Even Rivals Can Appreciate One Another
Since the Original Xbox launched in 2001 alongside Halo: Combat Evolved, Microsoft and Sony have been going head to head in the infamous console wars. While it might feel like there has been a lull in the action over the years, it is going to start heating up again as both video game giants will be unveiling their new consoles at the end of the year. The Xbox Series X and PS5 are going to launch within a month of each other if everything goes to plan. You better expect to see sparks fly as the release dates start to near. However, despite the clear rivalry the head of Xbox Phil Spencer has actually shared a lot of public admiration for the PS5.
While Xbox and PlayStation might be rivals, it did not stop Spencer from complimenting the other company. In an interview with a German magazine, he said, “I like that Mark Cerny and his team at Sony are also investing in an SSD for the PlayStation 5, the engines and tools can implement corresponding functions. Together we will ensure a larger installed base – and developers will do everything possible to master and support the programming of these hardware capabilities.”
At the end of the day, both companies are trying to create a superior product for the customer to buy. It is clear that Spencer and Xbox as a company see and acknowledge the value that competition brings in a free market. If we just had one company dominate over the industry it is unlikely that we would see the great consoles we see today. Hopefully, both Sony and Microsoft will be able to pull out all the stops at the end of the year.