NPD April 2010

[patsu]

True but a single title in addition to the rest of the existing library can be enough to tip the scales, so in that sense a single title release can sell hardware. I would think the unique games are more valuable here though, releasing another shooter on a console with a library full of shooters isnt likely to increase the appeal too much no matter how good it is.

Too bad they didn't include "free online gaming" as a response. I'm curious to see some numbers.

EDIT: They only have 1-2 generic "PSN online" options. It's hard to tell whether it's because of the videos or because of the free gaming.

We have talked about the "total package" or "total experience" being the pitch. However, it's a little surprising to me at least that about half the people are using the PS3 for "other multimedia capability".

 

[dobwal]

"I like the library of games available." I've always maintained that it's library and not specific titles that shift consoles! The telling metric IMO was 62% valuing upgrading from PS2. I wonder if the same question asked of XB360 buyers would show upgraders from PS2 or new gamers?

"I like the library of games available" is likely measured by specific titles. Its not like the average gamer looks up a PS3 library list and then decide to buy. Its most likely specific highly marketed titles that help build a positive image of a console's overall library over time.

 

[patsu]

It's more than specific titles. Perhaps the consumer felt that there is enough variety, quality and price range for them to choose from.

 

[dobwal]

It's more than specific titles. Perhaps the consumer felt that there is enough variety, quality and price range for them to choose from.

But that perception is created by awareness of specific titles. You can't go into Gamestop unaware and formulate an informed opinion of the library of the PS3, other than it might be smaller than the 360 or Wii, which seems to have more shelf space or maybe the PS3 games have better box covers.

And you are more than a general consumer if you doing research into the library by going and looking up Metacritic scores, which won't help you much because the PS3 doesn't have more games, better variety or a distinct advantage in quality scores. The only thing that seperates the 360 and the PS3 are a few key exclusives.

Basically the more titles that a consumers can think of off the top of their head the more positive they will be about the library of the respective console.

 

[patsu]

If you look at the numbers, they seem to be people who are into sophisticated media use. They may be the tech savvy crowd. The Wii people are not here yet.

Plus, they may be looking for familiar PS2 titles on the PS3 racks (SingStar, Final Fantasy, God of War, blah)

 

[dobwal]

If you look at the numbers, they seem to be people who are into sophisticated media use. They may be the tech savvy crowd. The Wii people are not here yet.

They may be tech savvy doesn't mean their game savvy especially when 62% are looking to replace a PS2 almost 5 years into the current gen.

Plus, they may be looking for familiar PS2 titles on the PS3 racks (SingStar, Final Fantasy, God of War, blah)

Wouldn't that tell you thats its a group of specific titles that are facillitating their desire to upgrade.

Nevertheless, PS3's library consists of 400+ games, which here on a forum dedicated to gaming and filled with avid gamers only discuss a small fraction of those titles. If avid gamers are basing the overall quality of the PS3 on a small subset of PS3 titles then the general consumers' perception must be based on even on smaller subset.

Specific titles that work in concert with each other are the key influencers of the overall perception of quality of a console's library especially for mainstream consumers.

EDIT:

Put it this way if GT5, Madden, MGS4, GTA4, KZ2 and COD:MW1&2 were removed (meaning never released) from the PS3 current library or upcoming release schedule would it drastically or inconsequently affect the PS3's library perception of quality.

If those were exclusive 360 titles, in my opinion, the PS3 would have fared far worse than it does now.

 

[patsu]

They may be tech savvy doesn't mean their game savvy especially when 62% are looking to replace a PS2 almost 5 years into the current gen.

May be they are waiting for the library to mature, price to drop, HDTV to arrive, etc. ?

Wouldn't that tell you thats its a group of specific titles that are facillitating their desire to upgrade.

Sometimes I use a random check list to get a general feel of the variety. They will look for specific titles (e.g., GT5), but if it's not there, they may still jump at it once enough are available.

If you're hard up for specific titles (again, GT5), then you won't buy unless you see 'em on the shelf.

Nevertheless, PS3's library consists of 400+ games, which here on a forum dedicated to gaming and filled with avid gamers only discuss a small fraction of those titles. If avid gamers are basing the overall quality of the PS3 on a small subset of PS3 titles then the general consumers' perception must be based on even on smaller subset.

Sure... that's why I mentioned that what the survey tells us may be the one title customers are not here yet.

Specific titles that work in concert with each other are the key influencers of the overall perception of quality of a console's library especially for mainstream consumers.

EDIT:

Put it this way if GT5, Madden, MGS4, GTA4, KZ2 and COD:MW1&2 were removed (never released) from the PS3 current library or upcoming release schedule would it drastically or inconsequentially affect the PS3's library perception of quality.

See above.

Once you take individual titles out, naturally the game library becomes less attractive. However the gamer may still bite if some of the titles are absent, especially say... they are looking for a Blu-ray player at the same time.

 

[dobwal]

May be they are waiting for the library to mature, price to drop, HDTV to arrive, etc. ?

Generally avid gamers wouldn't wait this long to indulge in one of his or hers favorite hobby unless they were primarily gaming another current platform.

Sometimes I use a random check list to get a general feel of the variety. They will look for specific titles (e.g., GT5), but if it's not there, they may still jump at it once enough are available.

If you're hard up for specific titles (again, GT5), then you won't buy unless you see 'em on the shelf.

If that were true that would nullify my belief that the majority of the early adopters are buying into the prospect of the future library not going all willy nilly just to play launch titles. People buy console with future expectations all the time.

Sure... that's why I mentioned that what the survey tells us may be the one title customers are not here yet.

I don't think any gamer buys a console just for one title. One title may act as a tipping point as MGS4 did for me, but in general its just a handful of titles that encourages purchases and influence perception. The average gamers is only going to buy a handful of titles for their console anyways. You don't need to see 100-200 quality titles if you're only going to buy 10 or less over the lifetime of your console as a mainstream gamer.

See above.

Once you take individual titles out, naturally the game library becomes less attractive. However the gamer may still bite if some of the titles are absent, especially say... they are looking for a Blu-ray player at the same time.

You can remove about 2/3 rds of the titles of the PS3 library (or any console for that matter) and the perception of quality wouldn't change. But you can remove just a handful of certain specific titles and the perception would go to @#$@ for any console. On the PS3, 360 and Wii most of the perception is driven by less than 20% of library with even a smaller number having a even greater disportionate amount of influence.

And thats natural because unlike avid gamers, general gamers don't consume alot of titles. So they are only keying into a small selection of highly attractive titles.

 

[patsu]

Generally avid gamers wouldn't wait this long to indulge in one of his or hers favorite hobby unless they were primarily gaming another current platform.

Not all gamers are rich, especially in this climate.

Note that a game library also includes great games that have dropped in price. It's not only about specific game availability.

If that were true that would nullify my belief that the majority of the early adopters are buying into the prospect of the future library not going all willy nilly just to play launch titles. People buy console with future expectations all the time.

Future expectation and current library.

I don't think any gamer buys a console just for one title. One title may act as a tipping point as MGS4 did for me, but in general its just a handful of titles that encourages purchases and influence perception. The average gamers is only going to buy a handful of titles for their console anyways. You don't need to see 100-200 quality titles if you're only going to buy 10 or less over the lifetime of your console as a mainstream gamer.

The reverse is also true. Some will want a game, but when it's released they procastinate. Usually, it's the combined value that finally closes the deal.

You can remove about 2/3 rds of the titles of the PS3 library (or any console for that matter) and the perception of quality wouldn't change. But you can remove just a handful of certain specific titles and the perception would go to @#$@ for any console. On the PS3, 360 and Wii most of the perception is driven by less than 20% of library with even a smaller number having a even greater disportionate amount of influence.

And thats natural because unlike avid gamers, general gamers don't consume alot of titles. So they are only keying into a small selection of highly attractive titles.

That's true. But I don't think it works against the "game library" theory/question. All 20% contribute to the attractiveness of the game library (instead of 100%).

EDIT: However that 20% may be different for different people/family members.

 

[eastmen]

Isn't that the ideal situation, though? Women have money and very few games cater to them without being pandering.

I'm sure if you do some research it will be shown that the average woman spends more of thier income on makeup and clothing while males spend more on gaming and entertainment.

My gf and I spend the same amount of money a month (saving for a wedding) and the majority of her money after cell phone and car payments goes towards her hair , nails , make up and clothing. Most of mine goes towards entertainment. I do get a monthly hair cut but its $20 bucks. Thats what she spends on her toe nails.

 

[Silent_Buddha]

@ Silent_Buddha

You have to factor in the release day of a game in a NPD covering period.
ME2 was released Jan 26th giving it 5 days in January NPD (ended 30th).
GoW3 was released March 16th giving it 19 days in March NPD (ended 3rd of April), thus explaining the much higher drop-off.

Shouldn't affect things too much. The first week in the US appears to be the biggest. KZ2 saw a similar rapid dropoff despite only selling for a few days in its first NPD "month" of sales.

Regards,
SB

 

[Silent_Buddha]

I'm sure if you do some research it will be shown that the average woman spends more of thier income on makeup and clothing while males spend more on gaming and entertainment.

My gf and I spend the same amount of money a month (saving for a wedding) and the majority of her money after cell phone and car payments goes towards her hair , nails , make up and clothing. Most of mine goes towards entertainment. I do get a monthly hair cut but its $20 bucks. Thats what she spends on her toe nails.

Individual experiences don't say particularly much. I know a few couples where the guy in the relationship spends as much or more than the girl on clothing, grooming products, cologne and haircuts.

Fact is, women in many relationships (especially families) have control of the budget. Generally have more disposable cash and savings (less likely to go out binge drinking and gambling). If you can tap into that (Wii Fit, The Sims) you can basically print your own money.

Regards,
SB

 

[AmFreak]

Shouldn't affect things too much. The first week in the US appears to be the biggest. KZ2 saw a similar rapid dropoff despite only selling for a few days in its first NPD "month" of sales.

Regards,
SB

It's natural that the first week is the biggest (as is the first day). It's also that if a game has less days in a covering month, the drop-off will be smaller.
What's the source of your KZ2 numbers?
KZ2 sold 323,000 in it's first month (2 days in Feb 2009) and sold 296,000 in March. That's not even 10%, virtually no drop-offf at all.

http://vgsales.wikia.com/wiki/NPD_February_2009
http://vgsales.wikia.com/wiki/NPD_March_2009

 

[RancidLunchmeat]

Individual experiences don't say particularly much.

Fact is, women in many relationships (especially families) have control of the budget.

Is there a source for this FACT or is this based upon individual experiences that don't say particularly much?

 

[Silent_Buddha]

It's natural that the first week is the biggest (as is the first day). It's also that if a game has less days in a covering month, the drop-off will be smaller.
What's the source of your KZ2 numbers?
KZ2 sold 323,000 in it's first month (2 days in Feb 2009) and sold 296,000 in March. That's not even 10%, virtually no drop-offf at all.

http://vgsales.wikia.com/wiki/NPD_February_2009
http://vgsales.wikia.com/wiki/NPD_March_2009

Bleh there goes my memory sabotaging me again. Now I remember why the numbers were so remarkable to me. I just switched what it was. I'd forgotten how the first week for KZ2 was so incredibly far below expectations at the time.

So, yes, horrible example that I harpooned myself with.

Regards,
SB

 

[Silent_Buddha]

Is there a source for this FACT or is this based upon individual experiences that don't say particularly much?

Perhaps it's different where you live. But go to any large gathering of men and just listen to them complain about their wives controlling the money. Which is generally (but not always) a good idea as from my "experience" women are much better with creating a budget and sticking to it in order to build a nest egg for the future.

So, no, other than pop culture books and anecdotal evidence spread over 3 continents (and a few island nations) and multiple countries, there isn't a research paper I can point to with that information.

Regards,
SB

 

[patsu]

GameStop: PS3 Out Of Stock 80 Percent Of The Time (Feb - April):
http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/28636/GameStop_PS3_Out_Of_Stock_80_Percent_Of_The_Time.php

Analysts have suggested hardware shortages shoulder part of the blame for industry sales shortfalls over the past few months -- but retailer GameStop says constraints for PlayStation 3 are severe.

On the company's quarterly results call to investors, chief operating officer Paul Raines said that in its stores, PS3s have been out of stock a surprising 80 percent of the time during the company's February-April quarter.

...

 

[NRP]

Well, I guess that's one way to minimize losses.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

 

[patsu]

... and

Nintendo's Wii still faces constraints, too -- Raines said the Wii was out of stock at GameStop stores 50 percent of the time.

 

[zed]

Well, I guess that's one way to minimize losses.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

I just cant understand sony's stategy, the ps3 has finally started to sell at a profit and they cant make enuf
BTW theyre currently in stock at amazon though, first time for ages
http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/videogames/ref=pd_ts_pg_1?ie=UTF8&pg=1
#8, wii #17 I think thats the lowest Ive ever seen it!