No more ‘TV talk:’ Microsoft and Sony promise to focus on gaming at E3

By Michael Rougeau June 3, 2013

PS4 v Xone — Image used with permission by copyright holder

When Microsoft revealed the Xbox One, the focus was very much on the console’s ability to act as an entertainment hub. When Sony unveiled its PlayStation 4, the majority of the talk was about the hardware itself, and how the social features would work. In the eyes of many, the one thing missing from both debuts was the focus on gaming itself. Those fans should be relieved to hear that both Sony and Microsoft have heard those complaints, and the focus at E3 will very much be on gaming.

For one thing, there won’t be any “TV talk” at Microsoft’s E3 press conference on June 10, Xbox Live’s Larry “Major Nelson” Hryb told one annoyed Twitter user (via Kotaku). “I can confirm that we will have TV’s (or similar) on stage to show the games,” he said. “That should be the extend [sic] of TV talk in your #E3.”

Microsoft’s announcement of the Xbox One included so much talk of its television capabilities, that is has become something of a running joke.

Taking a cue from Microsoft’s perturbed fanbase and wasting no opportunity to rib its competitor, Sony CEO Kaz Hirai said that the PS4 will be a game console “first and foremost.”

“The most important thing we need to make sure we do at least initially is that we all agree and understand that the PS4 is a great videogame console that appeals to video gamers,” he said at All Things D‘s D11 conference. “We take a look at this first and foremost as a game console.”

The console’s capabilities won’t stop at gaming, he added, and more will be revealed in the coming months.

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Michael Rougeau

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Mike Rougeau is a journalist and writer who lives in Los Angeles with his girlfriend and two dogs. He specializes in video…

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