Analysts are predicting a bright future for the next-gen Xbox (360, 2, whatever). And they've got a point - there's no doubt that Microsoft has established itself in the videogames market, albeit at a huge cost. They could do with trimming the marketing budget on trying-far-too-hard promo sites, but generally MS have been a welcome addition to the industry. But have they won over everyone?
Obviously punters who picked up an Xbox last Christmas only to find out that it will, probably, be superseded within the year won't be happy. But what about the next-gen? The emphasis on online gaming, Hi-Def TV and shooting/racing games merely panders to the core male market. Where are mass-market releases like Singstar or innovative titles like Donkey Konga? The ones that bring gaming to a wider audience.
Microsoft will never be "cool" in the way Sony can be, but for Xbox 360 (2, whatever) having a wider range of games and making the thing actually look good is as important as hi-def and wireless support. Or maybe they are happy to remain preaching to the converted?
