UPDATED: It has been confirmed that the phrase that was used was “Just let it happen; it’ll be over soon.”
With Microsoft’s conference behind, there has been many big announcements that have gamers excited, such as Insomniac’s Sunset Overdrive and Dead Rising 3, just to name a few.
But among all the great announcements and the shiny graphics, there were quite a few controversies that have sprung up. Some, at first glance, seem to be a stretch but there are others that are downright blatant and leaves us wondering, what is going on here.
The first piece of controversy stems from the price of the Xbox One. Microsoft have announced that the Xbox One, upon release, will be priced $499, which is a pretty stem price. There is nothing that can justify such a price with what is being build. For example, upon release of the Playstation 3, the price was $599 but you also have to remember that the initial release had legacy components, to enable backwards compatibility. After Sony realized that consumers were outraged by the price, they removed the legacy components which ultimately lowered the price, and the rest is history. But what causes the controversy with the Xbox One is the price for our European users. Many of our Europe based staff took arms almost immediately when the 429 Pounds price was revealed. The reason for this is because the actual price, if translated under exchange rates, would be $662. But with each system being region-locked, it would seem the our readers from Europe will be expected to pay almost $200 more for the same console.
The second piece of controversy stems from a demonstration from the show floor itself. However, this would be the piece of controversy that seems a bit of a stretch in my eyes. When Killer Instinct was being showcased, there was both a male and female on the stage showing it off. As the male was beating the female’s character, he said something that many have taken as a rape joke. The alleged statement was;
“Just take it. It’ll be over soon”
In my opinion, this seems to me like an innocent statement, that even I say to my male friends. However, because it was said to a female, the statement takes on new meaning but in my eyes, it seems innocent enough. There was another variation that I heard, that went as follows;
Just close your eyes and take it. It’ll be over soon”
That statement, in my eyes, holds more value towards the rape accusation then the previous statement. I have not confirmed which version of the statement was used.
The last piece of controversy stems from the Battlefield 4 demonstration. Microsoft were having numerous technical issues, mainly with audio, during their conference and the audience didn’t let that go unnoticed, hearing boo’s at several instances. But when they were showing the Battlefield 4, it wasn’t running visually and their audio issues were still present. Some say that to finally have the demo shown, they had to switch over to PC, in order for it to function.
I have heard several different sources claiming this, although it is not verified as being true.
Overall, it seems that Microsoft continue to be the scapegoat to horrible press. The Xbox One has been received with mixed reactions by many, mainly due to the online check-in that is required at least once every 24 hours to the absurd used gaming policy that has left many wondering exactly how it will be implemented. But personally, as a self proclaimed Sony Fanboy, I have to say that Microsoft do not deserve some things, like the rape claim. They had a pretty good showing, and their Dead Rising game, although smells of The Walking Dead, does look like a fun game and it seems that the weapon customization is back, which will have fans everywhere very excited.
All in all, Microsoft had a good conference, far better then last year. And despite everything, I applaud them for being able to motor on, despite the technical difficulties and not panicking. What are you opinions about this? Do you agree that they used a rape joke? Do you think that the Battlefield 4 claims are true? let us know in the comments below or on our facebook!
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