MICROSOFT: Success of Xbox One in competing with Sony's PS4 down to critical choice

Microsoft's Xbox One continues to trail the PS4 in terms of sales

MICROSOFT say the ongoing success of the Xbox One to compete with Sony's rival PS4 is down to some critical choices.

 

Microsoft found their new-gen console squarely on the back foot through much of 2014, although a price cut and E3 look to have invigorated its chances in the gaming market.

Microsoft recently revealed that 1.4 million consoles were shipped in the recent fourth quarter, however these sales are combined with the Xbox 360.

Sony meanwhile say PS4 sales stood at the 3m mark, 1.6m out ahead of their rival, although Xbox revenues increased by around 27 percent when compared to the same period last year.

Xbox head Phil Spencer recently spoke about the continuing viability of the console market, saying: "we’ve sold a ton of Xbox Ones globally, more than we’ve sold 360s [in the same period].

"We’re both doing really well, and I think Nintendo has a plan for the future--I don’t know what the NX is, but it’s great just to see the business being done."

And looking at the past year, Microsoft UK director of sales Anne Lepissier has revealed more on their overall strategy to selling consoles against the PS4 and what critical choices had to be made to make it an attractive prospect.

 

Talking to MCV, she explained: "Our share growth is a result of hard work from teams across the Xbox business.

"Factors such as price competitiveness, offering choice (Xbox with and without Kinect), great content and exclusive games, an open conversation with fans about features they would like added to our monthly platform updates, a close partnership with retailers – these have all been critical to our share growth.

"The rise of digital and the emergence of social marketing in consumers’ considerations have completely re-shaped the gaming market and impacted our sales approach to consumers and with retail partners.

"To optimise product availability and conversion, we have had to entirely re-map the consumer shopping journey to make sure we engage with them when, how and where they wish.

Lepissier also commented on what the future might hold for those looking at rising digital game sales, adding: "We will focus on the market’s digital transition so we are geared for the retail transformations to come."