James_F
03-15-03, 01:13 PM
http://quote.bloomberg.com/fgcgi.cgi?ptitle=Technology%20News&s1=blk&tp=ad_topright_tech&T=markets_box.ht&s2=ad_right1_technology&bt=ad_position1_technology&box=ad_box_all&tag=technology&middle=ad_frame2_technology&s=APnGRuRXVTWljcm9z
Hanover, Germany, March 14 (Bloomberg) -- Microsoft Corp., which today starts an online service in Europe for its Xbox game consoles, is struggling to win over makers of the top titles.
Microsoft, whose Xbox has sold about a sixth as many as Sony Corp.'s PlayStation 2, will launch the Internet service in eight countries without the backing of Electronic Arts Inc., the biggest U.S. computer-game maker, or Tomb Raider-creator Eidos Plc.
``Microsoft should be concerned that a game maker of the size of Electronics Arts doesn't support its initiative,'' said Jason Armitage, an analyst at IDC. ``It's critical to maintain relations with the publishers.''
``We're not supporting Xbox Live for the time being because we don't feel comfortable with Microsoft's business model -- they own the consumer,'' said Eidos Chief Executive Mike McGarvey in an interview on March 6. The company is developing games for Sony's PlayStation 2 online system, because ``Sony is more of a partner,'' he said.
Redwood City, California-based Electronics Arts, which makes titles such as ``2002 FIFA World Cup'' and ``NHL 2003'' for the Xbox console, said it's also reluctant to join Microsoft's system. ``We have no plans for online games with Xbox because we couldn't agree on the terms,'' said spokesman Jeff Brown, reiterating a position held since last May.
Makes it kind of hard to pay for Xbox live without EA games. :eek2:
Hanover, Germany, March 14 (Bloomberg) -- Microsoft Corp., which today starts an online service in Europe for its Xbox game consoles, is struggling to win over makers of the top titles.
Microsoft, whose Xbox has sold about a sixth as many as Sony Corp.'s PlayStation 2, will launch the Internet service in eight countries without the backing of Electronic Arts Inc., the biggest U.S. computer-game maker, or Tomb Raider-creator Eidos Plc.
``Microsoft should be concerned that a game maker of the size of Electronics Arts doesn't support its initiative,'' said Jason Armitage, an analyst at IDC. ``It's critical to maintain relations with the publishers.''
``We're not supporting Xbox Live for the time being because we don't feel comfortable with Microsoft's business model -- they own the consumer,'' said Eidos Chief Executive Mike McGarvey in an interview on March 6. The company is developing games for Sony's PlayStation 2 online system, because ``Sony is more of a partner,'' he said.
Redwood City, California-based Electronics Arts, which makes titles such as ``2002 FIFA World Cup'' and ``NHL 2003'' for the Xbox console, said it's also reluctant to join Microsoft's system. ``We have no plans for online games with Xbox because we couldn't agree on the terms,'' said spokesman Jeff Brown, reiterating a position held since last May.
Makes it kind of hard to pay for Xbox live without EA games. :eek2: