company to stay in the spotlight and to be part of every new conversation.
Sony has come a long way since the days of the PS3 where it had to play keep up, and that’s why it is winning this generation. Who knows what the future may hold, though, once the next batch of consoles release.
If you want to see some arguments for Microsoft and the Xbox One, click here.
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