Microsoft Asks Asia: What's Wrong With U?

Home : News : News Story

MS questions how Asian gamers could refuse an Xbox 360 with a strange new web site.


The site, located at WhatsWrongWithU.com, is registered by a Seattle-based marketing firm with a history of marketing Microsoft products. That firm's name is AvenueA/Razorfish. It seems the site was commissioned by Microsoft in their continuing attempt to make progress in the Asian game market. So far, despite all their best efforts, the Xbox 360 has sold extremely poorly in Asia. Will this site suddenly make Asian gamers realise they're missing out? It's unlikely. The site proclaims boldly, "Xbox has got it all! What more are you looking for?". It then lists things which we assume Microsoft thinks Asians want:

  • Great Japanese games
  • Ability to play with friends
  • Simple online gameplay
  • Blockbuster titles
  • Awesome gaming experience
  • Looks cool

While we think it's a shame more Asians don't see the Xbox 360 as the wonderful console many westerners believe it to be, we can understand why it is viewed an so unappealing in other countries. Culture differences cannot be underestimated. Games that are blockbuster hits in North America may be completely unappealing to gamers in other countries, and vice versa.

And yet, while there is a small but growing number of western gamers getting into Japanese imports, there is also a growing number of Japanese gamers becoming addicted to western games. Is it only a matter of time before everyone is playing the same titles, and consoles enjoy similar success across all regions?

Feb 6, 2007

News by Richard Manley.

Send this news story to a friend.

Add a new comment below

Recent news stories

October 2, 2008

Dragon Quest IX Japanese Date
Officially scheduled for a “March 2009” launch.

Penny Arcade Episode Two Goes Gold
Prepped and ready for launch later this Fall.

Wii Storage Solution Detailed
Software/channels to become SD Card compatible.

Video: Nintendo DS Line-Up
Another montage trailer, this time for the DS.

GameCube Titles Coming To Wii
Pikmin set to be the first re-released series.

Video: Wii Software Line-up
A montage trailer from Nintendo's recent conference.

Nintendo Officially Announces New DS
The 'DSi' will feature a larger screen and a built-in camera.

October 1, 2008

MEME Expansion coming for MGO
Metal Gear Online getting another set of maps, new characters.

Hudson Details TGS Line-Up
Fishing Master, Kororinpa 2, and Bomberman Ultra.

Queen Coming To The SingStore
Two SongPacks scheduled for imminent release.


EverWars.com - You have GOT to play this game!