Molyneux: Xbox 360 "won" current-gen, cautions Microsoft over future

22 Cans head Peter Molyneux has today discussed why he feels Microsoft won the current-generation console race, but has expressed caution over the next-generation and the increasing competition of PC, mobile, tablets and other platforms moving forward.

Speaking with the BBC, Microsoft's former creative director of Microsoft Game Studios said, "2013 is proving to be the year of the console hardware refresh. Although it's exciting, it's not nearly as exciting as when the Xbox 360 exploded onto the gaming scene just over seven years ago.

"Back then, the 360 represented a huge leap forward in gaming, with a tangible increase in performance and fantastic multiplayer support. Gamers and game-makers were justifiably super-excited. Now it is that time again, but the world has changed.

"Tablet, mobile PC and smartphone makers are refreshing their hardware on what feels like almost a weekly basis. And on the horizon looms Valve with its PC-based Steam Box. Thereby hangs the problem for Microsoft: how to justify its new console, how to get us all excited.

"Its competition is no longer Sony and Nintendo, but rather Apple, Google and Samsung. Rightfully, Microsoft can claim it won the last console generation. However, it has always targeted the living room as the big prize.

"That's why it packed the 360 with an array of "living room" features to try to persuade us that the machine could be a mix of set-top box, internet music streamer and Facebook browser."

If rumours are to be believed then Xbox 720 will be stashed full of multimedia apps and entertainment functions, fuelled by Microsoft's decision to pour resources and attention onto its Xbox TV division.

What do you make of Molyneux's proclamation that Xbox 360 'won' the current gen? What of Microsoft's increasing focus on the living room? Let us know below.

You can watch Microsoft's Xbox 720 reveal live, right here on VG247 tonight. Bookmark this page and get ready to watch it all unfold from 6pm GMT / 7pm CET / 10am local US.

Thanks OXM.