PYONGYANG – North Korea have launched an unscheduled round of missile tests in response to the used game policy on the upcoming Xbox One console.
The country’s leader made clear his disapproval of a more restrictive stance on used games, calling on Microsoft to “take back its regressive actions for my sake and for the sake of the gaming community.”
Relations between North Korea and Microsoft have not been this low since Kim Jong-Un’s Xbox 360 suffered a catastrophic Red Ring of Death in 2007.
Angered response
On Saturday, three long-range guided missiles were fired into its eastern waters hours after the Xbox One announcement. North Korean officials have since gone on record to declare its missile technology was almost as advanced at the console they would be aimed at.
Analysts suggest the latest threat was an attempt to pressure Microsoft into easing its “restrictive” policies towards used games – a familiar strategy employed by the North Korea.
In March, they launched two KN-02 missiles off its east coast after a PlayStation 4 press conference in which no actual console hardware was shown.
Sony officials are said to be on “high alert” in the lead up to their E3 press release.
Xbox One details have only served to further anger leadership within the closed country, promoting the 29-year-old to demand a “show of force” directed at the Redmond company.
Kim Jong-Un warned Microsoft that his missiles were capable of reaching Xbox One launch day retail outlets. He called the “unacceptable” policy a blatant disregard of freedom that would not be tolerated by his regime.
On the brink
Don Mattrick, head of Microsoft’s game business, urged Pyongyang to end all missile tests but insisted Microsoft would not back down on its policy to only allow games to be resold if publishers allowed it.
Mattrick added that threats or provocations would only further isolate North Korea from the wonderful gaming platform on offer later in the year.
“Used games are so last gen anyway ,” said Mattrick. “We are calling on the North Korean leadership to cease its provocative actions and embrace the benefits of our next-gen entertainment content.”
A Pyongyang spokesman replied saying: “What the hell does ‘content’ event mean?!”
With the console maker still to showcase the majority of its Xbox One launch titles, the North Korean leader warned of further missile tests if the games sucked.
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