Microsoft Praises PlayStation for a Change

Microsoft_Phil_Spencer

While there is a certain level of jabbing that goes in the electronics world (except Samsung who likes to sling mud wherever it can), for the most part, the industry fairs fine with doing their own thing. Dell tends to focus on their line of desktops and HP chugs away releasing their own. Same is true in the mobile space with Apple focusing on their iPad initiative and Sony taking their own route. On the other hand, the video game industry tends to be quite different with Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo slinging mud at each other at every opportune moment as to set a great example for fanboys that will surely do the same in the comment section.

With that as the backdrop, you can see our delight when Microsoft Studios vice president, Phil Spencer recently sat down for an interview and had some pretty positive things to say about PlayStation. It’s sad that this is newsworthy, but I think you’ll like what he had to say about Sony, which can be found after the jump.

During his interview with OXM, Mr. Spencer said the following when asked about Sony and the PlayStation:

 Sony – and I’m focused on first-party because of what I do – I really respect their focus on investing in new things and creative things, what they’ve done with David Cage and Quantic Dream around Beyond [Two Souls] and Heavy Rain; they stay committed to franchises even if they don’t sell 10 million units, they’ll stay committed to things.

I think that long-term commitment to franchises is important, where it’s easy to pull off the Band-Aid and move onto the next thing [if it doesn’t sell]. I respect their ‘stick-to-it-iveness’. I’ll say, they’ve done a nice job with PS4 […] When I think about their announcement, their clear focus on a customer, leading with the value proposition of what they’re trying to do, staying true to a vision, I think they’ve done a nice job in how they defined the PS4. 

This is a perfect case of giving credit due to a company and hopefully setting a better example for the fan base of each installment. While many speak of the demise they wish upon competitor companies, the truth is that multiple console makers is a healthy thing for consumers. Equally, by praising Sony, Mr. Spencer does nothing to take away from Microsoft or the accomplishments of the Xbox One. Moments like this give me hope about our industry and our planet.  Well done, Phil Spencer, well done.

Discuss:

Is there too much mud slinging in the game industry?

[Via OXM]