Microsoft's Sensui talks Xbox success (and lack thereof) in Japan
by Xav de Matos 
{ May 11th 2009 at 7:30PM }
One of the major issues discussed was Microsoft's decision to price-cut the original Xbox, three months after it launched in Japan -- offering early adopters games and accessories as a consolation. "I was like 'Whoa, we're dropping the price already?!'," Sensui told the magazine. "We called it the 'Thank You Campaign,' but it was really more of a 'Sorry About That Campaign.'"
Today the Xbox 360 isn't exactly lighting up the sales charts in Japan, but a steady stream of titles catered to the market have helped spike sales at times throughout the last year -- a plan Microsoft continues today. "I really feel like we're expanding now," Sensui said. "Seeing how the 360 has expanded its sales every year makes me very happy. I truly appreciate the support of the users and the perseverance of all the game developers that made it possible."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
RicoRich196 @ May 11th 2009 7:52PM
Maybe MS should like not sell the next version of the Xbox in Japan... It almost seems useless, they are never going to gain any of the popularity Nintendo/Sony has...Nintendo and Sony probably don't even consider them competition.
KEENMACHlNE @ May 11th 2009 8:26PM
Eh, it's not like microsoft cant afford losing billions of dollars and throwing millions at developers for making xbox exclusives. Were they any "normal" company they'd be long gone in the gaming industry.
HitNRun @ May 11th 2009 8:56PM
I don't think position in some youth-of-Gen-X Cola Wars style pissing contest is a reason not to sell their product in a given area. Business is not like gaming. In business, everyone who's making money wins and everyone who's burning money loses (unless they qualify for a federal bailout). Everything else is just pride.
As long as MS is going to spend all that money making XBoxes, it wouldn't make any sense for them *not* to sell them in Japan just for pride's sake.
hammerclawpc @ May 11th 2009 9:11PM
Microsoft should stop trying to sell it's products in Japan as Foreign Imports. They should acquire a Japanese partner, manufacture the consoles sold in Japan, IN Japan, as Japanese products, built by Japanese, sold by Japanese, to Japanese. The name of the partner should be emblazoned on console, with Microsoft, in small letters, on the back. Japanese marketing should be controlled by Japanese, who know that market, inside out. Then, and only then, would MS have level playing field on which to compete.
Doug @ May 11th 2009 10:02PM
Yeah, that would do... absolutely nothing. MS is a western company, there's no way they're going to "trick" Japan into buying their console because it says "made in Japan".
Lol@ having MS in small letters on the back. THEY'LL NEVER KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.
joeybeast @ May 12th 2009 11:32AM
yes, MS should spend all that money on another company's brand.
TJ @ May 12th 2009 1:13PM
MS should just put out more Japanese RPG titles. Those things sell like hotcakes in Japan.
Wes @ May 12th 2009 4:14PM
@TJ
I think you mean perverted simulators such as Busty Idol Master, Maid Cafe Singer Manager, etc. Those are the ones that ironically really really sell well.
AlphaSpark @ May 11th 2009 11:25PM
The fact that MS has had moderate success in Japan by having JRPGs and even exclusives that have spiked sales, in certain months surpassing PS3 sales, speaks volumes to a plan that has potential to work. MS has learned a lot this generation, the fact that they are arguably #1 in gaming at the moment affirms this. Did they do everything right, absolutely not. The wii has more consoles out, but are they utilizing this? No. The PS3 is a more powerful system, but is that making a difference in the quality of gameplay? No. Gamers care about games. We want to be entertained from the moment we pick up the controller. I have to believe that Japanese gamers feel the same way. Whoever delivers this will be the winner, regardless of consoles sold, system features, or exclusive titels.
hammerclawpc @ May 12th 2009 6:30PM
Oh really? Your ignorance is appalling. It would no longer be just a western company, anymore than Sony, Toyota, Nissan, Panasonic and so on, are "just" Japanese companies. It would be using the same strategy that worked so well for them in the west, just as openly, without deceit, carefully tailored to appeal to the Japanese psyche. To be included, to be exalted, to be treated as equals, to have their insular sense of community taken into account is crucial to the success of the enterprise. Nissan's relationship with Renault, is the model to emulate, only in reverse. Perhaps this conversation is to adult for you. Why don't just run along, and play Little Big Planet.
Josh @ May 12th 2009 1:11AM
It sounds so much like a niche grassroots system over there, even more niche than the PS3.
I don't blame them; the hardware's a piece of junk, haha.
DeepFriedSushi @ May 12th 2009 2:47AM
still miles better than a gamecube with a motion controller.
Josh @ May 12th 2009 2:53AM
I'm *pretty* sure there have been more 360 failures than Wii failures.
And you want to add the GameCube into the mix? Then there's no contest; the GameCube is one of the sturdiest, most well manufactured consoles ever.
I suppose Wii Remotes have been *responsible* for more hardware failures than 360 controllers, however... but that's only because people end up throwing Wii controllers through TV screens more than 360 ones.
Jacky @ Jul 24th 2009 1:55AM
Great idea to beat PS by cutting down the price of Xbox which looks like a great competition between the two reputed companies in favor of its customers............
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