Sony Gamescom 2013 conference

[Shortbread]

After Sony's appalling decisions with the PS3 and how badly they dropped the ball with the last generation they seem to have got their act together 100% this time.

They also seem to have struck lucky in the fact that gaming has suddenly become a lot more high profile is many areas, not just recreation. There are more people looking now than there was before and Sony have been at all the right places with all the right messages.

And now with the emphasis that MS have made about the kinnect being central to the whole XB1 experience and then having nothing to show that 'experience'... It kind of makes out that the central 'experience' of the XB1 is an empty one.

I still believe that MS just struck lucky last generation. They caught the core market that were dismayed with the PS3 and how late it was coming and how expensive. This time around though Sony are back in the game and have made great inroads in re-capturing the core market and haven't been confusing the new emerging none core buyers with mixed messages and sudden reversals to policies.

From all indications from the media blurbs, and the info that I gathered at my local GameStop & Best Buy in my area... the PS4 is well over 1.7 million preorders and XB1 is sitting south of 870k in North America (their allotments and other retail allotments). The Sales Associates at Best Buy and Gamestop are recommending PS4 over XB1 this time around, compared to XB360 over the PS3 during that generation time frame. So, Sony has the wind to their back at the moment...

 

[BRiT]

the PS4 is well over 1.7 million preorders

Has this bit been sorted out? I keep seeing different media blurbs from "over 1 million" to forum warriors indicating "over 1.7 million".

 

[Shortbread]

Has this bit been sorted out? I keep seeing different media blurbs from "over 1 million" to forum warriors indicating "over 1.7 million".

I used to be a sales Manager at CompUSA in Troy MI, before they went belly up. So, looking at the inventory info between BB/GS, and knowing both the Store GM's... these numbers are safe bets "as of now". People can cancel preorders...

 

[BoardBonobo]

Has this bit been sorted out? I keep seeing different media blurbs from "over 1 million" to forum warriors indicating "over 1.7 million".

They were quoted from Gamestop only. What the state of pre-orders are like with Amazon, Game, et al is unknown; other than that they are the highest for 20 years according to Sony (And the more than a million). Which I guess would put them higher than PS2 pre-orders? But obviously the entire pre-order model has changed significantly in two decades. That pre-dating the internet and all.

 

[Silent_Buddha]

They were quoted from Gamestop only. What the state of pre-orders are like with Amazon, Game, et al is unknown; other than that they are the highest for 20 years according to Sony (And the more than a million). Which I guess would put them higher than PS2 pre-orders? But obviously the entire pre-order model has changed significantly in two decades. That pre-dating the internet and all.

Considering it took PS2 a year to hit 10 million consoles world wide, I think it's safe to say that both Xbox One and PS4 have a good chance to outdo it. Even if Microsoft manages to "only" sell 6.2 million by the end of the their fiscal year (June 30th), they should have enough time to hit 10 million or more by Nov. XX, 2014 (XX for whatever the launch day happens to be).

One other thing to consider. Is it possible to pre-order the PS4 directly through the PS3 console? Considering that MS is/was selling pre-orders that way, that would be a large chunk of consoles that wouldn't be reported by any retail outlet.

Regards,
SB

 

[BoardBonobo]

Considering it took PS2 a year to hit 10 million consoles world wide, I think it's safe to say that both Xbox One and PS4 have a good chance to outdo it. Even if Microsoft manages to "only" sell 6.2 million by the end of the their fiscal year (June 30th), they should have enough time to hit 10 million or more by Nov. XX, 2014 (XX for whatever the launch day happens to be).

One other thing to consider. Is it possible to pre-order the PS4 directly through the PS3 console? Considering that MS is/was selling pre-orders that way, that would be a large chunk of consoles that wouldn't be reported by any retail outlet.

Regards,
SB

There is no direct method of pre-ordering a ps4 through the xmb. And though it's true that an unknown number of xbones may have been sold through the x360. MS's recent actions may give an indication that the total number of pre-orders are below expectation, regardless of the channel through which they originated.

 

[Rangers]

From all indications from the media blurbs, and the info that I gathered at my local GameStop & Best Buy in my area... the PS4 is well over 1.7 million preorders and XB1 is sitting south of 870k in North America (their allotments and other retail allotments). The Sales Associates at Best Buy and Gamestop are recommending PS4 over XB1 this time around, compared to XB360 over the PS3 during that generation time frame. So, Sony has the wind to their back at the moment...

There is zero way you could have access to those type of numbers. Unless you're saying those are the national BB/GS pre order numbers and they were available to you? Please clarify.

Also 1.7m is likely way high for just the USA, considering Sony announced 1m for the world. And I know you dont have insight in European numbers.

For reference what others are thinking I believe Vgchartz just put out it's guesses and they have PS4 at 600k preorders in the US.

 

[Shortbread]

There is zero way you could have access to those type of numbers. Unless you're saying those are the national BB/GS pre order numbers and they were available to you? Please clarify.

Also 1.7m is likely way high for just the USA, considering Sony announced 1m for the world. And I know you dont have insight in European numbers.

For reference what others are thinking I believe Vgchartz just put out it's guesses and they have PS4 at 600k preorders in the US.

These numbers are based off preorders, not actual sales. If you read my post correctly, I mentioned that BB/GS numbers are combined with other retailer numbers. These companies have a good idea on what's being allocated to who and how many (other retailers such as KMART, Sears, Walmart, ABC Warehouse, Frys, Cosco's... not to even mention the major online retailers.). And yes, these numbers are for North America alone.

To say Sony would meet these numbers is anyone's best guess... I believe they will be supply limited. Yet, Sony as well as MS, is still allowing preorders to be made.

FYI: I have plenty of friends (ex CompUSA employees) still working in retail... so it's not that hard on seeing their VIS and SiS systems. It pays not to burn bridges...

FYI 2: Preorders also cover (2nd,3rd, 4th, etc... rounds) days, weeks and sometimes months, not just the launch date. I didn't get my PS3 until the 2nd major shipment from Sony, however I preordered months in advance before the launch.

 

[baten]

There is a nice bundle from amazon.fr :
http://www.amazon.fr/Console-PS4-50..._1?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1377762990&sr=1-1
It has no date on it, but I think this will be one of the standard offers in near future.

 

[Shifty Geezer]

These numbers are based off preorders, not actual sales. If you read my post correctly, I mentioned that BB/GS numbers are combined with other retailer numbers. These companies have a good idea on what's being allocated to who and how many (other retailers such as KMART, Sears, Walmart, ABC Warehouse, Frys, Cosco's... not to even mention the major online retailers.). And yes, these numbers are for North America alone.

How do you relate your numbers with Sony saying they had made over a million preorders at Gamescom?

 

[BoardBonobo]

How do you relate your numbers with Sony saying they had made over a million preorders at Gamescom?

Nobody ever tried to clarify whether that number was European or American only, or whether that was a worldwide figure. It's not beyond belief that, with it being GC, only European figures were mentioned.

That 1.7 million figure was from a Gamestop rumour, that also put the xbone at 700k.

It's all moot until after launch anyway. Suffice to say that Sony are very comfortable with pre-order numbers, apart from worrying about not meeting demand. MS on the other hand are having to do day one bundles in order to drive demand.

 

[BRiT]

MS on the other hand are having to do day one bundles in order to drive demand.

Only in Europe. There is no bundle for the USA. At least nothing announced yet.

 

[Rangers]

Nobody ever tried to clarify whether that number was European or American only, or whether that was a worldwide figure. It's not beyond belief that, with it being GC, only European figures were mentioned.

That 1.7 million figure was from a Gamestop rumour, that also put the xbone at 700k.

It's all moot until after launch anyway. Suffice to say that Sony are very comfortable with pre-order numbers, apart from worrying about not meeting demand. MS on the other hand are having to do day one bundles in order to drive demand.

Given past console launch quantities 1m is much more likely to be a worldwide figure.

Even at that if you divide it 500k for US 500k for EU, it will be quite a lot more consoles available than past launches.

For reference 360 first NPD was 326k, PS3's was 197K. So 500K+ would already be a hefty increase.

if 1M was a EU only figure than it would likely be ~2m WW. For that youd have to expect a 1m+ first NPD just from day one preorders not counting any resupply shipments during November, which is 3X-4X+ what PS3/360 did their first months.

Given there's zero source provided on the 1.7 rumor so far I'd have to call it bunk for now.

There's also the fact any PR number is likely to quote the highest figure possible, EG, worldwide preorders when it's not stated otherwise.

 

[Shortbread]

How do you relate your numbers with Sony saying they had made over a million preorders at Gamescom?

Sony quoted number can be anyone guess... could be one territory or multiple territories. "If" the one million number quoted by Sony was for the US alone, then that would make sense on some level. Sony (MS included) can project to certain degree (like most retailers) how preorders can/will turn into actual sales. Plus, if demand is greater than supply, then Sony can honestly say they met their first round of allocations.

People please remember, preorders are nothing but placeholders - not actual sales You can have preorders sitting in the queue for days, weeks and even months until either a) that demand has been met, or b) that preorder has been canceled.

Given there's zero source

Dude, please just quit. If the preorders numbers were in reverse, would you be asking this - probably not.

It doesn't take a genius to see the media outlets (TV, radio, Internet media, etc...) are driving up the hype for PS4. Hype drives sales, in this case preorders. The Jimmy Fallon show, and a few other TV outlets have been driving up hype/need for PS4 up to the actual preorders could begin.

These preorder numbers are solid and very real! Solid placeholders, not actual sales. As I stated before - I know damn well Sony (possibly Microsoft) will be supply limited, especially during launch, the holiday seasons and possibly until the mid 2014 summer months.

 

[Rangers]

People please remember, preorders are nothing but placeholders - not actual sales You can have preorders sitting in the queue for days, weeks and even months until either a) that demand has been met, or b) that preorder has been canceled.

This assumes Sony is not, more or less, going to have any on store shelves for a long time while they fill a bunch of backed up preorders (that or simply leave preorders waiting while putting PS4's on store shelves which makes little sense, because then why preorder?)

Dude, please just quit. If the preorders numbers were in reverse, would you be asking this - probably not.

Sure, if there was no source I'd be very skeptical. You'd have to have mammoth supply to pull that off.

I dont really doubt PS4 is the more hyped, more desired console at this point BTW. I think the evidence seems to support that. Although it'd be more interesting if the consoles were the same price.



But it wouldn't shock me if XB1 wins the first NPD because of more supply, either.

Perhaps you are getting confused with Gamestop's "first to know" list (I guess this list is where you just signed up to be notified when preorders became available). This is one of the evidence's I accept that PS4 seems more in demand (although not as hard evidence as real preorders, which Gamestop is unlikely to divulge). Because I just remembered this report making the rounds a few days ago where Gamestop said the first to know list was PS4 1.5m XB1 700k.

If you saw an updated count of that list. 1.7/870k would make perfect sense.

 

[Shortbread]

This assumes Sony is not, more or less, going to have any on store shelves for a long time while they fill a bunch of backed up preorders (that or simply leave preorders waiting while putting PS4's on store shelves which makes little sense, because then why preorder?)

Because preorders still guarantee you a unit "when/if they come into stock". If an item is a hot buy or supply limited... you have greater chance on securing that item (preorder), versus, casually walking into your local store being surprised it isn't in stock. As I stated before, my PS3 didn't come until 3-4 weeks later, after my preorder was placed 3 months before the actual launch. My sister didn't receive her PS3 until 6 weeks later, and she preordered before me.

Perhaps you are getting confused with Gamestop's "first to know" list (I guess this list is where you just signed up to be notified when preorders became available).

No, sorry I'm not confused. VIS is very accurate.

The system I would like to see is Walmart. Walmart logistics when it comes to shipping/tracking/IS/OS/ISTA/VI is unmatched in the industry. Walmart doesn't (or rarely) diverge their inventory/VI numbers when it comes to preorders. But everyone knows, Walmart would secure the most units... they usually do. They can reach rural areas (or what we consider rural here) like no ones business.

 

[Airon]

Sony Gamescom 2013... :

Where are the AAA exclusive launch titles for PS4 ?!?!?!?

The real last chance is TGS, but I have not such great hopes in that regards (I just hope at least to have some news regarding The Last Guardian).

If only I remember PS2 and PS3 launch, with a year (maybe more) without relevant games... I still have nightmares...
Well, I really really hope that The Order will be out in the first half of 2014... Honestly, it is the only interesting AAA exclusive that Sony has annunced, at least based upon the trailer.

I have to admit that, until now, PS4 has a really mediocre (or even worse) exclusive launch lineup, very few AAA titles, very few new IPs...
As said, we still have some hope (Pax, TGS), but my feeling is that there are not many more games to show and the great Studios (SM e ND mainly) are a least a year away for releasing something.

I am the only one to be quite disappointed ?

 

[eastmen]

Why do they need tripple a launch titles ? They have enough quality there for a launch leagues better than the ps3 laumch and imo not far behind the xbox one.

 

[BoardBonobo]

I am the only one to be quite disappointed ?

Yes.

33 titles before the end of 2013. 20+ Exclusives and 8+ new IP's. That's more than enough to keep any decent gamer happy!

 

[patsu]

Sony Gamescom 2013... :

Where are the AAA exclusive launch titles for PS4 ?!?!?!?

The real last chance is TGS, but I have not such great hopes in that regards (I just hope at least to have some news regarding The Last Guardian).

If only I remember PS2 and PS3 launch, with a year (maybe more) without relevant games... I still have nightmares...
Well, I really really hope that The Order will be out in the first half of 2014... Honestly, it is the only interesting AAA exclusive that Sony has annunced, at least based upon the trailer.

I have to admit that, until now, PS4 has a really mediocre (or even worse) exclusive launch lineup, very few AAA titles, very few new IPs...
As said, we still have some hope (Pax, TGS), but my feeling is that there are not many more games to show and the great Studios (SM e ND mainly) are a least a year away for releasing something.

I am the only one to be quite disappointed ?

Would love to get an update on TLG.

I think Shuhei mentioned that they have learned their lessons. Instead of cramping the good stuff at launch. He prefers to ease the releases into a more sustained and consistent schedule.

If they get it right, then we should not need to wait one full year for exciting titles.