Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) Launches Xbox One In China After 14 year Ban is Lifted on Consoles

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By Erik Waters on September 29, 2014 Technology & Software

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is happy to announce that the Xbox One is being launched in China, and thus becoming the first to enter this hugely lucrative market. This launch was originally scheduled to happen over a week ago, but Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) was not forthcoming with a reason for the delay.

Nintendo Co., Ltd (ADR) (OTCMKTS:NTDOY) and Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE) have yet to launch their competitive products. Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE) is ready to launch their PS4 in China, but a release date has not been announced.

By beating their competition to this market, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) now has an advantage, and hopefully a giant boost in sales.

All makers of consoles are in competition with the black market industry, and the illegal import of consoles used to play pirated versions of popular video games.

Mobile game applications, which are very popular, are not banned in China, and are also a source of competition for the big companies, such as Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), Nintendo Co., Ltd (ADR) (OTCMKTS:NTDOY) and Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE)

During the month of January, 2014, China lifted its 14 year ban on consoles. This ban was initially put in place, because the content of certain games were a major concern for the Chinese government. The ban is still on for the popular game, Call of Duty, and will remain in place.

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) will roll out more titles, but currently there will be just ten games available, that can be purchased for the Xbox One.

Minecraft is a game that China would be interested in, as they prefer educational video games over games those that lean toward violence. Minecraft is a game that is geared toward young children, and has been popular in the Western sector of the world for years.

Minecraft is a game that was developed by Markus Persson, a programmer from Sweeden; Mojang later published it. In early May of 2012, the game was released on the Xbox 360, and then to PlayStation 3 in late December of 2013 and just recently to PlayStation 4.

Players are able to build and create structures using 3D textured cubes. In addition, adventures and explorations are other types of activities that a player can expect to participate.

At the 2011 Game Developers Conference, Minecraft walked away with five awards, including the Game of Choice award, and the Best Innovation Award.

As of mid-June, 2014, the game of Minecraft has sold close to 54 million copies.

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) opened at 45.98 and at 11:30 am Eastern Daylight Time it was holding at 46.35. The 52 week range is between 32.70 and 47.57. The market cap is 82.58 B and the inst. ownership is 72%.

In comparison, Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE) opened the market today at 17.70, and has a 52 week range between 15.23 and 21.60 with a market cap of 19.37 B. Nintendo Co., Ltd (ADR) (OTCMKTS:NTDOY) opened today at 13.63 with a marketing cap of 15.64 B and a 52 week range of 12.90 to 19.15.