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Molyneux compares Sony and Microsoft to frat houses

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Peter Molyneux, founder of 22Cans and former Microsoft employee, says the press conferences by Microsoft and Sony were very unprofessional.  This father of gaming compared it to two frat houses engaging in a weird tit for tat.  As he points out, E3 becomes all about the show and companies forget about consumers.

As Molyneux explains to gamesindustry, as a consumer, Sony and Microsoft look like they don’t have clear strategies of their own – they are defining each other’s strategy.  When it comes to the always online requirements, he explains the Microsoft is coming at this in the wrong way

As a consumer, just show me why I should be always online and I’ll be happy with it. At the moment, it just means game sale authentication. I don’t want that. But if there’s some way you can give a huge benefit for the consumer, and make the message super clear, [it would be accepted].

In the end, it comes down to explaining to consumers why it’s worth investing that money into one console or another, and their respective games.  I’ve already made my choice, but not everyone has – some people will be convinced by DRM policy, others by exclusive games and controller design.  We just need to know what the story actually is, in order to make an informed decision.

Molyneux goes on Microsoft’s approach

The whole design of the consoles is about pleasing existing gamers, and actually what Microsoft did was they went from the first press conference and they kind of lost their nerve a bit, and they said, ‘Oh crikey, we better just nail the core consumers.’ I don’t know whether that vision of how to interact with our audience is the right vision, to say we’re all about core, that’s who our audience is, we know how many Call of Dutys we’re going to sell

Although, I must also say that Molyneux seems to be going a bit zen at points.  I wonder what sort of game play we can expect from him when he says

We’re not truly exciting our audience. We’re not realizing that there are many more gamers out there that love relaxation based gaming.  This show is all about adrenaline based gaming, but there are tens of millions of people that love gaming because they can relax. There’s nothing… there’s not a single title in that show about relaxation based gaming.

I don’t know about you, but part of my relaxation comes from hack and slash, or running around a beautiful, open-world RPG.  Maybe I’m strange like that, but I worry about what he would classify as relaxing gaming.

As much fun as the banter has been, what do you think of Sony and Microsoft’s performances at E3?  All for show, or actually informative for the consumer?

Last Updated: June 14, 2013

87 Comments

  1. Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

    June 14, 2013 at 09:09

    HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHH! Oh the irony!

    Banana Jim compares Peter Molyneux to an old worn tyre.

    Reply

    • Admiral Chief Groot Wors

      June 14, 2013 at 09:12

      No no no noooo!!!!!!

      You still have a use for an old worn tyre!

      Reply

      • HvR

        June 14, 2013 at 09:23

        10 year old used condom?

        Reply

        • Admiral Chief Groot Wors

          June 14, 2013 at 09:25

          Nope, still more useful than moly moly

          Reply

    • Rinceyouropinion

      June 14, 2013 at 09:19

      But you can recycle old worn tyres into shoes!

      Reply

      • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

        June 14, 2013 at 09:24

        🙁 Peter Molyneux wouldn’t make good shoes…

        Reply

        • Rinceyouropinion

          June 14, 2013 at 09:32

          I am not so sure. I’d love to be able to tell people I walk all over Molyneux everyday 🙂

          Reply

        • Sageville

          June 14, 2013 at 09:34

          Would you ride on a Molyneux swing?

          Reply

          • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

            June 14, 2013 at 09:36

            It just wouldn’t work… as promised. 🙁

        • Trevor Davies

          June 14, 2013 at 09:36

          Take that back! Peter Molyneux would make the best shoes! They’d be the most comfortable shoes you’ve ever worn, it would feel like walking on air. And they’d have rockets so you could fly, with rainbows shooting out the back. I know this to be true because he promised!

          Reply

      • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

        June 14, 2013 at 09:26

        and swings

        Reply

        • Rinceyouropinion

          June 14, 2013 at 09:33

          Mmm, not sure I’d like to say I sit on Molyneux and he takes me for a swing… I just grossed myself out now… DON’T scroll up and look at his picture after reading this, DON’T DO IT

          Reply

          • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

            June 14, 2013 at 09:37

            Some things can never be unseen…

          • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

            June 14, 2013 at 09:40

            He’s waiting for you …..

          • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

            June 14, 2013 at 10:18

            “What’s in the Box, Peter?”

            “My dick is the box”

          • Rinceyouropinion

            June 14, 2013 at 10:23

            Gahhhhh! Noooo! Bad Umar, I WILL send you to your corner!

          • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

            June 14, 2013 at 10:27

            shhhhh … Don’t fight it Rince ….. just give in

  2. Ultimo_Cleric N7

    June 14, 2013 at 09:09

    I think both were professional in their conferences. Wasnt too different from the usual actually. I do agree with Peter though, I would support an always online approach if I could get some major worth out of it. But at the moment its all about MS making a few extra DOLLA $$$

    Reply

    • Argentil

      June 14, 2013 at 09:18

      Even a small amount of clarity over the positives would bring back a large number of Xbox fans, they are super loyal. Any excuse for them to return. Not dissing you guys, it’s the truth, and comes with it’s positives and negatives.

      Reply

      • Trevor Davies

        June 14, 2013 at 09:33

        I agree, but MS have had a lot of chances now to explain things better and they haven’t done so. Either they don’t know how, which is incompetence, or they don’t want to, which is arrogance.

        The Xbox One is a big deal for them, you’d think they’d want to do it right. I think everyone is really angry & disappointed because they want MS to do better, not because they want MS to fail.

        Reply

        • Argentil

          June 14, 2013 at 10:00

          Definitely. You’ll find that a some of the Xbox fans will be vocal and indignant, while others will remain quiet and leap at any good news. MS really need to throw their fans a few (X)bones. I think it’s better to be vocal and indignant, there is more chance of MS hearing your concerns if there is a lot of outcry. Otherwise, you can rely on us PSFanpersons to put them in their place.

          Reply

          • Ultimo_Cleric N7

            June 14, 2013 at 10:17

            Lets be honest here though. If they released firmware getting rid of the DRM, and changed one or 2 policies on the used games, this battle would be ALOT closer. Nobody can deny that the Xbox1 cloud services are better and the online capabilities of the machine are amazing. The fact that you can access your library from ANY xbox and play on the cloud is epic. And the exclusives are pretty damn good.
            BUT….You cant cater for the minority when making a console. We are saying that MS are focussing on the USA, but I saw a poll in the LOS ANGELES TIMES (a state known to have one of the highest broadband per person ratios on earth, and a BIG focus for Microsoft), where only 23% of people said that they would buy the XboxOne, compared to 67% saying they would get a PS4.
            Even in America, Microsoft have screwed the pooch.

          • Argentil

            June 14, 2013 at 10:27

            The same cloud features are available on the PS4, they haven’t detailed it, but it’s obvious if you put two and two together. As far as allowing you to play a game on a friend’s console if you login, it’s an added step that isn’t required. You can login to PSN on your buddy’s console and resume your cloud save their also, with no checkins required. I do think Sony need to elaborate on their cloud features. One thing that MS can’t use, as Sony have patented it, is the ability to download a game as you play it. That is convenient. As of right now, with the PS3’s limited architecture, you can purchase TLoU online, when the game reaches 50% downloaded, you can play it.

          • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

            June 14, 2013 at 10:28

            Exactly, the problem with the xbox one is that it’s an elitist device – that does not cater to the needs of the consumer. The end-user just has to accept it (a dangerous proposition), and that it itself shows that MBAs (divorced from reality) are responsible for the xbone.

          • Ultimo_Cleric N7

            June 14, 2013 at 10:38

            To me, the other MAJOR issue that nobody seems to focus on becuase of the other major negatives is the KINECT 2 AKA Skynet AKA Hal 2000. How can people be so naive and just be ok with a camera and microphone THAT IS ALWAYS on when the console is active and has NO accountability features whatsoever. Super SUPER dodgy in my opinion

  3. Umar Kiiroi Senk?

    June 14, 2013 at 09:11

    I don’t agree with everything but … for once there are things I agree with. MS should have made it clear why they opting for this Online design. Right now all we know and the only perception we have is that it’s used for DRM purposes, yes we know there will be features for us but so far they have yet to have shown anything exciting, they know everyone is upset with the DRM, but they pushed that image. All they can do now is wave pretty games in our face and dance around the issues.

    As for these conferences and companies acting like Fraternities, that’s how gaming used to be, it is so great to see companies throw punches at each other like Nintendo and Sega used to do, when they had blatent adverts showcasing what each console could and couldn’t do. That’s the type of excitement I miss

    Reply

  4. Admiral Chief Groot Wors

    June 14, 2013 at 09:12

    Rather old tit I say

    Reply

  5. Trevor Davies

    June 14, 2013 at 09:12

    Somehow I don’t see millions of gamers playing Meditation – The Game for 3 hours Peter.

    Reply

    • Rinceyouropinion

      June 14, 2013 at 09:20

      But you can do yoga in front of the Kinetic. If you strike a backwards facing dog incorrectly the Kinetic can shout at you!

      Reply

      • That Tall Twit

        June 14, 2013 at 09:26

        While live streaming you.

        Reply

        • Happy Hamster

          June 14, 2013 at 09:31

          so everyone in the world who has a xbox can see the womens cameltoe

          Reply

          • That Tall Twit

            June 14, 2013 at 09:35

            Or this…

      • Trevor Davies

        June 14, 2013 at 09:38

        And switching on your TopTV porn channel :/

        Reply

  6. OVG

    June 14, 2013 at 09:16

    He is right. Microsoft need every car salesmen that they can find. Including him, but he downed all those 21 cans and is unfit for duty.

    Reply

    • Rinceyouropinion

      June 14, 2013 at 09:21

      22 😛

      Reply

      • OVG

        June 14, 2013 at 09:28

        need more coffee

        Reply

  7. That Tall Twit

    June 14, 2013 at 09:20

    Forgot Peter Molyneux was still around to be quite honest.

    Reply

    • LordCaptainAwesomeness

      June 14, 2013 at 09:29

      After the ingenious marketing and utterly unimpressive Curiosity, ahh forget it, he does not even deserve a proper comment..

      Reply

  8. Scratchy

    June 14, 2013 at 09:24

    I actually completely agree with the nut job. Neither MS nor Sony have a clear “This is why our console deserves your money”

    PS4 was announced with no real details, MS retaliated by showing their console, but alienated customers and from there it’s just been a “ours is better because we didn’t do it that way” There is no real innovation for next gen (yet) and I for one am getting a little concerned.

    Reply

    • Argentil

      June 14, 2013 at 09:34

      Online Streaming, cloud services and remote screens are the new motion control. Between the three, I believe there is enough innovation to warrant upgrading to next-gen.

      Reply

      • Scratchy

        June 14, 2013 at 09:43

        online streaming replaces physical media, replacement does not equate innovation. Cloud services replaces physical storage, again, no innovation here and while remote screens are cool and all, I don’t see this being anymore than the current state Smartglass is in. Give me full body immersion. Give me haptic suits. Give me holograms. Give me built in projectors. Next gen (so far) is nothing more than a graphics update and ridiculous DRM

        Reply

        • Argentil

          June 14, 2013 at 09:57

          Being able to take over control of a host’s game session on their behalf, streaming your videos online to show others your new game – that’s the streaming I’m referring to. That is something to be excited about. I love that feature.

          Cloud services have their plusses, constant updates, saves, POTENTIALLY: Cloud computing. Microsoft are attributing a lot of mystery to the cloud, this is burning them. Anyone with knowledge of what cloud computing does would find that they are, once again, outright lying about it’s implementation.

          As for second screens, this is highly underrated, mostly because it hasn’t been utilised widely, or well. You will see more interesting applications as time goes by. It adds a whole new layer to co-operative experiences or immersion. ZombieU is a decent example, but not even the start of what we’ll be seeing in a few years. LBP2 had some really fun applications with Vita integration.

          Reply

          • Scratchy

            June 14, 2013 at 10:35

            Sharing replays? Forza 4 ring a bell? How about Youtube? Hardly new or exciting tech.

            The “Cloud” in SA is about as useful as a hooker with morals.

            I’m excited for second screens and would love to see what they come up with, but I can’t manage another dissapointment. Anyone remember how well Forza 4 and Smartglass worked? Anyone remember how awesome it was having the map worked on your tab? Neither can.

          • Argentil

            June 14, 2013 at 10:41

            Lots of games let you share replays, that’s different. Live streams where you can watch someone play an entire game that you’re not interested in purchasing, or playing yourself – that’s exciting. I can’t play games like Silent Hill, I don’t have enough pairs of underpants. Just sharing the experience of a game that you don’t own personally, it’s a great promotional tool.

            Anyways, what great innovations did the PS2 have over the PS1? Rumble in the controller? How many times have you heard gamers exclaim: I don’t care about the gimmicks, I just want to play games on my consoles.

    • RichardC

      June 14, 2013 at 13:35

      Your an even bigger idiot than Moleneux then

      Reply

      • Scratchy

        June 15, 2013 at 10:35

        You’re solid, well established method of laying out the facts makes me agree with you. I am now also fully aware that I do not have an opinion of my own and must conform to your beliefs. Well done on convincing me of my mental incapacity good sir.

        Reply

      • Scratchy

        June 15, 2013 at 10:36

        Also, “you’re”.

        Reply

  9. Rinceyouropinion

    June 14, 2013 at 09:25

    I agree with some of his points. I was speaking with OVG about this, and it almost sounds like they are working together to test the industry. Yes, they are both their own companies, but I can just imagine the boardroom. MS: “So, we BET you that the consumers won’t mind DRM” SONY: “Really? We’re not sure. Why don’t you go ahead and try that. Go on, I dare ya, I DOUBLE DARE YA!”

    Reply

    • That Tall Twit

      June 14, 2013 at 09:32

      I can imagine that happening too.

      Reply

      • Rinceyouropinion

        June 14, 2013 at 09:34

        Yeah. It’s like the bread companies that work together setting the prices. I swear that is happening here.

        Reply

        • That Tall Twit

          June 14, 2013 at 09:37

          In today’s time, anything is possible.
          The next dare / bet: Can people oversee the DRM if we give them more exclusives then they can handle?

          Reply

          • Sageville

            June 14, 2013 at 10:16

            SAY DRM AGAIN!, I DARE YOU, I DOUBLE DARE YOU!

          • That Tall Twit

            June 14, 2013 at 10:29

            Dare? Really Man?

  10. Argentil

    June 14, 2013 at 09:27

    If I were to imagine Mr. Molyneux’s vision of relaxing gaming… It’s not something that would appeal to me personally. I would prefer he stuck to just making a good game, with a memorable experience within. I’m not sure how long he can stay relevant as an Indie Developer. He has grand, impractical ideas that an indie studio would have trouble implementing. I think the indie scene, instead of giving him freedom to utilize his creativity, will end up stifling him with it’s lack of big-budget resources.

    Reply

  11. Purple_Dragon

    June 14, 2013 at 09:34

    What a moron. It seems like these people offering pronouncements have no clue about gamers. I am getting a bit annoyed with these smug and arrogant remarks, “shut up gamers, you are are fucking stupid, you have no say.”

    I just see Microsoft basically forcing their users to conform to their policies instead of offering choices.

    Reply

  12. fred

    June 14, 2013 at 09:38

    It is just video games , manipulating pixels on a screen for our pleasure , lets not get too serious about it. I quite like the competition in the industry , keeps it alive.
    I would have loved to see more move based games for the ps4/one though , more realistic golf , boxing, picking up precise movement of feet and hands for fighting games

    Reply

  13. Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

    June 14, 2013 at 10:01

    I love it when non-gamers make ignorant comments about gaming. I give you… Spielberg, Lucas and Don “the Jacket” Mattrick…

    http://www.dualshockers.com/2013/06/13/microsofts-don-mattrick-stands-silent-as-george-lucas-and-steven-spielberg-diss-video-games-but-praise-kinect/

    Reply

    • Argentil

      June 14, 2013 at 10:10

      That’s sad. I wouldn’t expect Spielberg, nor Lucas to ‘get’ gaming, but for Mattrick to sit by and let them belittle the medium and the achievements developers have made in the past, it’s sad. Seriously man, can someone find some good MS news. I am really bummed right now.

      Reply

      • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

        June 14, 2013 at 10:12

        It’s becoming more and more evident that MS is moving away as gaming as a core. Sad, but that’s where it is heading.

        Reply

      • Jakster

        June 14, 2013 at 10:31

        There is no good news for MS after EA, yes EA, stated no DRM for any of their next-gen games. Ubi knew zilch about MS’s DRM until E3. MS are alone on this one.

        Reply

    • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

      June 14, 2013 at 10:11

      Sigh. I have such respect for Lucas and Spielberg. They understand how to engage an audience but they really got their facts wrong. There are so many games out there that I have empathized with more than any movie. Ever.

      Reply

      • LordCaptainAwesomeness

        June 14, 2013 at 11:15

        Those F@$#%kers have obviously never played FF 7 or 8…. I was a lot more engaged in those games, felt more emotion there that in any of their movies..

        Reply

    • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

      June 14, 2013 at 10:16

      God do these people think we only play violent games and all games are just a bunch of people shooting each other. dafuq is wrong with these old farts…..God bless Star Wars and E.T but F these ignorant tarts ….. We will see who’s feeling something after The Last of Us

      Reply

    • Trevor Davies

      June 14, 2013 at 10:29

      I am on a gigantic podium, and it’s name is ignorance.

      Is Dot Matrix not saying anything because he doesn’t want Steve to walk away from his Halo project?

      Reply

      • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

        June 14, 2013 at 10:33

        Pretty much, Dot Matrix is finding himself between a rock and a hard place….

        Reply

    • silverscorpio

      June 14, 2013 at 11:40

      Don’t be too hard on Steve. He still plays Pong. No story there. Can you blame him. George sold out to the Dark Side when he sold Lucas Arts to Disney. He had the opportunity to make the kind of games he is talking about but he did not.

      Reply

    • Zubayr Bhyat

      June 14, 2013 at 15:52

      aka Don “Smiling Jack” Mattrick

      Reply

  14. Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

    June 14, 2013 at 10:13

    Molliemollie has actually said a few things here that I agree with.

    Wow, that was a weird sentence to write….

    Reply

  15. Jakster

    June 14, 2013 at 10:21

    These consoles need to go the way of the Dinosaur.

    Sony’s PR seems to be straight from the DA. Nothing but talk. MS, all action but no talk.

    Reply

    • Argentil

      June 14, 2013 at 10:23

      Ok, with this statement, you have officially cemented my opinion that you are a troll.

      Reply

      • Rinceyouropinion

        June 14, 2013 at 10:24

        lol. Agreed. Oi, you are here quite often now, where’s your damn Avatar?!

        Reply

        • Argentil

          June 14, 2013 at 10:35

          My frequency is a temporary arrangement, sadly. As of next week, I will be ludicrously busy 🙁 I’ll grab an avatar if i can find something fitting.

          Reply

          • Rinceyouropinion

            June 14, 2013 at 10:36

            Dammit man, you’re entertaining, you can’t just use us, like some soiled rag, and then drop us when you’re “too busy”! *sulks

      • Jakster

        June 14, 2013 at 10:27

        What? Only now you’ve realised that?

        What you call a troll, Shakespeare called a Jester/Clown. Point to ponder good man.

        Reply

        • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

          June 14, 2013 at 10:28

          So you’re saying you’re a clown? ….. Finally the truth

          Reply

          • Jakster

            June 14, 2013 at 10:38

            The truth indeed…

        • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

          June 14, 2013 at 10:29

          Finally..LAGz has a court jester 😀

          Reply

          • Jakster

            June 14, 2013 at 11:27

            Banana Man and a Jester. This could get interesting.

        • Argentil

          June 14, 2013 at 10:33

          Lol. Ok, I concede. Good point.

          Reply

    • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

      June 14, 2013 at 10:24

      MS is more like the ANC, Fat and Greedy, WANT MOAR MONAY

      Reply

      • Rinceyouropinion

        June 14, 2013 at 10:25

        And the Xbox One appeals to the idiots? 🙂

        Reply

        • Umar Kiiroi Senk?

          June 14, 2013 at 10:29

          ooooh nice! and it’s full of toi toi simulators. TTR, Toi Toi Revolution

          Reply

    • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

      June 14, 2013 at 10:25

      You’re doing it wrong.

      Reply

  16. RichardC

    June 14, 2013 at 13:26

    Ag, Peter Moleneux se poes man. Fuckin overated idiot.

    Reply

  17. Tbone187

    June 14, 2013 at 14:18

    Nothing wrong with his opinion…Sounds like a decent analysis to me…

    Reply

  18. Zubayr Bhyat

    June 14, 2013 at 15:52

    I agree with Zoe. There is nothing quite like blasting through some tracks on a friday night in Rivals mode on Forza Motorsport 4 after a long work week.

    Reply

  19. iPrimal

    June 14, 2013 at 21:29

    This dude….
    just…… *sigh*

    Reply

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