Microsoft Xbox 720 will focus on media integration

[Dhruv]

The reports posted originate from GDC 09 where Blizzard’s Rob Pardo confirmed that the company had been in discussion with Microsoft about the next iteration of the Xbox system.microsoft_xbox_360

Despite the fact that Microsoft has never officially confirmed that it is working on a replacement for the 360 there has been widespread speculation as early as two years ago.

Pardo refused to be drawn on specifics of what they have been discussing but reports over at Slashgear picked up on comments made regarding the poor implementation of RTS on games consoles which led them to theorise that Blizzard are working closely on controller feedback for the Redmond-based gaming giant.

Whilst it’s clearly exciting times for gamers there are some concerns from developers that gaming isn’t going to be the priority as Microsoft may focus on making the 720 (or whatever they call it) the media hub of the home, in much the same way as Sony have with the Playstation 3.

[Ninja-X]

GDC 09′ has squirted out some speculations that the new Xbox iteration will go the way of the PS3 in its conquest for total living room domination. Less gaming, more movies, music, and TV, etc.

[reddevil6]

“I get the impression they’re focusing on owning the living room, one device that lets you watch movies, television and play games and music and all that stuff. They’re so focused on that that I’m not even sure they’re thinking about the games that are going to come out.

Whatever the focus of the device may be, we’re hoping that Microsoft don’t do the hot potato trick again as soon as it’s launched and drop all support for the existing 360 as it did with the original Xbox.

[Hitman22]

I think Microsoft would not take any hints from the last place PS3. Also with the unbridled success of the 360, consumers will be scared that Microsoft will abandon the 360 like it did with the original Xbox. If Sony did anything right with the PS3 launch, it was the fact that they didn’t ditch out on the PS2. It still shows that Sony supports its old hardware. Other grumblings included talk of RTS titan Blizzard working with Microsoft in regards to making the new system more RTS friendly.

[killtheking]

It will also work wonders for kids trying to convince parents to buy consoles... now it comes packed with something for the entire family...a very Indian mentality but that is what will really sell in India today...