Microsoft postpones release of Xbox One in mainland China
Microsoft postpones release of new game console to end of year but doesn't say why
PUBLISHED : Sunday, 21 September, 2014, 5:29am
UPDATED : Sunday, 21 September, 2014, 5:29am
Bien Perez [email protected]
Microsoft postpones release of Xbox One in mainland China
Microsoft, the US tech giant targeted in an anti-monopoly probe by Beijing, is delaying the release of its much-anticipated Xbox One game console on the mainland until the end of the year.
The world's largest software firm and its domestic joint-venture partner, BesTV New Media, had earlier scheduled a grand launch on Tuesday, after granting e-commerce service provider JD.com exclusive rights to accept pre-orders for the console in July.
In a statement sent to the Sunday Morning Post yesterday, Microsoft said: "Despite strong and steady progress, we are going to need a bit more time to deliver the best [gaming] experiences possible for our fans in China."
No specific reason was given for the decision to postpone console sales on the mainland, the world's second-biggest games market by revenue after the US.
Xbox One, Microsoft's advanced all-in-one games and entertainment system, was touted as the first device of its kind available for purchase through authorised vendors on the mainland since foreign video game console sales were banned there in 2000. The opening of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone last September helped lift the ban.
"We pride ourselves on delivering first-rate gaming and entertainment experiences, and to allow us to deliver on that promise we need to reschedule the launch of Xbox One," Microsoft said. "We look forward to launching in China by the end of this year."
Microsoft said it would go ahead with a scheduled event tomorrow for Xbox fans and its partners at the Oriental Pearl Tower in Shanghai. It promised "hands-on gameplay, entertainment and Xbox One giveaways". An industry insider said the initial number of Xbox One consoles to be released "was not even close to a million units". JD.com could not be reached for comment.
At the ChinaJoy Expo in Shanghai last month, Microsoft said it was working with 13 top mainland game developers to bring premium local content to the Xbox One, alongside popular titles from its games portfolio.
Microsoft is being investigated by the State Administration for Industry and Commerce for alleged anti-monopoly practices. It has been asked to produce a written explanation of its operations and respond to compatibility and other issues with its Windows and Office software.
