14 DAY TRIAL // The team at Microsoft in charge of the Xbox One home console says that the next-gen device will only see a limited set of changes in the coming months, as the company is changing its internal structure and plans to lay off about 18,000 employees.
Stephen Elop, the leader of the Microsoft Devices group, is saying that his division of the company will have to continue to align with the wider strategy of the company.
He has posted an official letter which states, “Given the wide range of device experiences, we must concentrate on the areas where we can add the most value. The roots of this company and our future are in productivity and helping people get things done. Our fundamental focus - for phones, Surface, for meetings with devices like PPI, Xbox hardware and new areas of innovation - is to build on that strength.”
The Xbox One is clearly not a device designed to increase productivity, and the fact that the message from Elop barely mentions the home console means that it will probably continue on its current path.
The executive adds, “With a set of changes already implemented earlier this year in these teams, this means there will be limited change for the Surface, Xbox hardware, PPI/meetings or next generation teams.”
Recently, Microsoft has announced that sales of the Xbox One have doubled in June when compared to May, probably as a result of the fact that the price of the next-gen console has dropped to 399 dollars or Euro.
This was achieved by eliminating the Kinect motion tracking system from the retail package, with a standalone version of the device set to be offered in the fall for those gamers who want to use it.
The Xbox One is trailing the rival PlayStation 4 from Sony in terms of sales since they were both introduced in late 2013.
The platform is set to arrive on a number of secondary markets, including Japan, in September, and Microsoft believes that exclusives and lower-priced launch titles can make it attractive to potential buyers.
The full potential of the Xbox One will be revealed when Microsoft and developer 343 Industries finally launch Halo 5: Guardians for it, the Master Chief-powered shooter that every fan of the series will be driven to purchase.
Release is set for 2015, and before that, gamers can also get a special Halo collection featuring improved versions of the previous games in the franchise.