Original Xbox Designer Says Power Isn’t A Selling Point For Consoles Now

One of the original Xbox designers, Seamus Blackley, stated that increased computing power is no longer an effective sales argument for video game consoles.

During a conversation with VideoGamer, Blackley pointed out that the emphasis on raw power was effective for the first Xbox in 2001 due to less refined graphics compared to today’s standards. By highlighting its computational prowess, the Xbox managed to distinguish itself from Japanese hardware manufacturers in the market.

Combat Evolved, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, Fable, and Shenmue 2.

In other words, launching Xbox helped Microsoft establish a presence in the gaming console market, but if Blackley were still with Microsoft, he wouldn’t have persisted with the power-centric marketing strategy for Xbox.

Additionally, he mentioned remembering vividly when he first saw Gran Turismo on the original PlayStation and felt compelled to purchase it due to its revolutionary graphics. Yet, he admitted that graphic capabilities had reached a peak and no longer stirred up excitement within him.

Blackley stated that the competition for content has shifted to a point where platform owners must provide captivating experiences. He highlighted the Nintendo Switch as an example, mentioning how he played The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild multiple times (around three or four). Additionally, he enjoyed extended Skyrim gameplay during airplane flights due to its portability.

As an enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the buzz surrounding Nintendo Switch’s triumph, and it seems like both Sony and Microsoft are responding to this trend by developing their own native portable gaming platforms – a PlayStation and Xbox system, respectively.

At present, the PS5 Pro is leading the pack as the most potent console available. Despite its high price of $600, Sony reported that this hasn’t hindered sales. It appears that Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, shares similar thoughts with Blackley, as he stated Microsoft has no intention of introducing a mid-gen update like Sony did with the PS5 Pro. This is because an enhancement in graphical power alone doesn’t guarantee a distinctive gaming experience.

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2025-02-18 23:10