In a bizarre attempt to provide โclarificationโ over the mixed signals on how Xbox One will handle used games, Xbox evangelist Larry โMajor Nelsonโ Hryb has issued a statement meant to clarify the companyโs stance. The statement does not succeed in doing that.
Hereโs what he passed along:
โThe ability to trade in and resell games is important to gamers and to Xbox. Xbox One is designed to support the trade in and resale of games. Reports about our policies for trade in and resale are inaccurate and incomplete. We will disclose more information in the near future.โ
This conversation about used games as we become digital consumers was coming, and it was only a matter of which hardware manufacturer pulled the trigger first. Why, though, would Microsoft decide to stick its foot into the used games discussion without specific answers for consumers? Thereโs no room for half measures with used games. You are taking away some consumer rights, and if consumers are gaining anything in this transaction, Microsoft needed to make that clear from the very beginning.
Now, it's backpedaling. Now, it's trying to clarify. That means you've already lost the messaging war.
Itโs possible thereโs actually a pretty reasonable situation where players have the ability to turn in digital licenses for purchased games in exchange for Microsoft Points to spend on the Xbox Marketplace and used games continue to exist at GameStop and other retailers. Since the details of those arrangements is clearly changing, the onus would be on Microsoft to make the coming changes abundantly transparent.
Microsoft didn't, and it wants to pretend it's not its fault.
The statement itself is a joke, too.
โReports about our policies for trade in and resale are inaccurate and incomplete.โ
Microsoft is the one who put its executives and representatives in front of the press earlier this week, and presented increasingly conflicted information. The problem has been getting anything remotely resembling a clear answer out of them. The press hasnโt mangled Microsoftโs message, itโs that Microsoft has very little to say, and wants to point the blame at someone else with the wave of a hand. It won't work.
Sorry, Microsoft. Itโs your problem, not mine. Try a little honesty next time?
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