Microsoft Could Have Been ‘More Clear’ About Xbox One Always-On Policies

Last year, following its announcement that the Xbox One would require an internet connection at all times, Microsoft received much criticism. There was actually quite a lot of debate on this matter, but the majority seemed to be leaning towards removal of the always-on policy. After a few months Microsoft rolled back the Xbox One always-on policy. The console came out in November last year and has since then been doing well in the market, contrary to popular belief that the debacle would end up hurting its sales.

During a fireside chat at the Game Developers Conference, Microsoft Studios boss Phil Spencer said that the company could have been more “clear and concise” about what its real “soul” around the product was. Spencer spoke on this topic briefly, chalking it up as a learning experience and accepting that Microsoft deserved the blame. It deserved the blame partly because it didn’t quite communicate with consumers about what its real aim was.

Spencer also talked about Xbox One’s success in the market, which recently got a boost thanks to Titanfall. He revealed that the console had its biggest Xbox Live week since launch when Titanfall came out earlier this month, and that its driving a lot of gamers to the platform, thanks in part to the Xbox One Titanfall bundles that have gone on sale.

Adnan Farooqui
Categories: Gaming
Tags: GDC, gdc 2014, Xbox One