What was rumored yesterday has now been confirmed — Microsoft will start to sell its Xbox One console in China starting in September. Almost one year after the launch in North America, Microsoft’s console will be made available to Chinese gamers in just a few short months.
A partnership between Microsoft and BesTV New Media Co, a subsidiary of Shanghai Media Group, will see the console hitting shelves after ban of more than a decade on the sale of games systems. Microsoft has missed out on a massive Chinese market since the ban was introduced back in 2000. As a result of the partnership, the newly formed E-Home Entertainment was the very first company to register in China’s Shanghai Free Trade Zone.
There is understandable excitement at the prospect of venturing into a hitherto untapped market. Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president, marketing and strategy, Devices and Studios, said: “Launching Xbox One in China is a significant milestone for us and for the industry, and it’s a step forward in our vision to deliver the best games and entertainment experiences to more fans around the world. BesTV has a rich history of delivering innovative entertainment content. It is the ideal partner with which to bring the Xbox business to China.”
General manager of Xbox China, Enwei Xie, is tasked with the job of overseeing the launch. “The opportunities are endless for creators to unleash their imaginations for games, online education and fitness experiences for China and beyond,” he said. “Creators and gamers alike have eagerly awaited a new generation of entertainment experiences in China, and their wait will be over with the arrival of Xbox One this year.”
With a population of over 1.3 billion, Microsoft has the potential to sell a huge number of Xbox Ones in this new market.
