Video game revenues dropped more than expected in June, reports market research firm NPD.
According to Venture Beat, sales of game hardware and software dropped 31% over June, 2008. VB's Dean Takahashi writes:
In some ways, it isn’t a surprise. Last year, a lot of big titles came out in the first half of the year. This year, most big titles are coming out in the second half of the year... But it’s also clear the recession is taking a toll.
“This is one of the first months where I think the impact of the economy is clearly reflected in the sales numbers,” Frazier said. “This level of decline is certainly going to cause some pain and reflection in the industry.” ...
It’s time to wonder if gamers are migrating to free games on the web, Facebook, iPhone or other platforms. While console game sales have been falling, the number of online game players is up 22 percent this year, according to market researcher comScore.
Comments
Re: Video Game Sales Drop Extends to Fourth Month
I like to think of it along the line of gamers are getting educated about bullshit practices of publishers (looking at you EA, Ubi & Acti) regarding DRM and gouging as well as trying to kill the First Sale Doctorine and are finally speaking with their wallets - the only thing such groups will hear.
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"The most difficult pain a man can suffer is to have knowledge of much and power over little" - Herodotus
Re: Video Game Sales Drop Extends to Fourth Month
This economic downturn is going to be a long process. Mostly because of government interference. Huzzah for interfering with the behavior of markets.
Re: Video Game Sales Drop Extends to Fourth Month
And they're doing the exact same crap AGAIN that caused all of this in the first place.
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Freedom of speech means the freedom to say ANYTHING, so long as it is the truth. This does not exclude anything that might hurt someone's feelings.
Re: Video Game Sales Drop Extends to Fourth Month
Errr what? And what new games am I supposed to buy right now? I've gone back this month to playing a lot of CS:Source, an older game that is still great graphics and gameplay. Why spend money on crappy new releases?
Re: Video Game Sales Drop Extends to Fourth Month
How bout changing the $59.99 price point. It didn't help during the 64 ERA either. And some of us live in Liberal Democratic States were there is a huge sales tax or taxes to where it makes that 59.99 into almost ten more dollars to pay for failed social problems.
Here around Chicago all the suberbs of Cook County are or have voted for Secession from the Democratic Kingdom of Chicago! Don't believe that google Cook County Secession
Re: Video Game Sales Drop Extends to Fourth Month
In Canada, new 360 titles retail for $69.99, not including roughly a 12-15% tax (depending on province). In contrast, new PC titles usually retail at $49.99.
Re: Video Game Sales Drop Extends to Fourth Month
And this will be blamed on piracy.
Re: Video Game Sales Drop Extends to Fourth Month
These figures don't mean anything. Here's why:
Here's the old situation:
During slow months with no blockbuster hits- people resort to buying the B and C rank games anyway because of the lack of aforementioned blockbuster hits.
Here's the new situation:
During slow months witih no blockbuster hits- people go onto Xbox Live and PSN and buy downloadable digital games because of the lack of aforementioned blockbuster hits.
Re: Video Game Sales Drop Extends to Fourth Month
They could make some serious bank if they decided to release the original Perfect Dark on XBLA this summer- but it's coming out this winter. :( That makes me sad- not in the least because many good games will also be debuting around that time.
Re: Video Game Sales Drop Extends to Fourth Month
How is Perfect Dark coming out on XBLA? It's a Nintendo license (the original anyway). Is the Wii getting it too?
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Freedom of speech means the freedom to say ANYTHING, so long as it is the truth. This does not exclude anything that might hurt someone's feelings.
Re: Video Game Sales Drop Extends to Fourth Month
This is kind of unrelated to the overall message of the post, but can any of you remember a year in which the biggest sellers werent released in the second half of the year? Generally, the only time big games are released in the first half is becuase the developers missed their Christmas marks. Just figured I'd point it out...
Re: Video Game Sales Drop Extends to Fourth Month
Generally, the only time big games are released in the first half is becuase the developers missed their Christmas marks.
Not really. Many big name games are released in the March-May time frame. GTA4, Super Smash Brothers, Mario Kart, etc.
These games were released at those times not because they were late for Christmas, but because their was little competition.
E. Zachary Knight
Oklahoma City Chapter of the ECA
http://www.theeca.com/chapters_oklahoma
E. Zachary Knight
Divine Knight Gaming
OK Game Devs
Random Tower
Re: Video Game Sales Drop Extends to Fourth Month
Re: Video Game Sales Drop Extends to Fourth Month
With people still losing jobs as fast as before that nearly-trillion dollar waste of money we call the stimulus package, this was hardly a surprise. A responsible adult will forego entertainment to put food on the table, and that's what we're seeing here.
Re: Video Game Sales Drop Extends to Fourth Month
Sir how dare you question the Messiah's change!