The 360 Seeks Its Softer Side
I think that console developers are finally realizing, with this latest round of next-gen machines, that in order to come out on top of the heap, that they will have to cater to more than the traditional market of gamers (young males).
The XBox 360 seems to be directing some of its marketing moolah to converting soccer moms into XBox moms. They’re keen to appeal to the mothers and wives of male gamers, apparently taking a card from Nintendo’s book in looking to draw non-gamers into the fold. Strange that they don’t seem to think of female gamers as entities unto themselves, but rather as extensions of their male companions. I tend to agree with analysts though, that if Microsoft had planned on selling expressly to new gamers, that such a technical oriented launch list may not have been a terribly wise move. It leads me to believe that this push by the 360 crew is more reactionary than something that they’ve had in the works since the get-go.
The best part of it all? A quote direct from the XBox 360 brochure: “Here are some things you might want to tell your wife this thing does.” Can you hear me gnashing my teeth Microsoft? For a company that suddenly seems interested in the female market, belittling them and telling husbands to teach us how to use their neat toys is not the way to go. Get a clue, not all game players are men and the women of the family are quite competent on their own. I’m pretty offended and I think more sure than ever that I can go without a 360.
(source)
3 opinions for The 360 Seeks Its Softer Side
Karine
Oct 12, 2005 at 2:39 am
Yeah, I have to say it’s hard not to recoil from the “Here are some things you might want to tell your wife this thing does.” Can they be more patronizing ??
Also, definitely annoyed and peeved that female gamers are once again totally ignored. It’s play guys’ games or nothing, once again ; it sure doesn’t make me want to give my money to a company that both ignores and insults me. If anything, it makes me sorry I ever bought an xbox.
Matt
Oct 12, 2005 at 5:44 am
Well and to think…if they’re trying to get the guys to tell their wives about the xbox…chances are that the guy has already gotten one. They need to re-think their strategy and cater to the moms and girl gamers firsthand, because there a lot of you, and God bless you beautiful women(we geeks might have a chance!!) Because frankly, I honestly don’t think a girl who doesn’t really play games is going to shell out 300+ dollars for something like that.
Erin
Oct 13, 2005 at 8:11 am
Matt, good point! I hadn’t really thought if it from that perspective. If you’re marketing to people who you think are already going to buy one, in order to get their wives..what’s the point? It’s not like they’re going to go out and blow $800 to have two systems just so that she can customize hers pinks with little hearts and stars on it. Conversely, the price is a little much to swallow for someone who’s not sure they even like games.
Karine, patronizing is the perfect word. They might have well told me to make sure my husband is around while I turn it on, just in case I don’t understand how to press the ‘ON’ button.
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