Microsoft Speaks On PSN Outage. Capitalizing On Misfortune

It seems that Microsoft have issued a statement concerning the PlayStation Network outage and really does seem to have a heart. They have stated the following:

“Of course it’s regretful that Sony is encountering issues at such a busy time, and Microsoft takes no joy in the problems gamers are having playing their favourite games online,” said the representative.

“That being said, we are expecting Microsoft’s robust online network to see an increase of traffic from those gamers who own both systems. Being able to play their games via the Xbox Live network could make all the difference for some gamers, and the Xbox Nations event will allow all of them to do just that – whether they have a Gold subscription or not.” 

When asked if Microsoft would see an increase in sales of the Xbox 360 console or game titles, such as the recently released Portal 2 or Operation Flashpoint: Red River, due to the issues faced by PSN users, the representative refused to offer comment.

You know, I find that extremely respectable actually. Of course, you can't read ones mind and the truth is that businessmen are like lawyers but either Microsoft has in fact had poor sales with Portal 2, which Portal 2 is selling extremely well on PS3 as all store shelves I've seen around here are totally empty with 360 copies still on the shelf, but the Microsoft rep refused to comment on Microsoft capitalizing on Sony's misfortune. Its clear they understand and they've been hacked themselves, and they certainly feel for and understand the stress' and pressures that Sony is going through. Though they're competition, Microsoft clearly has a deep respect for Sony and it blows my mind that in the moment Microsoft could have really taken a blow at Sony, they had chosen not too.

It seems there's much more going on in and effecting Japan as the days go on. The Tsunami hits, radiation leaks and now Sony themselves are battling a hack on the PlayStation Network depriving them of even more sleep. Microsoft is still toting their claim to fame on online gaming as they always have but, at this point in time, they're pretty sympathetic. Now could be the time to drive them into the ground but they won't. I think that's awesome!

Though we don't know what this could mean for the future of gaming as to whether perhaps the big three might ban together in an agreement to fight this sort of thing and pull their resources together, we don't know. Depends on the pride of which company if any is there but, we hope that at some point, they will work together to fight this sort of thing. Its a thing that has to end. Its a cause and effect that effects all gamers alike. Yes, only time can tell.