Moore Refutes 360 Launch Rumours

Via Gamasutra, commentary from Peter Moore in the Seattle-PI about the furiously swirling Xbox 360 shortage rumours. From the article: "Is Microsoft purposefully holding back on shipments, trying to create an artificial appearance of extraordinary demand? Xbox executive Peter Moore says no -- pointing instead to the unprecedented scope of the launch. Microsoft, seeking to solidify its place in the living room and challenge Sony's dominant PlayStation franchise, is breaking from tradition by releasing its new machine in North America, Europe and Japan in rapid succession, over a span of three weeks."

Comments

So they're just incompetent?

[nevergleam]

Peter Moore admits it. The shortage is not a result of a malicious (but effective) marketing strategy by Microsoft. Xbox 360s are in shortage because the company can't get their act enough together to fill their pre-orders.

inventory

[Red Flayer]

The question (FTFA): "Is Microsoft purposefully holding back on shipments, trying to create an artificial appearance of extraordinary demand?"

The answer: No.

The other question: "Is Microsoft purposefully holding back on production, trying to create an artificial appearance of extraordinary demand?"

The answer: Maybe.

There's no way MS would hold on to extra inventory, it's too traceable, and also not a good idea financially. Instead, claim production insufficiencies -- you still getting reduced supply at release, without tying up cash in inventory, while having a believable justification.

Re:Wait...

[Jarlsberg]

They had a time frame to consider too. They could have started with the US and with time released the machine in Japan and Europe, and then to the rest of the world - you know, like Sony does, except they start in Japan and then release their stuff in a "timely" fashion to the rest of the world. Instead, they do a simultaneous release on three continents, and while that will necessarily make it hard to deliver enough units, it does at least show commitment to the users. It's a pretty smart move, I think, and doesn't leave a lot of people (like an entire continent) feel left out. You will have those who won't get their unit and be pissed about it, but I think it more than evens out by getting the box out to as many countries as possible.

Stop the FUD!

[Red Flayer]

FFS, now it's not just /.ers, but also bloggers/columnists who are giving inflated prices for the XBox:

"The Xbox 360 Core System, without a hard drive, will cost $300, while the full-fledged Xbox 360, with hard drive, will cost $400."

Damn it, just stop!

Everyone should know by now that the prices will be $299 and $399, respectively.