Microsoft feared XBLA would “completely destroy the console industry”

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In the early days of Xbox Live Arcade, Microsoft had a real fear that it would “destroy the console industry.”

The concern was that lower price points and digital delivery would shake up the traditional retail model of high-priced games sold through bricks-and-mortar stores.

“There was a legitimate fear that Xbox Live Arcade was going to cannibalize retail sales and completely destroy the console industry,” XBLA creator Greg Canessa told IGN.

“That was actually a quote I got from one of the internal folks.”

Xbox Live Arcade was one of the big success stories on Xbox 360, with well over 700 games released via the digital marketplace.

Posted: Feb 22, 2016 8:08 pm
Related Forum: Xbox Forum

Source: http://www.vg247.com/2016/02/22/microsoft-feared-xbla-would-completely-destroy-the-console-industry/

Comments

MusketPosted: Tue. Feb 23, 2016

How would it destroy the industry? I think it might help it get bigger

RebPosted: Tue. Feb 23, 2016

I always preferred indie games - shoutout to I made a game with zombies in it

ProPosted: Tue. Feb 23, 2016

Arcade games used to always be great, I loved them!

StifledPosted: Tue. Feb 23, 2016

It's never stopped me buying games from stores, I do like playing games such as Trials Fusion.

MickersPosted: Tue. Feb 23, 2016

Personally never has stopped me! Although i love games like Trials HD etc.

ValorPosted: Tue. Feb 23, 2016

Interesting perspective on this subject that a lot never really put much thought into. including myself

ItalianPosted: Mon. Feb 22, 2016

ProJimmyRustler This is a joke right?
You can't compare the lower prices of arcade games to the AAA game market. Sure, some of them are good but they had no where near the popularity that disc games get.

No you're wrong. Look at Rocket League. A small team of developers. Game is so popular and its considered an Arcade Game. That game has potentially stopped people from buying other games so they could either 1. Afford Rocket League 2. Because they wouldn't have time for the other games so didn't buy them

Edit: I believe you might be talking past tense only so yea back then maybe not. Now it's a whole different story

UptownPosted: Mon. Feb 22, 2016

Hmmm....never really thought about the potential threat XBLA could've been. Interesting.

XboxPosted: Mon. Feb 22, 2016

arcade games will never turn me away from buying a call of duty or game I see that might be fun.

ProJimmyRustlerPosted: Mon. Feb 22, 2016

This is a joke right?
You can't compare the lower prices of arcade games to the AAA game market. Sure, some of them are good but they had no where near the popularity that disc games get.

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