Skip to main content
GamesRadar+ GamesRadar+ The Games, Movies, TV & Comics You Love
flag of UK
UK
flag of US
US
flag of Canada
Canada
flag of Australia
Australia
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Games
  • TV
  • Movies
  • Hardware
  • Video
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Guides
  • Deals
  • More
    • PS5
    • Xbox Series X
    • Nintendo Switch
    • Nintendo Switch 2
    • PC
    • Platforms
    • Tabletop Gaming
    • Comics
    • Toys & Collectibles
    • Newsarama
    • Retro Gamer
    • Newsletters
    • About us
    • Features
Total Film
Gaming Magazines
Gaming Magazines
Why subscribe?
  • Subscribe from just £3
  • Takes you closer to the games, movies and TV you love
  • Try a single issue or save on a subscription
  • Issues delivered straight to your door or device
From$12
Subscribe now
Trending
  • Gamescom 2025 schedule
  • Gamescom
  • Battlefield 6
  • New Games for 2025
Don't miss these
Photo of the new Xbox handheld, the ROG Xbox Ally X
Hardware "Pick your lane and stick to it": Former Blizzard president says it's "tough to see Xbox confused" amid "this is an Xbox" branding: "They have to figure out what needs to change... and fast"
Xbox 360
Xbox Former Xbox boss says Microsoft was "disadvantaged" before the Xbox 360 era where it was able to "flex its muscles" in third-party gaming: "Having developers feel good, make money on your platform was key"
Xbox 360
Hardware For a better Xbox 360, former Xbox exec pretended to be longtime PlayStation boss Ken Kutaragi: "You've got to understand what's going on in the head of the other guys"
A PSVR 2 review image next to the marketing reveal image of the Meta Quest 3S, separated by an orange line
VR Xbox finally has a VR headset, but it's not the PSVR 2 rival I was hoping for
Indy explores a cavern beneath Rome in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The Order of Giants
Events & Conferences Everything announced at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025
Gamescom logo in white with a black background
Games Gamescom 2025 schedule: all of the showcases and biggest reveals
Xbox 360
Games Xbox 360 dashboard tweak adds insult to injury a year after the shutdown of the classic marketplace: would you like to buy an Xbox Series X instead?
Photo of the new Xbox handheld, the ROG Xbox Ally X
Xbox Microsoft insists its Xbox handheld is a "breakthrough moment," but it kind of sounds like an ROG Ally with an Xbox sticker and Game Pass to me: "It looks like an Xbox, it feels like an Xbox, it plays like an Xbox"
The Witcher 4
Games Wildcard Wishlist: These are the games we've pinned our hopes and dreams on turning up at Summer Game Fest 2025
Control Ultimate Edition
Third Person Shooters Control 2 fans in shambles after mysterious, psychological Gamescom trailer is revealed to be an advertisement for more Gamescom: "Step on legos for eternity"
Avowed screenshot Xbox Series X
Action Games Xbox Game Studios list: Every studio Microsoft owns and what they are developing
Gears of War E-Day release date: A close-up of Marcus Fenix with his face covered in blood during the Gears of War E-Day trailer.
Gears of War Gears of War: E-Day – Everything we know about the upcoming shooter
Resident Evil Requiem screenshot of Grace Ashcroft, who has white short hair and glasses and wears a black blazer with an FBI badge, sitting at a desk in front of a PC monitor
Games Gamescom Day 1 live coverage – all the news, interviews, and previews as they happen
Fallout
Games Microsoft CEO channels inner Fallout boss to say 9,000 layoffs are no big deal because "we're investing more," then AI brain hits: "Imagine if all 8 billion people could summon a researcher, an analyst, or a coding agent at their fingertips"
Hollow Knight
Action Games Check in on the Hollow Knight: Silksong fans in your life, because the triple-whammy of mentions, no-shows, and clarifications at Summer Game Fest was absolutely brutal
  1. Games
  2. Action

6 ways Microsoft can win us back at E3 2013

Features
By Ryan Taljonick published 22 May 2013

It's not over yet

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Lost the battle but not the war (yet)

Lost the battle but not the war (yet)

After getting barraged with rumors for what seemed like forever, gamers tuned in en masse on May 21, 2013 to (finally!) witness the unveiling of Microsoft's next-gen console, the Xbox One. We were happy to actually see the console and its new controller, and were at least intrigued by the system's deluge of features, including television streaming and Snap Mode, the console equivalent of Alt+Tab built with multitaskers in mind.

But noticeably sparse were mentions of actual games, which left many feeling burned. The fact that Microsoft is positioning its Xbox One as the ultimate media machine instead of the ultimate gaming machine has us wondering if it's leaving the console war. Or maybe, just maybe, it instead ticked most of the non-gaming announcements off its checklist, opting to leave a majority of the good stuff for its upcoming E3 conference. We'll give Microsoft the benefit of the doubt--and here's how it restore our faith during E3.

Page 1 of 8
Page 1 of 8
Prove it hasn't forgotten about the core gamers

Prove it hasn't forgotten about the core gamers

First thing's first: software sells hardware, and we need to see more in terms of upcoming Xbox One games. Microsoft says it has 15 exclusives, 8 of which are new IPs, lined up for the console's first year in addition to third party cross-platform offerings, but mere figures aren't going to cut it. We need more than just reassurance--show us the goods.

Now, to say we didn't see any games during the Xbox One's reveal even would be disingenuous. Come E3, we don't expect to see all 15 games in addition to every cross-platform title in the works, but we need more than scripted sizzle reels. "Hardcore" gamers may be a vocal minority, but they're also the early adopters. Don't leave them by the wayside, MS.

Page 2 of 8
Page 2 of 8
Reveal some first-party titles

Reveal some first-party titles

Speaking of games, we'd love to hear about what Microsoft has planned for its first-party studios. While it's probably a safe bet that we're a ways out from 343 Industries' next Halo (excluding the recently announced live action series), we'd love to see what Lionhead or Rare have been working on.

Presenting even the tiniest shred of information about its first-party development plans will go a long way toward helping Microsoft regain the trust of its gaming fanbase. It's one thing to bring aboard a bunch of third-party games, but to invest your own resources into the development process at least conveys commitment.

Page 3 of 8
Page 3 of 8
Clarify outstanding rumors and mixed messages

Clarify outstanding rumors and mixed messages

Remember how there was that whole debate about whether or not the Xbox One would be always online? Or whether or not it would essentially kill off the used game market as we know it? That stuff still hasn't been entirely cleared up.

At the time of this posting, it sounds as the Xbox One will require an Internet connection at least once every 24 hours to properly function. As for used games, there's talk that games will require hard drive installation and be tied to your Xbox Live account, meaning a fee (potentially the full price of the game) is also required to tie the game to a second account. But no one at Microsoft seems to be able to provide clarification outside of "we'll let you know." If for some reason these issues haven't been cleared up before E3, we sincerely hope concrete answers will be provided then.

Page 4 of 8
Page 4 of 8
Show off some worthwhile applications of Kinect 2.0

Show off some worthwhile applications of Kinect 2.0

So Microsoft's new Kinect will ship with every Xbox One, and its tech is admittedly a pretty substantial improvement over everyone's favorite arm-waving tracker. With a wider field of view, a 1080p camera, and the ability to see just fine in the dark, Kinect 2.0 appears to offer a lot more functionality than the one gathering dust on your entertainment stand.

But let's be honest: we're all still pretty skeptical about the kind of "hardcore" experiences motion gaming can provide. This generation introduced the tech to the masses, but current motion controls carry with them the same taboo that the free-to-play model did years ago. It's time for Microsoft to turn that around, and it can (hopefully) do that with the new Kinect. Come E3, we don't want to see little babies playing Franklin Builds a Zoo--we want to see something substantial that'll actually get us excited about the future of motion gaming.

Page 5 of 8
Page 5 of 8
Explain how gamers might take advantage of non-game features

Explain how gamers might take advantage of non-game features

Microsoft talked a lot about the ways in which gamers will be able to multitask: You can Skype with grandma while playing Halo! You can watch TV while you wait for a game to load (hopefully that doesn't reflect how long it'll take for games to load on the Xbox One)! You can Bing on half of your screen and sort through your DVR with the other half! But we'd love to see actual examples of this in action.

Yes, we saw a Skype call--but let's see it happen mid-game. Show us why we're going to love Snap Mode by providing concrete examples of the ways in which we'll use it to enhance our gaming experience. Say, for example, we get stuck in a level. Can we instantly open up a web browser to look up tips? Such applications will get us more excited about the ability to use the Xbox One Minority Report-style.

Page 6 of 8
Page 6 of 8
Don't shaft continued Xbox 360 users

Don't shaft continued Xbox 360 users

Instead of tapering off support, Microsoft pulled the plug on its first console immediately following the launch of the Xbox 360. But times have changed; the 360 has sold millions and millions of units all over the world, and a good number of those purchasers won't be ready to jump headfirst into the next console generation.

Microsoft (and Sony) will need to show good faith that they won't abandon the 360 right away. Now, it's unlikely this will happen considering many of the initial next-gen games will also be launching on current gen consoles--but what about things like Xbox Live and Achievement improvements? 360 owners should get a slice of the action, too, provided the tech allows for these things.

Page 7 of 8
Page 7 of 8
Your move, Microsoft

Your move, Microsoft

Did you find the Xbox One reveal underwhelming? If so, what could Microsoft do at E3 to set things right? Are games enough? Or would it have to revoke less popular features wholesale? Let us know in the comments below.

And if you're looking for more Xbox One info, check out everything we know about the console and our Xbox One vs. PS4 lineup.

Page 8 of 8
Page 8 of 8
TOPICS
Microsoft
CATEGORIES
Xbox Xbox One Platforms
PRODUCTS
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Watch Dogs Destiny Call of Duty: Ghosts Forza Motorsport 5 Thief NBA Live 14 Madden NFL 25 Battlefield 4
Ryan Taljonick
Ryan Taljonick
Social Links Navigation

Ryan was once the Executive Editor of GamesRadar, before moving into the world of games development. He worked as a Brand Manager at EA, and then at Bethesda Softworks, before moving to 2K. He briefly went back to EA and is now the Director of Global Marketing Strategy at 2K. 

See more Xbox Features
Read more
Photo of the new Xbox handheld, the ROG Xbox Ally X
"Pick your lane and stick to it": Former Blizzard president says it's "tough to see Xbox confused" amid "this is an Xbox" branding: "They have to figure out what needs to change... and fast"
Xbox 360
Former Xbox boss says Microsoft was "disadvantaged" before the Xbox 360 era where it was able to "flex its muscles" in third-party gaming: "Having developers feel good, make money on your platform was key"
Xbox 360
For a better Xbox 360, former Xbox exec pretended to be longtime PlayStation boss Ken Kutaragi: "You've got to understand what's going on in the head of the other guys"
A PSVR 2 review image next to the marketing reveal image of the Meta Quest 3S, separated by an orange line
Xbox finally has a VR headset, but it's not the PSVR 2 rival I was hoping for
Indy explores a cavern beneath Rome in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The Order of Giants
Everything announced at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025
Gamescom logo in white with a black background
Gamescom 2025 schedule: all of the showcases and biggest reveals
Latest in Action
Batman Arkham
Former Assassin's Creed director who also worked on Arkham Origins joins Rocksteady, sparking more hopes for a new Batman game
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Hollow Knight: Silksong will have a free Nintendo Switch 2 edition upgrade at launch, meaning you don't have to pay extra to get the 120hz mode
Hideo Kojima in a screenshot from the Xbox and Bethesda 2022 showcase.
Hideo Kojima will give a "glimpse into future projects" at his "Beyond The Strand" anniversary event for Kojima Productions' 10th birthday this month
Kaser stands in front of a glowing blue background as the imprisoned dragon Lord Arena swirls behind him like a fish - key art from Lost Soul Aside used on the PlayStation store
Lost Soul Aside review: "We (don't) have Final Fantasy Versus 13 at home"
Valor Mortis
Ghostrunner devs abandon parkour for Valor Mortis, a first-person soulslike that might explain why the rest of the genre follows Dark Souls' lead
A screenshot of James Bond in 007 First Light's reveal trailer.
007 First Light is getting its own dedicated PlayStation State of Play this week, with "over 30 minutes of gameplay" including James Bond's "first mission as an MI6 recruit"
Latest in Features
The Outer Worlds 2 character holding bottle and glass, with the GamesRadar+ Big Preview frame and Reaction sticker
Channeling big Fallout energy means The Outer Worlds 2 could be the Starfield I always wanted
Cropped key art for Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles shows two characters stood side by side.
45 minutes of Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles has me certain that Square Enix "rebuilding" the remaster after losing the original source code was worth the effort
Battlefield 6 multiplayer screenshot
I'm still concerned about Battlefield 6's map sizes, but there's no denying it gets chaotic urban warfare right
Where Winds Meet hands-on preview
I played Where Winds Meet and fell in love with the RPG's open world so fast I could barely pay attention to any of the missions
Borderlands 4 screenshot shows someone holding a weapon forward towards the camera.
"We tend to commit to the bit": Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford talks Borderlands 4, the evolution of looter-shooters, and $80 game discourse
A mech firing a machine gun in the desert in Menace
Menace is an XCOM-Warhammer hybrid that makes turn-based strategy feel like an immersive sim, and for the first time in my life I'm playing a game that seems made for me
  1. Twisted Cryptids card on a wooden surface
    1
    This gorgeously weird monster board game warms my Halloween-loving heart, and it's a delight
  2. 2
    Lost Soul Aside review: "We (don't) have Final Fantasy Versus 13 at home"
  3. 3
    Hell is Us review: "The lack of waypoints and explicit objectives is a double-edged magical sword that pulls me deep into its harsh world"
  4. 4
    Shuten Order review: "The Danganronpa creator's new multi-genre mystery feels like a forgotten DS cult classic I would have been obsessed with"
  5. 5
    The Rogue Prince of Persia review: "I roguelike but don't roguelove this freerunner – there's just not enough to stand out"
  1. Demon Slayer Infinity Castle
    1
    Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle review: "Roars past Mugen Train as Demon Slayer's best adventure yet"
  2. 2
    The Long Walk review: "One of the best Stephen King adaptations ever made"
  3. 3
    Frankenstein review: "A classy, if somewhat safe, adaptation"
  4. 4
    Weapons review: "A twisted fairytale that bests Barbarian"
  5. 5
    The Fantastic Four: First Steps review: "An occasionally thrilling heroic adventure that sits safely within a B-tier MCU range"
  1. John Cena as Peacemaker holds a gun to the head of a different John Cena as Peacemaker in Peacemaker season 2.
    1
    Peacemaker season 2 review: "Darker and sadder than the first year, but there's still a lot of fun to be had with the 11th Street Kids."
  2. 2
    Wednesday season 2 part 1 review: "Complex and exciting but weighed down by too many subplots"
  3. 3
    Alien: Earth review: "Arguably the franchise's strongest outing since James Cameron's Aliens"
  4. 4
    King of the Hill season 14 review: "Hank Hill himself has evolved into a much more open and accepting person"
  5. 5
    Eyes of Wakanda review: "A creative premise shortchanged by the runtime and Marvel bloat"

GamesRadar+ is part of Future US Inc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Review guidelines
  • Write for us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...