MGS4 sells 1 million copies in its first week... in just Europe.

[Bornindamecca]

Re: MGS4 sells 1 million copies in its first week... in just Europe.

I think right there, that cements this generation. No way MS or Sony can even think of a new console right now. They need something that will move systems, both have already fired a lot of their guns. MS has one bullet left this year, Sony had 3-4 bullets left. Gears will sell like crazy, but if GTA 4 and MGS4 can't move systems, then neither will it.

You're thinking of "bullets" in terms of software, but they also have price cuts and social integration. I think one of the mistakes of this generation is listing the Wii among the next gen systems. It isn't. No one is buying the Mario Kart to replace Midnight Club. It's a different experience. The Wii is a family, party system while the PS3 and 360 are geared towards males between the ages of 13-35.

Sony and Microsoft are sharing the same real estate, but gamers who have a Wii also have one of the other systems. The issue is that Wii appeals to people besides gamers, and is broadening the definition of gaming. Only Guitar Hero and Rock Band serve that function for Sony and MS.

[bkfount]

Re: MGS4 sells 1 million copies in its first week... in just Europe.

I think right there, that cements this generation. No way MS or Sony can even think of a new console right now. They need something that will move systems, both have already fired a lot of their guns. MS has one bullet left this year, Sony had 3-4 bullets left. Gears will sell like crazy, but if GTA 4 and MGS4 can't move systems, then neither will it.

well I have been saying for awhile that after 3 years, I think the 360 is peaking out on core gamers looking to buy a console because of a hit game. The 360 will have to start making the same price drop that past consoles have made to jump into a whole new class of buyers. There may not be many more games that will sell consoles for them, but the total library and Live along with a price at $250 sure will. It's almost been 3 years and the console has been pretty stagnant on price drops.

There's tons of people who would never buy a $400 game machine and a dozen $60 games.The Wii is selling so much better because it targeted these people from day one, while the high powered consoles take years to trickle down to them in price and appeal. They can get a decent game machine and a couple of fun titles for the price of just what the arcade 360 model costs.

The ps3 is different though, as you have to wonder how many of their total console sales have been to cheap bluray player use only. It's still years away from being able to drop down to where the lowest 360 price is too. They are in more need of console pushing games than the 360 is at this point in their lives.

[Pared]

Re: MGS4 sells 1 million copies in its first week... in just Europe.

And people were looking at me like I'd lost my mind...

They still do.

[Bornindamecca]

Re: MGS4 sells 1 million copies in its first week... in just Europe.

They still do.

Well that can't be helped. Just cuz I'm crazy doesn't mean I'm wrong! The world is crazy, which is why I'm right! See?

[Pared]

Re: MGS4 sells 1 million copies in its first week... in just Europe.

Pollo loco

[mgoblue]

Re: MGS4 sells 1 million copies in its first week... in just Europe.

I think right there, that cements this generation. No way MS or Sony can even think of a new console right now. They need something that will move systems, both have already fired a lot of their guns. MS has one bullet left this year, Sony had 3-4 bullets left. Gears will sell like crazy, but if GTA 4 and MGS4 can't move systems, then neither will it.

The thing is, I believe the PS3 will end up having more staying power than the 360, at least a longer lifespan...Blu-Ray makes it more relevant long term. Both systems are getting killed by the Wii, but you have to wonder what their future plans are. You have to wonder if the 360 sales will peak or not, and if PS3 will ever truly pick up big time. It'll be an interesting 2 years, especially as we learn future plans from each company.

I don't know what'll happen, but I wouldn't be comfortable in either MS or Sony's shoes, personally...

[fishepa]

Re: MGS4 sells 1 million copies in its first week... in just Europe.

I personally don't get the fascination with the Wii.

[mgoblue]

Re: MGS4 sells 1 million copies in its first week... in just Europe.

I personally don't get the fascination with the Wii.

It's kinda fun but for me it sits around a lot in spells (aside from weighing in on Wii Fit). It just doesn't have anywhere near the quality gaming library that the other systems do.

However it's the casual nature that gets non gamers into it. I have my Wii all packed up to let my parents borrow over the holiday weekend. They may end up getting one, or may not, but they want to try it out (and Mom wants to try Wii Fit). The fact it's a gaming system that older people can like is huge.

I think all 3 of the systems have screwed up this gen. MS with the hardware failures, Sony with the online screwups, and Nintendo with the Friend Codes as well as lack of a deep gaming library (always Nintendo's failing actually in every gen after NES/SNES). Wii's just the cheapest and most accessible to the gamers older than most of us.

[bkfount]

Re: MGS4 sells 1 million copies in its first week... in just Europe.

The thing is, I believe the PS3 will end up having more staying power than the 360, at least a longer lifespan...Blu-Ray makes it more relevant long term. Both systems are getting killed by the Wii, but you have to wonder what their future plans are. You have to wonder if the 360 sales will peak or not, and if PS3 will ever truly pick up big time. It'll be an interesting 2 years, especially as we learn future plans from each company.

I don't know what'll happen, but I wouldn't be comfortable in either MS or Sony's shoes, personally...

the 360 has the games and price advantage over the ps3. Yes, the ps3 is a better overall console, but the xbox was better than the ps2. As long as they continue to get the majority of the same 3rd party games, the 360 should continue to own at least the US as it is now. It's not out of the question to see the 360 still take off in sales as the ps2 did when it hit various price points.

[bkfount]

Re: MGS4 sells 1 million copies in its first week... in just Europe.

I personally don't get the fascination with the Wii.

my parents actually bought one, because my grandparents turned them onto it. It's a low enough price to justify buying it for one or two games, while letting it sit in a corner. It's a toy that plays games, not a $400 entertainment investment. It's like the DS, cheap and a few good games for all ages to find enjoyment with it for various periods of time.

It is hard to think that anyone who plays it for the first time wouldn't get that initial wow factor, but as more dedicated gamers, that eventually does wear off and you want more from the games. At least that's how I felt playing it for a few days.

[ExtremeGamer]

Re: MGS4 sells 1 million copies in its first week... in just Europe.

The Wii is fun to me, but it's biggest mistake outside of friends codes is it's lack of storage space. I want to buy VC games (not that they have released anything worthwhile lately) but I'm out of space.

[mgoblue]

Re: MGS4 sells 1 million copies in its first week... in just Europe.

the 360 has the games and price advantage over the ps3. Yes, the ps3 is a better overall console, but the xbox was better than the ps2. As long as they continue to get the majority of the same 3rd party games, the 360 should continue to own at least the US as it is now. It's not out of the question to see the 360 still take off in sales as the ps2 did when it hit various price points.

I agree with you...I just wonder if the HDTV craze will eventually really pick up and the Blu-Ray factor will come more into play. I'm not sure, just bringing up possible issues. HDTV's still aren't common, at least not for the lower income demographics, but as prices come down and people buy more HDTV's then they may want Blu-Ray...just something to consider.

[ExtremeGamer]

Re: MGS4 sells 1 million copies in its first week... in just Europe.

I agree with you...I just wonder if the HDTV craze will eventually really pick up and the Blu-Ray factor will come more into play. I'm not sure, just bringing up possible issues. HDTV's still aren't common, at least not for the lower income demographics, but as prices come down and people buy more HDTV's then they may want Blu-Ray...just something to consider.

PS3 will be a staple because of Blu-ray, but I guarantee you that over 60% of the people have no clue what Blu-ray even is.

[Pared]

Re: MGS4 sells 1 million copies in its first week... in just Europe.

PS3 will be a staple because of Blu-ray, but I guarantee you that over 60% of the people have no clue what Blu-ray even is.

That's correct, on both fronts.

I have a feeling the PS3 will pick up in sales come 2009. Once the nation moves toward digital programming and hi-def, Blu-Ray's will become more of a common thing in our society.

That simple fact gives the PS3 more staying power, as mgo mentioned.

[Bornindamecca]

Re: MGS4 sells 1 million copies in its first week... in just Europe.

Right now, you guys are a bit off base about Blu-Ray. Most of the Blu Ray players are PS3s. Think about that for a moment. The PS3 has the smallest install base, yet takes up a great percentage of Blue Ray players. The nation hasn't gotten on board yet, and that's because there is a new format war going on, and I think Blue Ray is going to lose it.

Blu-Ray vs Digital Download.

Right now, Apple, Microsoft, Blockbuster, Hollywood Video and Netflix are all wrapping their heads around how to approach digital downloading, and you can already see it happening. I read an article that said Microsoft knew this, and only put out HD DVD as a stall tactic to keep Blu-Ray from gaining a base before they were sure about how to approach digital downloading.