In a presentation at the recent MI6 Game Marketing Conference, Jason Anderson, director of research for the International Development Group (IDG) revealed the research company's predictions for the near future of console sales, and Gamasutra was present to relay his intriguing predictions.
Anderson began by saying that the U.S. alone accounted for $10.2 billion in revenue, for both hardware and software this year. (Going forward, all statistics and numbers mentioned here concern the U.S. exclusively.) He pointed out a slow decline in PC retail sales, and a rise in handhelds. He then moved onto a particularly interesting topic, next-gen hardware sales.
For 2007, IDG predicts Microsoft dominance for the next two years in the North American next-gen game hardware market, at least in terms of installed base. The forecast predicts 10.6 million consoles in homes for Xbox 360, 6.8 million for PlayStation 3, and a modest 3.5 million for Wii in 2007. In 2008, Anderson suggests 15.5 million units in homes for the 360, 13.5 million for PS3, and 6.8 million for Wii. He does mention that his group expects the PS3 to win out in the installed based race in the end, perhaps in 2009.
Salman from Tech4Gamers writes "Mortal Kombat 9 revived the series from a low point after bringing it back to 2D combat. It marked a new high-point for the franchise due to its incredible roster, exciting cinematic story mode, and high-octane combat."
Shaolin Monks is a forgotten gem. I would love to see a new one, or a remake of the old.
That game was actually goated. It was the first time ever that I actually tried to get good at a fighting game. Unfortunately the online connection was so dogshit it made it hard to enjoy and eventually I gave up. Haven't really played much fighting games since.
Microsoft has slashed the prices of games across the Xbox 360 store in preparation for its July 29th closure.
The Dishwasher
Vigilante 8
Two non-BC and no-PC-version Arcade titles I downloaded recently. Dishwasher's sequel is on Steam at least.
I've also downloaded Ninety-Nine Nights II (shame the first wasn't available). I still want to download Burnout 3: Takedown before the weekend's up, though that is still the full $9.99 non-discounted price
Burnout 3 not available in modern times is a crime to humanity.
I know it’s probably due to the music licensing-though they can simply add other music as Burnout 3’s biggest flaw to me personally-is the music!!!
The Xbox 360 Marketplace is officially shutting down in three days, which means dozens of exclusive, digital-only 360 games will no longer be available to purchase anywhere else once it does.
The Xbox 360 will be almost 20 years old next year, and to celebrate this milestone Microsoft have decided to obliterate all of its online functionality.
Replies(7)
Technically, the games ARE preserved... they are just removing the ability to purchase new games through the 360. They have to keep a full backup of every title (even delisted ones) because they will have to offer the ability to redownload purchased content to users.
I had deleted some games a few years back that had become delisted. I was able to get them back by going through my download history. The games in question were TMNT (classic and re-shelled), afterburner climax and outrun online. Im glad I was able to get those back as they are some of the best on the service.
Well The Ultimate Alliance games have been delisted. I dunno how many old Activision games have been Delisted but MS needs to remake or remaster old Activision games and release them on Xbox and PS. I. Hope that's what they're doing right now.
They can't reserve everything but they 100% can reserve what they got or own.
Fortunately, the X360 was jailbroken a long time ago, so a good part of its library is available for download from 'alternative' sources. Still, it's a bummer to see the store going away.
Dawn of The First Day
-72 Hours Remain-
Also they can keep the store up for life if they wanted.
Series X for the back compat titles, and OG Xbox and X360 for those not on BC. I pretty much bought all of the digital games I want for the 360 so I am good.
No, not telling you would be sleazy. I have a few more games to buy then I'm good. 360 was and still is a great console. Xbox is the best place to play!
funny, thats just what i predicted!
This may be good news for MS. By the year 2009 when the 360 slips into second place, MS will probably be promoting their third system. What would Sony do then?
Well there you go lametime/ssj
360 will be on top for the rest of it's life cycle which is 5 years. Main developping console 360. Ports go to PSZero.
For 2008 the prediction runs a little bit short though in my opinion. Already 5 million sold up till now, 10 million at the beginning of 2007 for sure. The rest of the year it must be for sure be getting the 18 million done.
I think this guy forgot to mention that untill MGS4 comes out the PSZero won't have many system sellers compared to 360 Gears of War, Forza 2, Halo 3 and so on.
At the rate that the system is still selling, it's more likely to have sold a little over 20million by the end of '07, beginning of '08, especially since there will most likely be a price drop sometime in '07.
One Thing the annalyst aren't taking into consideration is if you have the market lead for the first 2 to 3 years...developers will choose your system and top games draw more people. So 360's market share will only increase due to more games, price drops, ect....They aren't taking that into consideration. But its nice to see annalyst budge from their initial opinion that ps3 was going to outsell the xbox 360...They finally admitted half of what will really happen...Yes 360 will lead but the lead will grow due to more games, lower pricing, and live anywhere....And yes...by the time the ps3 lowers its price to 400 dollars. The xbox 720 will be preparing a launch....Microsoft did everything right this time around.