Rather than sticking to pre-defined PR lines, Xbox boss Phil Spencer really takes the executive rigmarole out of his interactions with the public. More than once we've seen and heard Spencer say and do things that shows he's really on the same level as gamers, and now he's actually delivered some level-headed responses to Xbox LIVE disruptions.

When a huge global service like Xbox LIVE is down, it prevents millions of users from playing their games on their off hours or even watching Netflix. Interruptions are a big deal especially during the holiday season when users are downloading day-one updates, firmware updates, or trying to play online-only games like Destiny. Phil Spencer knows that downtime is a huge inconcenience, and even went so far as to say that it makes Xbox gamers actively distrust Microsoft.

Yesterday Xbox LIVE was down for quite some time on the Xbox One. When an everyday fan asked Spencer what was wrong with Xbox LIVE, he opened up and actually answered: "We are on the issue, apologies. We know the issue and what the fix is, shouldn't be too long," Spencer said, adding in the following: "We have to earn [your] trust, each day, and I know service disruptions hurts that trust."

@DiegoSa806 We have to earn the trust, each day, and I know service disruptions hurts that trust.

— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) October 1, 2015

The Xbox LIVE service is marginally more reputable in stability than Sony's PlayStation Network. The PS Network has been knocked offline by DDOS hacks on many occasions, not to mention the infamous 2011 hack which exposed millions of users private data.

While Sony arguably has one of the worst online services (in terms of stability) the company doesn't deliver wholehearted and real responses like Spencer does. All we seem to get is PR-speak, acknowledgement and sorries from execs, and maybe a free token or PS cash for our trouble.

Posted: Oct 02, 2015 10:52 pm
Related Forum: Xbox Forum