From http://www.oxm.co.uk/articles/news/h...nd_to_ps3_home...


GDC 07 Exclusive: Microsoft respond to PS3 Home...
09 Mar 2007 9:32am
Welcome to the next-gen party!
Sony unveiled Playstation Home during a packed keynote address at GDC this week. Since its confirmation fans, internet commentators and forums have been jam packed with heated debate on its merits and possible flaws.
Microsoft's Stephen McGill, Head of Gaming & Entertainment, has now given us the first response from the other side of the next-gen fence in a statement issued this morning;

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"I feel great about the position we’re in today and our leadership in installed base; our leadership in online community; and our leadership in great games available. Let’s not forget that this is a games business. Games are at the centre of our strategy and will continue be. We’ve got a great portfolio and we’ve got some big blockbusters on the way with Guitar Hero II, Forza Motorsport 2, Mass Effect, GTA 4 and of course Halo 3 all coming soon."
He continues, "If you look at Sony’s announcements around communities we’re pleased Sony are now in agreement with what we’ve been saying since we unveiled Xbox 360. When you look at the “virtual world” Sony have just announced, it’s good to see them finally focus the online space but let’s remember our virtual world games are at the center of our online strategy. And Xbox LIVE is here NOW! With Xbox LIVE you have full access to the online community, communications and rich experiences - whether in the game or in the dashboard. We firmly believe that the key to creating connected experiences is by building the community. We have over 6 million members on Xbox LIVE today and our community is getting ready for a giant boom. This spring we are bringing LIVE to Windows where there’s already a community of over 200 million gamers. Finding friends and playing or chatting with them is what gamers want and nothing delivers that better than Xbox LIVE."
A compelling response. But what about the like of Little Big Planet? A title that wowed all who saw it in San Francisco with its ability to put level design in the hands of gamers?
"User generate content? Again, we’re pleased Sony agree with us that user generate content is very interesting to gamers, and nothing demonstrates our firm commitment to that better than our delivery of XNA studio where anyone can now create their own unique gaming experiences."

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