Xbox behind the 8-ball....again

I didnt see this on the board so here it goes:

Microsoft continues to face numerous challenges in Japan when it comes to marketing it\'s XBox console. But the land of the rising sun isn\'t the only place of concern anymore -- key American and European firms have now come forward, stating that Microsoft has yet to send their development teams complete XBox development kits.

It is also expected that further delays could severely hurt Microsoft\'s current aim to launch their XBox console on November 8, 2001. Both Electronic Arts, the world\'s largest independent software publisher/developer, and Infogrames, the leading developer in Europe, have both come forward in regards to their development woes with the XBox console. Earlier this week in The Financial Times, both companies confirmed that Microsoft had yet to send out complete XBox development kits.

Both companies also questioned whether or not Microsoft would have enough consoles available at the time of launch. Larry Probst, Chairman and Chief Executive of Electronic Arts stated the following today:

"The beta systems have not yet been sent. We need them so we can polish the games. Microsoft has a lot to do over the next few months. They are on a death march right now."
Electronic Arts has been able to create a dominant lead for itself in the software race, by concentrating on PlayStation 2 development.

OLD news, it\'s just been confirmed that EA does in fact have final dev.

Well you can\'t really blame this on Microsoft.. it\'s mostly Nvidia\'s fault since they haven\'t (I don\'t think) put the finishing touches on the NV2A. Without Nvidia\'s graphics card, the Xbox is no more powerful than most of the computers you guys are reading this message with. MS needs to kick them in the ass and get the ball rolling if they haven\'t already.

"The beta systems have not yet been sent. We need them so we can polish the games. Microsoft has a lot to do over the next few months. They are on a death march right now." - Larry Probst

I don\'t think anyone should take this guy seriously. "Oh, Sega\'s not good enough for us to dirty our hands with them, despite the fact we could make hand over fist by developing for them" , "Oh, Sony screwed everything up by not launching a million consoles like promised... even though they did break the record for shipping the most consoles on launch to date." , "Oh, Microsoft isn\'t sending us final dev kits and we simply can\'t finish our games.. even though we\'ve been able to much more with far less in the past."

Someone needs to seriously break this guy\'s kneecaps with a sludgehammer. Give him something to really whine about.

*OLD news, it\'s just been confirmed that EA does in fact have final dev.*


Dude, when I disagree with someone and make a statement like that I usaually post a article up that way we know your not lying for the Xbox\'s sake.

sorry just got in. let me get you the info

What matters is:
1-Will enough final systems be available for a nov. 8th launch, and
2-Will developers have final kits long enough to port their launch games over and test them fully.

We have no reason to worry.

"Round 2. FT.com posted a story on May 20 yet again claiming that Microsoft had failed to ship development kits to major third-parties. Larry Probst, chairman of EA, was quoted as saying, "The beta systems have not yet been sent. We need them so we can polish the games. Microsoft has a lot to do over the next few months. They are on a death march right now."

Infogrames chief Bruno Bonnell also confirmed in the piece that final hardware had not arrived at the publisher. At E3 in Los Angeles last week, CVG was told that Metal Gear Solid 2 developer Konami had not made receipt of the now badly needed kits and had unofficially suspended all internal development for the machine until Microsoft’s bags of chips fell through the letterbox.

Microsoft today claimed the report was false. "Kits have arrived at all key developers. The kits have arrived at EA," said Teversham. "[/i]

Well now. Someone is lieing. I wonder who? Are the developers trying to tarnish MS image or is Microsoft lying to protect their image. Hopefully we will find out soon.

indeed!

[Living-In-Clip]

Originally posted by Gohan
Well now. Someone is lieing. I wonder who? Are the developers trying to tarnish MS image or is Microsoft lying to protect their image. Hopefully we will find out soon.

Sadly, I\'m more inclinded to believe MS is trying to protect their image. The third parties do not gain anything by trashing MS in the public or mentioning MS problems.

Originally posted by Living-In-Clip


Sadly, I\'m more inclinded to believe MS is trying to protect their image. The third parties do not gain anything by trashing MS in the public or mentioning MS problems.

I agree. Or this could all be a miscommunication within the press.

Hmm... I\'m more inclined to believe MS on this one, afterall, they should know.

What these reports often don\'t say is WHEN certain comments are made.

Originally posted by Dr Yassam

What these reports often don\'t say is WHEN certain comments are made.

Yup, like I said. Maybe a miscommunication (or purposeful deception?) within the media.

They are on a death march right now."

I don\'t know, I think this quote is being seriously taken out of context. By "death march", he doesn\'t mean that XBox is marching to doom, but, like the soldiers on the Bataan Death March, Microsoft faces an incredible struggle.

In other words, Larry Probst is saying that it\'s crunch time for Microsoft, that they need to get the ball moving.

But mama always told me I always look at the bright side too much:)

[Living-In-Clip]

Originally posted by EThugg



Yup, like I said. Maybe a miscommunication (or purposeful deception?) within the media.

That is very possible also. Miscommuncation via the press is pretty common now\'a\'days. Like New York Times reporting that Nintendo was going to buy out Sega?