This past Thursday the Xbox team ran its latest Inside Xbox presentation. The event played host to dozen different third-party games coming toXbox Series X. While individually the games were well-received, there was a significant backlash regarding the scope of the Inside Xbox event. Specifically, many Xbox fans were expecting a bigger focus on gameplay. Xbox marketing GM Aaron Greenberg has now responded to theses frustrations, acknowledging that the Xbox team “set some wrong expectations.”
Greenberg responded to a post on Twitter defending Xbox from allegations that it misled fans regarding the nature of theInside Xbox episode. The tweet clarified that Microsoft said clearly that trailers and sneak peeks would be shown in addition to a “first look at next-gen gameplay” in its initial announcement. Greenberg replied, agreeing. “Had we not said anything & just shown May Inside Xbox show like we did last month, I suspect reactions might have been different.”
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While that initial thought may seem like Greenberg’s dodging the criticism, he did go on to admit some fault. “Clearly we set some wrong expectations & that’s on us.” He then acknowledged fan frustrations and said the Xbox team would take in the feedback and “learn as a team.”
Greenberg and the Twitter user he was replying to certainly have a point.Microsoftdid clarify what was going to be presented at the show, even if the next-gen gameplay was what was widely reported on. The reaction to the Inside Xbox event, while understandable, is still rather unfair given it was still a solid and exciting show.
Xbox definitely misstepped though. The world is currently in the midst of theCOVID-19 pandemic, games are being delayed, gamers are anxious for any news, and hype for the Xbox Series X is climbing fast. Teasing next-gen games and gameplay whatsoever is going to lead to very lofty expectations. Even if there was broader knowledge regarding the relatively thin gameplay showing, expectations would very likely not have been met.
It’s also not entirely Xbox’s fault that the key game in the presentation,Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, very clearly did promise gameplay and then didn’t provide much in that regard. All the Xbox team can do is show what Ubisoft provided.Ubisoft has since acknowledged its misstep as well. Unfortunately, all of the other great games like Dirt 5 that did show something special will get a wave of criticism, too.
Hopefully, Xbox considers fan expectations for the next Inside Xbox and beyond before putting together their event. Between now and theXbox Series X launch, there’s no real way to lower or manage those expectations. The hype train has clearly already gone off the rails.
