Executive Shuffle at Microsoft is Great News for Europe

[fitbabits]

After recently losing Xbox European studios manager Phil Spencer to the US in order to oversee all first-party development and publishing efforts worldwide, Microsoft VP of interactive entertainment business in Europe Chris Lewis has spoken exclusively to MCV (http://www.mcvuk.com/news/30917/Microsoft-to-conquer-Europe-after-reshuffle) on what the ramifications are for Microsoft's European strategy.

“On the contrary to being worried, we’re really happy with how things are looking in Europe,” said Lewis. “The US office is clearly focused on winning in EMEA. We remain number one overall, the price drop did great things for us and our attach rate is still second-to-none.

“We’ll make sure Phil is succeeded by someone that continues to drive that charge. We want someone who really understands and is well versed in the challenges of European business.

"They need to understand strategy and leadership, and be someone who is agile and can be a change agent. And they must be someone who understands how our studios work.”
Following the resurgence of Sony's PlayStation 3 in Europe, Microsoft really has its work cut out. Can they afford to lose the battle in Europe and Japan and still win the war?

[Talon-]

Following the resurgence of Sony's PlayStation 3 in Europe, Microsoft really has its work cut out. Can they afford to lose the battle in Europe and Japan and still win the war?

Since when is 2nd place winning?

[fitbabits]

Since when is 2nd place winning?

When they've already stated that the Wii is not their competitor. For Microsoft, it's a two horse race.

[grognard66]

Considering the US constitutes 47% of worldwide sales, it is possible to beat PS3 while still losing Europe and Japan if they can maintain the existing install base advantage in NA. It is obviously far more likely if they can at least maintain parity, if not a slight advantage, in Europe. Japan is a lost cause through no fault of MS, but the bad news for Sony is that Japan isn't that enthralled with PS3 either so far.

[Xerxes]

When they've already stated that the Wii is not their competitor. For Microsoft, it's a two horse race.

With the attach rate the way it is, that's a fine assessment isn't it. PS3 and Wii have a lot of catching up in that regard.

[tonester]

MS has already "won this gen" by merely gobbling up even more of the market share. In many regards, MS has pulled to "even" with Sony in only its 2nd generation (Sony is on their 3rd). Competition is good. There are pros and cons to both systems each system has its notable exclusives.

I agree with MS - Nintendo is on a whole different tier. Had one at launch day and sold it a year later. I'm too old for cartoons.

[SpectralWolf]

When they've already stated that the Wii is not their competitor. For Microsoft, it's a two horse race.

I suppose that makes it okay then. The last time around, they could'nt do enough Gamecube pummeling to claim the 2nd place prize. Now, conveniently enough, it's a 2-horse race.

[JimmyDanger]

I really don't know how , with no firm "new strategy" announced - how this benefits European consumers. Apart from "we're confident".

Guess we'll see.

[Talon-]

When they've already stated that the Wii is not their competitor. For Microsoft, it's a two horse race.

It must be nice to be able to pick and choose your competition.

Next up: Real Media Player claims to be most popular media player in the world.

;)

[Xerxes]

It must be nice to be able to pick and choose your competition.

Next up: Real Media Player claims to be most popular media player in the world.

;)

Yeah, but that's different. Wii is not going for the same gaming market. It's like a high end full sized car saying they aren't competing with the Honda Civic. Honda Civic never came to the field to even compete with them. Civic is all cheap and has niche value. It is doing it's own thing. But Sony comes rolling up like another high end full sized car as well and it's game on.

Real is garbage. It's plenty of players that do the same stuff and better. It's not like Real is competing with Quicktime for the best HD delivery or anything. Stop that winky face.

[Talon-]

Yeah, but that's different. Wii is not going for the same gaming market. It's like a high end full sized car saying they aren't competing with the Honda Civic. Honda Civic never came to the field to even compete with them. Civic is all cheap and has niche value. It is doing it's own thing. But Sony comes rolling up like another high end full sized car as well and it's game on.

Real is garbage. It's plenty of players that do the same stuff and better. It's not like Real is competing with Quicktime for the best HD delivery or anything. Stop that winky face.

I'm actually being more facetious than anything else (hence the ;)). I just thought it was hilarious a few weeks ago when Microsoft claimed to be the best selling console or whatnot...and then had to come back out and clarify that it was in terms of "next-gen HD consoles."

I understand that the Wii's target audience is a much larger group of general consumers that also includes gamers. 360 and the PS3, on the other hand, are still focused on gamers, although both would like to become media hubs (as they've been saying for the last 5 years).

I'm not convinced it's completely fair to blow off the Wii as some sort of fad or toy when it's finally making gaming more mainstream than any other device/accessory/software in the industry's history.

[DSSJ]

The input makes the Wii as different from the other two consoles as the PC is.

For me it's just a toy. Fun to use at partys, boring to play alone.

The singleplayer experience is the one thing that sucks about the Wii.

That's all just my opinion of course.

[JimmyDanger]

For me it's just a toy. Fun to use at partys, boring to play alone.

The singleplayer experience is the one thing that sucks about the Wii.

That's all just my opinion of course.

Agreed.

The input makes the Wii as different from the other two consoles as the PC is.

This part - besides Wii Sports - I have found lacking. A little waggle here, a little pointing there - but that said - there is tremendous potential for some more new and inventive uses of the control.