NPD February 2009

[Tap In]

I think he meant the notion that Xbox users drove sales of PS3 cross-platform titles. There are some impact, but they'd hear the same thing from their PS3 owning friends too. The sales number of "X360 owners gobbling up games like CoD by the millions" usually comes in too late to affect launch week purchases anyway. OTOH potential buyers are able to ask more gamer friends for feedback (or look at XMB to see many friends playing the new game).
.

come on Patsu , word of mouth on the internet and magazines and TV come waaay before sales numbers... that was what I was referring to, excitement as games are selling and being talked about, regardless of which platform has the most vocal users. you can not bottle that.

The magic price point is usually called the reference price.

yes and RELATIVE sales of 360 are showing that it is probably proved once again

 

[patsu]

come on Patsu , word of mouth on the internet and magazines and TV come waaay before sales numbers... that was what I was referring to, excitement as games are selling and being talked about, regardless of which platform has the most vocal users. you can not bottle that.

That may be what you intended to say but TrungGap was answering to what you wrote.

yes and RELATIVE sales of 360 are showing that it is probably proved once again

Yes, but for reference price, companies prefer it to be higher than lower (Hence, Nintendo proceeded to raise Wii's introductory price because they were able to differentiate adequately from the price in people's mind. In fact, they exceeded their projected numbers despite selling above the reference price too).

 

[fearsomepirate]

Why would they? The only fighting game franchise that has grown in fanbase is Smash.

Sounds like you just answered your own question.

Changing controls so that fans who have invested in alternate controllers and sticks can't play would kill the series on consoles.

The 3D fighting franchises stuck in the mid 90s are dying all on their own. The tiny cadre of people willing to buy the expensive arcade joysticks necessary to play them correctly aren't exactly pulling their weight.

 

[joker454]

The magic price point is usually called the reference price. But it doesn't always hold true. Again look at Nintendo, they raised the price according to retailer feedback, and Wii continues to outsell the HD consoles in US, including $199 ones. Pricing's always a function of perceived value.

I think strictly speaking, $199 isn't the magic price point. It's a definitely milestone we all waited for to be sure, I know I let out a huge sigh of relief once a current gen console hit $199 since it likely saved some studios. But at the store, console + game + tax still makes a $199 console seem like $300 in peoples minds. I think $149 is the magic price point because that rounds up to about $200 out the door in the customers mind, so then you can really move units. Plus at $149 it becomes 'gift friendly', cheap enough that is makes a good holiday gift.

I don't think the Wii can be compared to anything regarding price strategy. To the Wii clientele, there is simply no other alternative so they will pay more for it.

 

[Tap In]

That may be what you intended to say but TrungGap was answering to what you wrote.

.

multiplatform sales of certain games were better on PS3 than several 1st party flagship games. to me it speaks to the quality of the cross platform games but also to the excitement that X360 users create by mass vocal support. Similar to how GTA series when on Ps2 drove Xbox users crazy until they got their hands on it. :smile:

I'm pretty sure that's what I implied if not said. :smile: sorry if I was not clear

Yes, but for reference price, companies prefer it to be higher than lower

well of course! i always try to get the most money for my product when I selll my goods.
Console sales are more complex (as you know) and $199 PP is just fine for Ms at this point in time (no HDD).

looking at the increase in numbers year over year and month over month it's CLEAR X360 is selling better with the $199 on the shelf. compare that to the other HD console dropping in sales in the same periods with a high PP and it becomes even more evident, IMO.

 

[patsu]

I think strictly speaking, $199 isn't the magic price point. It's a definitely milestone we all waited for to be sure, I know I let out a huge sigh of relief once a current gen console hit $199 since it likely saved some studios. But at the store, console + game + tax still makes a $199 console seem like $300 in peoples minds. I think $149 is the magic price point because that rounds up to about $200 out the door in the customers mind, so then you can really move units. Plus at $149 it becomes 'gift friendly', cheap enough that is makes a good holiday gift.

Possible, but the reference price is determined by looking at collective behaviour. It's hard to decide based on one or two forum post.

I don't think the Wii can be compared to anything regarding price strategy. To the Wii clientele, there is simply no other alternative so they will pay more for it.

This is the basis for consumer marketing: Differentiation. It's not because Wii is different. It's because 360 is not different enough to run away from the say $199 reference price.

If the market is commoditized, then a whole slew of problems and other kinds of opportunities may weigh in.

 

[patsu]

multiplatform sales of certain games were better on PS3 than several 1st party flagship games. to me it speaks to the quality of the cross platform games but also to the excitement that X360 users create by mass vocal support. Similar to how GTA series when on Ps2 drove Xbox users crazy until they got their hands on it. :smile:

There are many factors and we can probably pull more if we think hard enough. However without regressing the data, it's impossible to say how much individual factors weigh in (e.g., Most high profile cross-platform games are sequels; their existing loyal user base may carry more weight).

There are titles like Assassin's Creed that sold extremely well despite being a new IP too. In this case, the word-of-mouth effect may be more obvious since they start from zero base.

well of course! i always try to get the most money for my product when I selll my goods.
Console sales are more complex (as you know) and $199 PP is just fine for Ms at this point in time (no HDD).

looking at the increase in numbers year over year and month over month it's CLEAR X360 is selling better with the $199 on the shelf. compare that to the other HD console dropping in sales in the same periods with a high PP and it becomes even more evident, IMO.

For some products, a lower price may appeal more to consumers, but the vendors will have to look at their dynamics to see if it's worthwhile to lower price now.

 

[Cheezdoodles]

Shame we dont have enough data to do any meaningful regressions.

 

[joker454]

Possibly, but the reference price is determined by looking at collective behaviour. It's hard to decide based on one or two forum post.

True, we can't tell much from a few forum posts. But let's put it this way. The 360 was first to $199 which was very important. More importantly however is that it will be the first to $149 and the first to $99. To the bean counters, this makes the 360 "A Very Important Piece Of Hardware", guaranteeing money and support long term, and to customers it will always lead in value. To be blunt, this generation (excluding the Wii) is basically done and decided because of pricing an support. The budget priorities on next gen have largely been set for the duration, we know where the money and time will go. The only wildcard is the Wii which is changing things as mentioned below. So we can talk about sales on forums until the cows come home, but this gen is basically over and decided, the main machines have fallen into their roles and priorities.

This is the basis for consumer marketing: Differentiation. It's not because Wii is different. It's because 360 is not different enough to run away from the say $199 reference price.

The Wii is different, that is exactly why it can they can sell $30 hardware for $249. We've seen it time and time again in focus groups, the Wii clientele are scared to even pick up a PS3/360 controller. To them the PS3/360 are non options, they don't exist. It makes no difference what those machines offer, they will not buy them. I'm generalizing of course but worded another way, if the Wii didn't exist then there would be millions of customers totally sitting out this generation. This is extremely significant because it is definitely affecting our budget decisions. We've already seen one studio, Majesco, totally shift away from 'next gen' and focus on Wii/DS, successfully and profitably. We all know that some large studios like EA are also shifting money to the Wii. What many don't know is that privately, the Wii is starting to figure more and more in the 'where does the money go" decisions. The fact that it is still expensive doesn't matter much in the Wii's case, because that clientele is considered unique to that box. Also, for every one gamble we take on PS3/360, we can take 4 to 6 gambles on the Wii, making it far less likely that a failed product takes down the whole studio. Irregardless of what the Wii costs it will remain important because of the unique situation it's in. The same can't be said for PS3/360, they fall into the more typical gamer scenarios so price it extremely important there.

 

[patsu]

True, we can't tell much from a few forum posts. But let's put it this way. The 360 was first to $199 which was very important. More importantly however is that it will be the first to $149 and the first to $99. To the bean counters, this makes the 360 "A Very Important Piece Of Hardware", guaranteeing money and support long term, and to customers it will always lead in value. To be blunt, this generation (excluding the Wii) is basically done and decided because of pricing an support. The budget priorities on next gen have largely been set for the duration, we know where the money and time will go. The only wildcard is the Wii which is changing things as mentioned below. So we can talk about sales on forums until the cows come home, but this gen is basically over and decided, the main machines have fallen into their roles and priorities.

The reference price doesn't care who's first though. It was set by popular consoles in past generations.

In the current picture, cross platform developers will continue to develop for both HD consoles because they reach different markets and because they are similar enough. There may still be new exclusive IPs (like what Sony is doing, or sponsoring another company to do)

The Wii is different, that is exactly why it can they can sell $30 hardware for $249. We've seen it time and time again in focus groups, the Wii clientele are scared to even pick up a PS3/360 controller. To them the PS3/360 are non options, they don't exist. It makes no difference what those machines offer, they will not buy them. I'm generalizing of course but worded another way, if the Wii didn't exist then there would be millions of customers totally sitting out this generation. This is extremely significant because it is definitely affecting our budget decisions. We've already seen one studio, Majesco, totally shift away from 'next gen' and focus on Wii/DS, successfully and profitably. We all know that some large studios like EA are also shifting money to the Wii. What many don't know is that privately, the Wii is starting to figure more and more in the 'where does the money go" decisions. The fact that it is still expensive doesn't matter much in the Wii's case, because that clientele is considered unique to that box. Also, for every one gamble we take on PS3/360, we can take 4 to 6 gambles on the Wii, making it far less likely that a failed product takes down the whole studio. Irregardless of what the Wii costs it will remain important because of the unique situation it's in. The same can't be said for PS3/360, they fall into the more typical gamer scenarios so price it extremely important there.

From consumer pricing perspective, Wii follows the same rules as PS3 and Xbox 360. If you can differentiate well, you can price better. Wii's user base is now the largest platform specific population in the gaming market this gen. The developers will have to learn how to sell to them. If not, the failure/refusal of developers to sell to new demographies would be the most tragic event in the gaming industry.

EDIT:

Shame we dont have enough data to do any meaningful regressions.

Ha ha, true but I have a feeling it would be one big mess, or a bigger mess.

 

[fearsomepirate]

More importantly however is that it will be the first to $149 and the first to $99.

That is a gross simplification, as the PS2 was last to $149 and still isn't $99. What really matters is what product the customers want the most. You need to stay ahead of your competitor's pricing in order to retain your lead, or you might be able to lag it (or even ignore it) because the customers value your product more highly.

Wii's user base is now the largest platform specific population in the gaming market. The developers will have to learn how to sell to them.

Unfortunately, developers so far have been blaming the customers and Nintendo for their non-successes on Wii. EA is one of the few that seems pretty persistent to try to crack that nut, because they see the money there. Their upcoming golf, tennis, and fitness games definitely show they're working at it.

 

[RobertR1]

MOAR! data

Top 20 Games Overall, February 2009

1. WII FIT WII NINTENDO OF AMERICA
2. STREET FIGHTER IV* 360 CAPCOM USA
3. STREET FIGHTER IV* PS3 CAPCOM USA
4. WII PLAY W/ REMOTE WII NINTENDO OF AMERICA
5. KILLZONE 2 PS3 SONY
6. MARIO KART W/WHEEL WII NINTENDO OF AMERICA
7. CALL OF DUTY: WORLD AT WAR* 360 ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
8. MARIO KART DS NDS NINTENDO OF AMERICA
9. NEW SUPER MARIO BROS NDS NINTENDO OF AMERICA
10. GUITAR HERO WORLD TOUR* WII ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
11. F.E.A.R. 2: PROJECT ORIGIN 360 WARNER INTERACTIVE
12. SKATE 2 360 ELECTRONIC ARTS
13. LEFT 4 DEAD 360 ELECTRONIC ARTS
14. NBA 2K9 360 TAKE 2 INTERACTIVE
15. HALO 3* 360 MICROSOFT
16. CALL OF DUTY: WORLD AT WAR PS3 ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
17. LEGO STAR WARS: COMPLETE SAGA WII LUCASARTS
18. GUITAR HERO WORLD TOUR* 360 ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
19. MY FITNESS COACH WII UBISOFT
20. FALLOUT 3* 360 BETHESDA SOFTWORKS

Top 10 Wii

1. WII WII FIT NINTENDO OF AMERICA
2. WII WII PLAY W/ REMOTE NINTENDO OF AMERICA
3. WII MARIO KART W/WHEEL NINTENDO OF AMERICA
4. WII GUITAR HERO WORLD TOUR* ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
5. WII LEGO STAR WARS: COMPLETE SAGA LUCASARTS
6. WII MY FITNESS COACH UBISOFT
7. WII JILLIAN MICHAELS FITNESS ULTIMATUM 2009 MAJESCO
8. WII NASCAR KART RACING ELECTRONIC ARTS
9. WII SUPER SMASH BROS: BRAWL NINTENDO OF AMERICA
10. WII TIGER WOODS PGA TOUR 09 ELECTRONIC ARTS

Top 10 Xbox 360

1. 360 STREET FIGHTER IV* CAPCOM USA
2. 360 CALL OF DUTY: WORLD AT WAR* ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
3. 360 F.E.A.R. 2: PROJECT ORIGIN WARNER INTERACTIVE
4. 360 SKATE 2 ELECTRONIC ARTS
5. 360 LEFT 4 DEAD ELECTRONIC ARTS
6. 360 NBA 2K9 TAKE 2 INTERACTIVE
7. 360 HALO 3* MICROSOFT
8. 360 GUITAR HERO WORLD TOUR* ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
9. 360 FALLOUT 3* BETHESDA SOFTWORKS
10. 360 GEARS OF WAR 2* MICROSOFT

Top 10 PlayStation 2

1. PS2 GUITAR HERO WORLD TOUR* ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
2. PS2 NBA 2K9 TAKE 2 INTERACTIVE
3. PS2 GRAND THEFT AUTO: SAN ANDREAS TAKE 2 INTERACTIVE
4. PS2 GUITAR HERO AEROSMITH* ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
5. PS2 MADDEN NFL 09 ELECTRONIC ARTS
6. PS2 CALL OF DUTY: WORLD AT WAR ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
7. PS2 RESIDENT EVIL 4 CAPCOM USA
8. PS2 KINGDOM HEARTS RE: CHAIN OF MEMORIES SQUARE ENIX INC
9. PS2 WWE SMACKDOWN VS. RAW 2009 THQ
10. PS2 LEGO BATMAN WARNER INTERACTIVE

Top 10 PlayStation 3

1. PS3 STREET FIGHTER IV* CAPCOM USA
2. PS3 KILLZONE 2 SONY
3. PS3 CALL OF DUTY: WORLD AT WAR ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
4. PS3 F.E.A.R. 2: PROJECT ORIGIN WARNER INTERACTIVE
5. PS3 GUITAR HERO III LEGENDS OF ROCK ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
6. PS3 GUITAR HERO WORLD TOUR* ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
7. PS3 SONIC'S ULTIMATE GENESIS COLLECTION SEGA OF AMERICA
8. PS3 NBA 2K9 TAKE 2 INTERACTIVE
9. PS3 RESISTANCE 2* SONY
10. PS3 MORTAL KOMBAT VS. DC UNIVERSE* MIDWAY

Top 10 Game Boy Advance

1. GBA UNO 52 DESTINATION SOFTWARE INC.
2. GBA SHREK 2/MADAGASCAR OPERATION PEN ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
3. GBA BIG MUTHA TRUCKERS DESTINATION SOFTWARE INC.
4. GBA PUPPY LUV: SPA & RESORT ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
5. GBA MADAGASCAR ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
6. GBA ASTEROIDS/PONG/YARS DESTINATION SOFTWARE INC.
7. GBA DRILL DOZER NINTENDO OF AMERICA
8. GBA GOLDEN NUGGET CASINO MAJESCO
9. GBA SPYHUNTER/SUPERSPRINT DESTINATION SOFTWARE INC.
10. GBA VAN HELSING ACTIVISION BLIZZARD

Top 10 Nintendo DS

1. NDS MARIO KART DS NINTENDO OF AMERICA
2. NDS NEW SUPER MARIO BROS NINTENDO OF AMERICA
3. NDS CLUB PENGUIN: ELITE PENGUIN FORCE DISNEY INTERACTIVE STUDIOS
4. NDS LEGO STAR WARS: COMPLETE SAGA LUCASARTS
5. NDS SUPER MARIO 64 DS NINTENDO OF AMERICA
6. NDS FIRE EMBLEM: SHADOW DRAGON NINTENDO OF AMERICA
7. NDS MARIO PARTY NINTENDO OF AMERICA
8. NDS KIRBY SUPER STAR ULTRA NINTENDO OF AMERICA
9. NDS POKEMON RANGER: SHADOWS OF ALMIA NINTENDO OF AMERICA
10. NDS BRAIN AGE 2: MORE TRAINING IN MINUTES A DAY NINTENDO OF AMERICA

Top 10 PSP

1. PSP GRAND THEFT AUTO: LIBERTY CITY STORIES TAKE 2 INTERACTIVE
2. PSP MIDNIGHT CLUB: LA REMIX TAKE 2 INTERACTIVE
3. PSP GRAND THEFT AUTO: VICE CITY STORIES TAKE 2 INTERACTIVE
4. PSP IRON MAN SEGA OF AMERICA
5. PSP LOCOROCO 2 SONY
6. PSP MADDEN NFL 09 ELECTRONIC ARTS
7. PSP WWE SMACKDOWN VS. RAW 2008 THQ
8. PSP LEGO BATMAN WARNER INTERACTIVE
9. PSP WWE SMACKDOWN VS. RAW 2009 THQ
10. PSP CRISIS CORE: FINAL FANTASY VII SQUARE ENIX INC

Top 10 Portable Games Overall

1. NDS MARIO KART DS NDS NINTENDO OF AMERICA
2. NDS NEW SUPER MARIO BROS NDS NINTENDO OF AMERICA
3. NDS CLUB PENGUIN: ELITE PENGUIN FORCE NDS DISNEY INTERACTIVE STUDIOS
4. NDS LEGO STAR WARS: COMPLETE SAGA NDS LUCASARTS
5. NDS SUPER MARIO 64 DS NDS NINTENDO OF AMERICA
6. NDS FIRE EMBLEM: SHADOW DRAGON NDS NINTENDO OF AMERICA
7. NDS MARIO PARTY NDS NINTENDO OF AMERICA
8. NDS KIRBY SUPER STAR ULTRA NDS NINTENDO OF AMERICA
9. NDS POKEMON RANGER: SHADOWS OF ALMIA NDS NINTENDO OF AMERICA
10. NDS BRAIN AGE 2: MORE TRAINING IN MINUTES A DAY NDS NINTENDO OF AMERICA

Top 10 Accessories

1. WII NUNCHUK CONTROLLER NINTENDO OF AMERICA
2. WII REMOTE CONTROLLER W/ JACKET NINTENDO OF AMERICA
3. PS3 DUALSHOCK 3 WIRELESS CONTROLLER SONY
4. 360 LIVE 1600 POINT GAME CARD MICROSOFT
5. 360 LIVE 1 MONTH GOLD CARD MICROSOFT
6. 360 LIVE 12 MONTH GOLD CARD MICROSOFT
7. WII REMOTE CONTROLLER NINTENDO OF AMERICA
8. WII CHARGE STATION NYKO
9. WII WHEEL GRIP NINTENDO OF AMERICA
10. 360 HEADSET MICROSOFT

The 360 has 7 out 10 titles from 11-20. That's showing that it's library is doing well in attracting newcomers to the console. I thought it'd be Wii domination from 11-20 but clearly not the case. It's a 360 domination. Goooooooooo Halo!

 

[patsu]

You should also look at what happens if a Wii game sticks:
http://kotaku.com/5177033/wii-fit-officially-topples-halo-3-in-sales?skyline=true&s=i

I am never a champion of reducing something as complex as a gaming platform down to just some transient ranking. Wii Fit is younger and more expensive too.

Unfortunately, developers so far have been blaming the customers and Nintendo for their non-successes on Wii. EA is one of the few that seems pretty persistent to try to crack that nut, because they see the money there. Their upcoming golf, tennis, and fitness games definitely show they're working at it.

Yes, it does sound like it that way. The developers are limiting themselves, and blaming the wrong thing.

 

[obonicus]

Sounds like you just answered your own question.

Right, but how is anyone else supposed to do Smash? Except maybe for Disney, no one has as large a collection of marketable characters.

The 3D fighting franchises stuck in the mid 90s are dying all on their own. The tiny cadre of people willing to buy the expensive arcade joysticks necessary to play them correctly aren't exactly pulling their weight.

It's keeping steady, though -- SF4 has actually brought interest back to the genre, slightly. It would be really, really stupid to alienate your captive audience in favor for one you don't even know you have. Let's see how that ex-Team Ninja/Gamearts TMNT fighting game does. Maybe really there's an interest in brawl-like games and it's not just the success you'd expect from a fanservice game based on the most valuable IP in all of videogaming.

 

[obonicus]

That is a gross simplification, as the PS2 was last to $149 and still isn't $99. What really matters is what product the customers want the most. You need to stay ahead of your competitor's pricing in order to retain your lead, or you might be able to lag it (or even ignore it) because the customers value your product more highly.

This cuts out Nintendo's work for them. In the US they're able to overwhelmingly maintain interest. Past the difficult initial period, the PS2 had an unassailable library of games. That's what kept their interest up. The Wii isn't so lucky -- if Wii Sports Resort doesn't meet expectations (it probably will) Nintendo might be in trouble. If Japan is any indication, the expanded market's attention is even more fickle than gamers'.

Unfortunately, developers so far have been blaming the customers and Nintendo for their non-successes on Wii. EA is one of the few that seems pretty persistent to try to crack that nut, because they see the money there. Their upcoming golf, tennis, and fitness games definitely show they're working at it.

Developers are only blaming Nintendo and the customers for their failures in 'core' games. The nut of the expanded market isn't that hard to crack. Consider SEGA. HotD:Overkill was a high-quality game with a lot of advertising. Sega listened to the fans who've been claiming that the Wii has a valid market for upscale games and HotD did terribly. I don't believe MadWorld will do much better. On the other hand, their Sonic & Mario games have stellar sales and even their crummy Sonic games sustain them.

 

[RobertR1]

You should also look at what happens if a Wii game sticks:
http://kotaku.com/5177033/wii-fit-officially-topples-halo-3-in-sales?skyline=true&s=i

I am never a champion of reducing something as complex as a gaming platform down to just some transient ranking. Wii Fit is younger and more expensive too.

I think it's quite clear to anyone who follows sales regarding the success of Wii Fit. It's part of the continuous set consisting of Wii Fit, Wii Play and Mario Kart Wii that keeps bring more users to the table. Along with Wii Sports these games are the identity and appeal of the Wii. The 700k + people who buy the Wii in non holiday months are the drawn in by these game routinely and sales show it.

 

[patsu]

Developers are only blaming Nintendo and the customers for their failures in 'core' games. The nut of the expanded market isn't that hard to crack. Consider SEGA. HotD:Overkill was a high-quality game with a lot of advertising. Sega listened to the fans who've been claiming that the Wii has a valid market for upscale games and HotD did terribly. I don't believe MadWorld will do much better. On the other hand, their Sonic & Mario games have stellar sales and even their crummy Sonic games sustain them.

I think developers are saying more than that. I remember hearing people complaining about Nintendo too.

In general, Wii user needs are different and much more simpler. That's why developers should not attempt to port their "difficult" games to Wii. OTOH, there may be some Wii games that interest core gamers.

Along with Wii Sports these games are the identity and appeal of the Wii. The 700k + people who buy the Wii in non holiday months are the drawn in by these game routinely and sales show it.

Right but these games have their inherent appeal. Developers should learn how to "do it" to grow the gaming market beyond what it is today.

 

[Teasy]

Crazy as it sounds, think Wii is the loser here. PS3 and 360 are turning in solid growing sales. Wii has tanked in Japan and finally met demand in USA in February, so that 750K is truly a non supply constrained number for the first time ever. Now you have to wonder if it begins to drop. Even so, it's not outselling the combined HD market by much.

You're right that is crazy. You say that you think Wii is the loser for Febuary NPD but then go on to mention not one single negative. Probably because there isn't one, hence the craziness.

 

[obonicus]

I think developers are saying more than that. I remember hearing people complaining about Nintendo too.

Well, I'm referring to publishers. There's this idea (mostly among Wii owners) that a huge chunk of the Wii userbase, possibly larger than that of the 360, are core gamers -- that the people who supported the PS2 last gen are now ont he Wii. I don't think this is true. More and more I suspect that the core audience that owns a Wii now owned a Gamecube last gen. And certainly, publishers can make money on these people, but, barring rocketing game development costs, not as much as they can on the much larger 'core' audience on the PS360.

 

[Silent_Buddha]

I think it's quite clear to anyone who follows sales regarding the success of Wii Fit. It's part of the continuous set consisting of Wii Fit, Wii Play and Mario Kart Wii that keeps bring more users to the table. Along with Wii Sports these games are the identity and appeal of the Wii. The 700k + people who buy the Wii in non holiday months are the drawn in by these game routinely and sales show it.

What I'm seeing with the Wii is that other than the outlier (Wii Fit) the most popular and enduring games on Wii are what I would consider party games.

Probably one of the most casual and user friendly games genres available.

Which brings me to a realization.

PS3 and X360 bring in a lot more...how to say... Non-social (talking RL here versus online) type of people. For example when I started a thread asking about good co-op games for PS3 and X360 that could be played on a single console I received many comments about why would anyone want to get together to play games when it's so easy to do online.

BTW - I'm not saying people that prefer to play online versus get together and play in RL are non-social. But it's a different type of social.

Wii on the other hand seems to do extremely well with people that actually like to get together with friends for activities in real life. Something that generally excludes PC gaming, X360 and PS3. And the Wii games that are doing exceptionally well are generally (not always) those that can successfully pull together larger groups of people into a fun atmosphere.

I think perhaps that's the greatest divide. Other than the more casual nature of people that would pick up a Wii regardless of it's price. If you market for the traditional gamer market, I believe you will be doomed to low sales and failure on the Wii. However, games that cater to a more casual gameplay style or a party type of atmosphere will tend to do better overall.

Regards,
SB