Microsoft on Xbox One vs. PS4 -- "We Want to Be Number One"

The Xbox One may be lagging behind the PlayStation 4 right now in terms of worldwide sales, but Microsoft is determined to come out on top when all is said and done. Speaking with CVG, Xbox UK marketing executive Harvey Eagle outlined his vision for the Xbox One platform, which includes bringing more people to gaming in general and "winning" this console generation.

"There's a few things I'd like us to achieve. If I take a long-term view, I want Xbox to play a role in bringing more people into gaming," Eagle said. "I think it's incumbent on those who make console platforms to ultimately grow the market. Otherwise we're just trading the same customers amongst each other."

"Microsoft is a very ambitious company, and we want to be number one."-- Harvey Eagle

"There are other success measures, and market share is certainly a very important one. Microsoft is a very ambitious company, and we want to be number one," he added. "We're in this for the long-term and the company is committed to making that happen."

In addition, Eagle said it's Microsoft's job to "give people fun," and ensure that they are happy. "When feedback is positive, obviously we're human and we get a nice warm fuzzy feeling," he said.

The longtime Microsoft executive, who joined the company in 2000, also praised new Head of Xbox Phil Spencer who, Eagle said, brought a "degree of consistency and focus" to the Xbox business unit. "We know where we need to get to, what we need to do, and we're completely laser-focused on delivering great games," Eagle said.

Furthermore, Eagle said that the strong launch of Respawn Entertainment's shooter Titanfall has given the Xbox One a jolt of momentum. And while Microsoft is encouraged by this, there is still much more work to do to drive console sales even further, he explained.

"The change started to happen when Titanfall was released in March, it's been a hugely successful title and the start of what I believe to be is the momentum shift," Eagle said.

Some of the improvements to the Xbox One platform since launch, Eagle said, include the release of the Kinect-free Xbox One, the official price drop for the UK, the expansion of the Games with Gold program, and the steady flow of monthly system updates.

"It's the cumulative effect of all those things over a period of time that has seen this momentum shift for us," Eagle added. "There's still work to do to increase sales. The momentum shift is something to be encouraged by, but certainly there's more work to be done. We do need to see this grow and continue over a period of time. With such a strong lineup of games coming out over the next six months, I think that's going to increase momentum."

As a means to improve the Xbox One further, Eagle said Microsoft will keep its ears to the ground and take in all feedback from users. "We won't stop listening and responding. If that means we have to change in the future based on what people are asking for, then we're completely committed to doing that," he said.