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by Published on April 15th, 2012 22:28- Categories:
- Xbox 360 News
Microsoft continues to outsell the competition in the US
Microsoft revealed its hardware sales for the month of March today, noting that 371,000 units were sold in the US during the month, making the console the top selling system for the 15th consecutive month.
It was also the 13th consecutive month Xbox 360 has held more than 40 percent of the current-generation console market share. Microsoft said that total retail spend on the Xbox 360 platform in March reached $430 million, "the most for any console in the U.S. and more than the spend on PS3 and Wii combined."
The company expects to hold the momentum throughout the rest of the year; Microsoft said it plans to "deliver a strong portfolio of blockbuster titles, experiences and add-on content, including additions to the famed Halo and Fable franchises and groundbreaking experiences like Kinect Sesame Street TV and Nat Geo TV."
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...000-units-sold
...by Published on April 15th, 2012 22:24- Categories:
- Playstation Vita News
Sony has issued its standard data-free statement to the NPD report
Sony has just issued us its response to the March NPD sales report, and as usual there's no mention of any units sold, but rather SCEA decided to focus on how PlayStation Vita is growing.
"Nearly two months after hitting the North American market, the PS Vita ecosystem continues to grow with impressive hardware, software, and peripherals sales among big-box retailers, smaller retail shops and digital," said Dan Race, Sr. Director of Corporate Communications at SCEA.
"We are seeing strong digital downloads across the board, including full digital-only purchases and extremely high conversion rates for digital demos to full game purchases with titles such as Unit 13, which showcases PS Vita's unique 3G and shooter capabilities. We look forward to furthering the PS Vita momentum with upcoming blockbuster titles like Mortal Kombat and Resistance: Burning Skies, and apps including Skype."
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...tinues-to-grow ...by Published on April 15th, 2012 22:23- Categories:
- PS3 News
Analysts talk about the impact of Sony's record loss on the PlayStation business
Sony is preparing for its biggest loss in company history and new CEO and former PlayStation boss Kaz Hirai is facing a steep challenge. What does this mean for Sony Computer Entertainment and the PlayStation business?
Well, for one, it's clear that Sony is going to be stressing PSN and online services, as Hirai's new strategy outline indicates: "The Company also aims to increase sales by enriching its catalog of downloadable game titles and subscription services available through the PSN platform."
Could Sony actually abandon its free online multiplayer option and go the Xbox Live route, charging players an annual fee? It's not likely, but what could happen is that the free version gets minimized and Sony will do everything it can to entice consumers to sign up for an enhanced paid version of PSN.
"I think it's unlikely that they will require a fee, but think they will strip down the free version to multiplayer and not much else in order to encourage people to pay the fee," Wedbush Securities' Michael Pachter told us.
Billy Pidgeon of M2 Research agrees. "Providing networked services for online gaming is not inexpensive, and charging for these services would help Sony defray those costs. I think Sony would best benefit by continuing to build out on the currently employed freemium model, charging for enhanced, tiered and incremental items, services and add-ons to add value to the online gaming experience," he said.
Pidgeon added, "The PlayStation Plus program provides great incentives for subscribers, and Sony can get more revenue from advertising, item transactions and specialized services to enhance specific aspects of online gameplay such as custom content and rules for use for individuals, guilds and other groups. Sony should also move quickly to shift paid content other than gaming to the network."
As Microsoft continues to enhance its Xbox Live app offerings with HBO Go, ESPN, and more, Sony also needs to beef up its partnerships, Pidgeon noted: "SCE should also look to partner with other networked media providers worldwide, particularly in media such as cable television, which is likely to become a key target market for competitors such as Microsoft, Apple and Google."
Ultimately, if Sony is going to succeed it will need to streamline its business and leverage its synergies across divisions, including PlayStation.
"Clearly Sony reporting their biggest loss ever is not good for any divisions of the company, including SCEA. Sony's culture has created a lot of animosity between the various divisions of the company," Asif Khan, CEO of Panoptic Management Consultants told me. "If the company had a more synergistic culture I don't think Sony would have faltered as badly as they have. SCEA would be better off as a spun off company, but Sony would not as SCEA has some of the best margins and earnings growth in the entire organization. If I had a chance to impart any advice to the new management team it would be to stop making so many products. Streamlining their product line would lower costs and in turn help out their profit margins, which have been downright atrocious."
Khan continued, "I would much rather see the company spin off the music label and motion picture studios while refocusing on making devices. At the Apple shareholder meeting, Tim Cook explained to me that Apple makes money off of selling devices while letting content creators fight amongst themselves for distribution dollars. It wouldn't hurt Sony to try and do the same. Mr. Hirai's reorganization efforts will take years before we really see if Sony has gotten the message from shareholders. The SNE ADRs have fallen 88% from $157.38/share in the year 2000 to $18.79/share today. While I still believe Sony is a financially viable company, their business model is still very much in need of repair."
As long as Sony is keeping its TV business alive (much to the chagrin of some investors), one possible way to leverage synergies is to incorporate PlayStation into Bravia televisions. In fact, IDC research manager Lewis Ward believes "a version of the PS4 will be 'baked' into a high-end Bravia TV set."
It may sound far-fetched, but there is some precedent here. Sony did launch aBravia set with a PS2 incorporated into the TV's design, although if we had to guess, it probably wasn't a hot seller. On the other hand, tying a new HDTV to brand-new next-gen gaming hardware might be more attractive.
"My thinking is that a PS4-Bravia combo along these lines would be something unique that Sony could certainly build, it would likely be an especially efficient use of production resources, and that savings could be passed on to customers. They'd get a PS4 for an incrementally higher price than the cost of a high-end Bravia HDTV," Ward commented.
As Ward noted, however, it would be "a specialty SKU since TV replacement cycles are long and many people are already happy with their HDTVs."
It'll certainly be ...by Published on April 15th, 2012 22:20- Categories:
- DCEmu
Cliff Bleszinski also says he wants the consoles always-connected to the Internet
Epic Games design director Cliff Bleszinski recentlysaid at PAX East that he wants future consoles to have astounding graphics. He joins the chorus of voices calling for significantly more powerful next-gen consoles, including CD Projekt artist Marek Ziemak who wants true-to-life animation.
"Face-melting graphics," said Bleszinski. "I really want our next-generation consoles to pass what I call the 'Mom Test.' So that if you were to show this console and games to your mom, she would be like, 'Wow, that clearly looks better than your last console,' and it's an essential step that needs to be taken by both Sony and Microsoft."
The idea of consoles that are constantly connected to the Internet is a somewhat controversial idea, but Bleszinski is in favor of it. "Always-connected consoles that basically require an Internet connection. So that I can just wake up in the morning and say, 'Oh a new demo has been downloaded on my hard drive, so I can check it out'," he said, adding. "As well as considering streaming gaming from the cloud, which would be very nice."
Despite the recent cancellation of the Gears of War Kinect project, Bleszinski is still intrigued by motion controls. "The other things I want to see are gesture-based controls," he said. "I think Kinect is quite cool, and I'm a big fan of using Kinect to control movies with Netflix. Maybe it will be built-in [to a future generation Xbox], maybe it won't. We'll have to see what actually comes out of that."
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...t-gen-consoles
...by Published on April 15th, 2012 22:19- Categories:
- PS3 News
Sony and Kaz Hirai have plenty to think about when it comes to overhauling the company's strategy at all levels. On the gaming front, the company has to prepare for next-gen during a time when it's about to suffer its worst loss in history. It's certainly a fine line to walk.
RW Baird analyst Colin Sebastian recently commented to GamesIndustry International that the first step for Sony ought to be a price cut on its existing PS3, which has been consistently outsold in the US by Microsoft's Xbox 360. This echoes the sentiment of Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter, who earlier this week noted that we're likely to see price drops by E3.
"Sony is in a tough position. In many areas of their business, they are losing share, such as TVs and computers, and their challenges are well known in gaming. The need to invest in a significant upgrade cycle for Orbis/PS4 comes at a awkward time for Sony, but to remain competitive longer term in games, we think there needs to be another price reduction on the PS3, and then be first to market with a next generation console," said Sebastian.
Beyond the pure focus on games, it's clear that Sony will need to do an even better job securing broad entertainment options for those in the gaming demographic. Microsoft, Apple and Google are all going to make that a tough battle.
"The battle for the living room is only going to get more competitive with an Apple television and a bunch of Google/Android powered TVs coming to market - Sony needs to act quickly," warned Sebastian.
The good news is that Sony seems to be aware of this and its PlayStation Network will be a key pillar for the company. This is now a services oriented industry. Xbox Live has been, without a doubt, the biggest bullet in Microsoft's chamber and how Sony chooses to evolve PSN going forward could very well determine the company's fate.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...in-competitive
...by Published on April 15th, 2012 22:16- Categories:
- Apple iPad,
- Apple iPhone
A class-action suit against Apple over free-to-play apps that trick children into making in-app purchases is proceeding to trial
Last year, a federal judge in California consolidated a number of class-action lawsuits from parents who alleged that Apple incorrectly listed apps as free-to-play, only to have children rack up immense bills for digital purchases. These parents have found $100+ iTunes account bills due to these so-called "bait apps".
An Apple user normally has to enter a password to buy items in-game, but Apple previously allowed a 15-minute window after the initial purchase, during which players can make in-app purchases without entering a password. This window allowed children to rack up huge bills on their parents' iTunes accounts in a short period of time, prompting Apple to later remove the 15-minute window.
Apple filed to have the consolidated class-action suits dismissed, but last week U.S. District Judge Edward Davila upheld the original claims against Apple.
"Contrary to Apple's argument, Plaintiffs have alleged with specificity which misrepresentations they were exposed to, their reliance on those misrepresentations, and the resulting harm. Plaintiffs pled specific facts that Apple "actively advertis[ed], market[ed] and promot[ed] its bait Apps as 'free' or nominal ," Judge Davila stated.
Now Apple must dispute the claims, with the company expected to file its defense on May 24.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...play-bait-apps
...by Published on April 15th, 2012 22:13- Categories:
- DCEmu
Speculation is rife that the next generation of consoles will be focused on download titles, and Ubisoft says it is laying the groundwork now for a new digital strategy to match.
When asked about the rise of simultaneous boxed product and download releases, the publisher’s VP of digital Chris Early said Ubisoft was paying close attention to sales of games on Vita – which are available via PSN at the same time as retail.
“We’re going to have to wait and see where the platform holders go with the next generation,” he told MCV.
“But publishers can already form a strategy around how they approach a market where digital versions are available on the same day and date as retail ones.
“We’re starting to figure out our strategy now. We’re getting some good precursors with Vita and PlayStation 3, which means that however it changes in the future, we’ll be in a position to take advantage of that.”
However, the Ubisoft exec remained doubtful whether a generation of consoles where downloads take precedence over retail is feasible in the current market.
“I think we have to be able to service our players wherever they happen to be,” he explained.
“Even in the US, there are pockets where connectivity is poor, so expecting someone there to download a 1GB or 2GB game would take them hours and hours. Can we push that? I don’t think the infrastructure’s there yet.
“There’s a bunch of other factors to be considered: are you going to enable the same types of pre-order packages? What if someone wants a collector’s edition that comes with extra goodies as well as the game?”
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/ubiso...onsoles/094387 ...by Published on April 15th, 2012 21:52- Categories:
- Xbox 360 News
EA will air the latest trailer for upcoming shooter Medal of Honor: Warfighter at next week’s MCV Awards.
The new Medal of Honor is due out on October 23rd and will continue the success laid down by the 2010 title of the same name.
Having made a name for itself with its stunning recreations of key scenes and dramas from WWII, Danger Close’s reinvention saw the battlefield switched to modern day Afghanistan.
“Inspired by actual events across the globe and written by real Tier 1 Operators while deployed overseas, follow the global Warfighters as they are asked to take on a real terror threat, PETN,” EA said.
“Powered by the Frostbite 2 Engine.??For more information about the Global Operators and the Most Authentic Shooter to date, visit the official site.”
This year's MCV Awards ceremony takes place on Thursday, April 19th at the Lancaster London Hotel. The 2012 gathering marks the 10th Anniversary of the event, with a special night planned to celebrate the trade's successes both in this year and during the last 10.
63 different companies from across the games industry are nominated for prizes at this year’s MCV Industry Excellence Awards.
Activision leads the pack with 11 nominations - five for its break-out kids' hit Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure.
EA closely follows with 10 nominations, including nods for EA Origin, Battlefield and FIFA 12.
Elsewhere big hitters like SCE UK and Bethesda take nine nominations each, with seven nods each for Ubisoft and Microsoft, and six for Warner Bros.
But from physical retail to digital distribution, via publishers and peripherals brands, the nominated firms come across the trade, with other nominations also going to GameStop, Insert Coin, Mind Candy, Turtle Beach and 505 Games.
Green Man Gaming, NCsoft, ShopTo and OPM are amongst the firms to lend their names to the event.
Online retailer ShopTo.net has signed up as disco and bar partner for the evening, while digital retailer Green Man Gaming is an event partner. Recruiters OPM Repsonse will be present as goody bag partner, and MMO specialist NCsoft has agreed to sponsor the Digital Distribution Team award.
Nintendo is the exclusive partner for the Retail category.
More than 60 games industry firms have already signed up to attend this year’s MCV Awards on Thursday, April 19th.
These range from publishers such as Activision Blizzard to distributors such as Gem.
More details can be found on the MCV Awards 2012 microsite.
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/medal...-awards/094393 ...by Published on April 15th, 2012 21:48- Categories:
- DCEmu
New NPD data has spilt out since their initial March 2012 reportcame in just yesterday.
Several new bits and figures have been passed on to Joystiq by an NPD source—specifically numbers on units sold for a handful of titles released during the sales period.
Total Mass Effect 3 sales for its launch month of March were 1.3m units across Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. That figure covers purely new physical retail sales, which means no digitally distributed product on PC or PS3 is counted.
While the NPD doesn't publicly share sales breakdowns by platform, Microsoft executive Aaron Greenberg did share that 360 moved 943,000 units in the month for the title.
After catching wind of the updated NPD info, EA weighed in.
"We think the monthly NPD reports are a very poor indicator of the industry's performance given the proportion of digital sales – including digital downloads via Origin, DLC, mobile and social games and much more – that are not captured in their reports," John Reseburg of EA's corporate communications stated. "Taking these reports as an accurate snapshot of the industry today is a dangerous assumption."
The NPD also brought to light Kid Icarus: Uprising numbers, stating the 3DS title sold approximately 140,000 copies in the US in March.
“In a list of the top 10 SKU's for the month (as opposed to top titles as listed here), 3DS Kid Icarus: Uprising would have been among the top selling individual SKU's for the month of March,” analyst Anita Frazier reported.
The 3DS debut was on sale for just eight days of the sales period.
Additionally, NPD shared that February release Resident Evil: Revelations sold around 122,000 in March.
Last and in this case unfortunately least, Binary Domain (Sega’s sci-fi shooter which launched February 28th) only sold 20,000 copies last month.
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/more-...figures/094408 ...by Published on April 15th, 2012 21:46- Categories:
- PS3 News
OpCapita's new-look, slimmed-down GAME is back in bed with EA.
Like most other publishers, EA had cut ties with GAME prior to administration after failing to agree to a reduced payment proposal put forward by the then troubled retailer.
SSX was the last EA title to hit GAME shelves, meaning that the retailer was unable to offer chart hits such as Mass Effect 3 and FIFA Street.
But now key EA titles are available online with an expected return of stock in-stores next week.
Yesterday MCV revealed that Nintendo had once again agreed terms with GAME.
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/ea-re...e-train/094462 ...- Search DCEmu
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