14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft might not be ready to talk about its next home console, but at least one analyst believes that the company is very well positioned to dominate the coming hardware generation as long as it plays its cards right.
Scott Steinberg, a marketing expert and an analyst watching the video game industry, tells IndustryGamers that, “If I had to place my bets, I would say that Microsoft has been the most forward-looking of all three manufacturers; through a combination of skill and luck, Microsoft has very effectively positioned itself to lead the way forward through a combination of services, content and new hardware accessories - Kinect being the notable example.”
When looking at the competition, the analyst believes that Sony is also well positioned for the future because it can use the PlayStation Network and its user base to deliver more content, a lot of it lifted from its music and movie divisions, but Nintendo might have quite a tough time going forward.
Steinberg then adds, “I think Nintendo desperately needs to play catch-up on the online, connected, and streaming multimedia fronts. Nintendo's not unaware of the challenges it faces, but traditionally it's been a company that in the past has been very profitable and has very cleverly straddled the line between game and technology toy.”
Recently, the president of Nintendo, has announced the creation of a new Network service that will be linked to both the 3DS handheld and to the upcoming Wii U home console, allowing for a better multiplayer experience, the delivery of downloadable content from publishers and more communication between players.
The Wii U is expected to launch at some point before the end of 2012 in all territories after a re-reveal at the E3 2012 trade show.
Microsoft denied that it would deliver an announcement about the Xbox 720 during the ongoing year, but rumors suggest that company plans a surprise for E3.