Sometimes you have to improvise, change your plans quickly and build on your opponent’s weaknesses. That’s what Sony did at E3 2013.

E3 2013 was a very important event for both Sony and Microsoft. Both companies formally presented the details and pricing of their brand new consoles: the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. As if Sony sensed something, they chose to present their event after Microsoft’s, which in fact was a great tactical choice.

Andrew House from Sony Computer Entertainment later told in an interview, how they realized the level of hostile reaction Microsoft got for some of its choices, and they have quickly rewrote their script for the PS4 presentation, to make the difference between the PS4 and the Xbox One.

Specifically, Microsoft revealed that the Xbox One would have DRM, would always be online, and will use many game restrictions. Sony realized that they could use this hostile reaction against Microsoft to promote the PS4 as a more open and more sympathetic console.

After Microsoft’s uncover, House and Sony staff rewrote the whole presentation. Sony’s Jack Tretton went on stage and proudly announced to the world that the PlayStation 4 would not have DRM, would not require an always-online connection, and that used games would be supported — completely contrary to the Xbox One.

And it was a huge success — everyone wanted a PlayStation 4 at that point. The hype for the PS4 was so great, that Microsoft eventually backed down on its always-online DRM policy. In fact, a year later, Microsoft was forced to offer a cheaper Xbox One without the Kinect sensor as well.

So far in the next-gen war, the PlayStation 4 has been at the top since day-one. The PS4 has outsold the Xbox One in all but one month since both consoles launched in November 2013.

Via: PS4 Daily