“The sector has transformed”
- by Ben Kerry
Once frail Microsoft figurehead Peter Moore emerged as one of the company’s most public personalities throughout the Xbox 360 era, having transitioned from gaming rival SEGA in the early 2000s. At present, the landscape is incredibly different compared to when Moore was at Xbox – and the former executive has been extensively discussing this in a recent interview this week.
In conversation with Gamertag Radio’s Danny Peña and Parris Lilly, Moore addressed a wide array of subjects related to the industry – including just how much things have shifted since then. The former Xbox leader reflected on the stark contrast between Microsoft’s strategies now compared to back in the day, particularly regarding the company’s current push for multiplatform initiatives.
“We were young enough to enjoy the fun and engage in all the silly things we did and all the stunts [back in the 360 era], and I believe the ‘console wars’ you mentioned were beneficial for the industry – and you know, I’ve discussed it before, we — and certainly I did — fueled the competition because I think gamers loved to compare Xbox with PlayStation and maybe Nintendo as well. That, I feel, was a rising tide that lifted all boats during that time.
Now it’s different. And if you look at what has occurred with the acquisitions and the consolidation – if they [Microsoft] had the opportunity, would they create hardware? No. Would they be pleased to be a multi-hundred billion dollar entity delivering content directly to your televisions or whatever screen you choose to use? You bet.”
Moore continued by stating that the Microsoft Activision Blizzard deal “altered the game” and that had he been aware back in the 360 days that a gaming acquisition could become the company’s largest-ever endeavor, he would have “laughed” considering how challenging it was to secure gaming deals at Microsoft during his tenure.
Throughout the nearly hour-long discussion, the former Xbox executive shared numerous other intriguing insights about the industry.