Microsoft had a pretty good year, even if you don’t factor in the launch of its next-gen console (although, that was a nice feather in their cap as well). Now they thank fans for the success in 2013 and look to 2014 and the big things to come.
In a message released by Corporate VP of Marketing Strategy and Business for Xbox, Yusuf Mehdi, he states that a “new era” has begun. “Thanks to you, 2013 was an incredible year for gamers, entertainment fans, our industry and Xbox….Together, we ushered in a new era of games and entertainment with Xbox One. Over 3 million Xbox One consoles were sold to consumers in 13 countries before the end of 2013. It’s been incredible to see Xbox One selling at a record-setting pace for Xbox…” Mehdi said (via Xbox Wire).
The “record-setting pace” he refers to is the console becoming the fastest selling console during the launch window. However, as a counter-point, Sony touted figures from the same sales data that highlighted their PS4 as the “top selling” system in November. A master class in how you can pull different outcomes from the same source, depending on how you spin the numbers (or as Obi-Wan would say, “Your own point of view”).
For more on this, take a look at our recent Microsoft vs. Sony piece, examining comments Phil Spencer recently made. It illustrates the hot and cold nature of the relationship between game companies, which you may find interesting.
Mehdi also points to the upcoming releases of Titanfall, Destiny and Watch_Dogs as just some of the exciting titles you’ll see on the Xbox One in the coming months of the New Year.