FC: Game companies welcome Microsoft, worry about Sony's market power

[Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>]

[This is somewhat ironic. Microsoft as the 
might-have-a-fighting-chance-just-maybe underdog entering a market -- and 
welcomed by current companies who would like to dislodge the market leader. 
--Declan]



http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20000310/tc/microsoft_game_1.html
Friday March 10 4:23 AM ET

 Microsoft Enters Videogame Battle With X-Box

 By Yuka Obayashi

 TOKYO (Reuters) - Microsoft headed into the living room battle zone 
Friday, unveiling the
 ``X-box'' videogame console with which it will challenge market leaders 
Sony and Nintendo.

...


 Meanwhile, analysts believe the X-box is hindered by being late to 
market. Nomura's Yada,
 however, said: ``Microsoft has a chance to succeed if it attracts major 
software houses so as to be
 able to offer a wide selection of fun games.''

 ``The company may have to give very reasonable conditions such as cheaper 
royalty fees and
 developing tools for software publishers,'' she said.

 Software Houses Welcome Microsoft's Entry

 Microsoft's move was generally welcomed by Japanese game software makers, 
who worry that
 Sony is becoming too powerful in the industry.

 ``A well-known creative company with abundant cash like Microsoft can 
make something very
 exciting which could weaken Sony's grip,'' an official at major software 
company said.

... 

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