Is the PS3 already a dead duck? [Archive]

Anthony1

05-18-2007, 11:14 PM

Wow. I knew things were going to be rough for Sony, but this is a bit ridiculous. The PS3 sold only 82,000 systems in April. You would have thought with the arrival of Motorstorm in late March, that Sony's numbers were going to pick up considerably in April, but it didn't happen. Here is Sony's NPD numbers for US Sales since launch (NPD numbers do not include Wal-Mart)

November: 197,000
December: 490,700
January: 243,554
February: 127,000
March: 130,000
April: 82,000

Looking at the numbers over it's last 3 months, it's only averaging 113,000 per month. That's pretty damn horrible, considering it's still a new product, and should have alot of hype and excitement surrounding it. Apparently, the phrase "Money Talks, Bullshit Walks" is a pretty true statement. Money is talking. And it's saying that the PS3 is just too damned expensive for the vast majority of gamers. Heads are gonna roll over these numbers. You can try all you want to spin why only 82K units sold, but there really is no way to spin that. That's downright laughable. Now all the analysts out there are calling for a price drop. They are practically demanding a price drop. Even third parties are starting to talk about needing a price drop. The problem is, I just don't see how they can really afford to drop the price. Talk about being between a rock and a hard place. They can't afford to drop the price, yet they also can't afford not to. Damned if you do, damned if you don't. Even if they do drop the price a cool C-note, I don't think that will do all that much. They need to actually drop it by $200, and there is no way in hell they can afford to do that right now.

Alot of Sony supporters are blaming it on the lack of exclusive software. No question about that. Right now there really is only 3 compelling pieces of software for the unit. Resistance, Motorstorm and Virtua Fighter 5. I think all 3 of those games are outstanding, but it appears that none of them are enough to get people to fork over 700 beans to get a PS3 and one of those games. What's worse, is that there doesn't really appear to be much relief in sight. The only exclusive content worth a damn coming before September is Ninja Gaiden Sigma. That game does look extremely pimp, but afterall, it is a remake of a old Xbox 1 game. Lair and Heavenly Sword have been delayed till September, but with only 82,000 units sold in April, you have to wonder if Sony won't force one of those (or both) games out before they are really ready, because they are desperate for some interest in PS3.

How the mighty have fallen.

Snapple

05-18-2007, 11:16 PM

Not with Final Fantasy XIII exclusivity.

Anthony1

05-18-2007, 11:18 PM

Not with Final Fantasy XIII exclusivity.

Yeah, exclusive before Square/Enix got the NPD report, lol.

studvicious

05-18-2007, 11:37 PM

I don't think that it's a dead duck but they really do need to do something. A price drop wouldn't hurt but I really can't imagine them doing that until November-ish. (If AT ALL this year)

7th lutz

05-18-2007, 11:40 PM

It is nothing to be concerned about yet, unlike sony's gaming deparment loosing 2 billion dollars in a fiscal year. This will be concern if the sales of the ps 3 hardware are still struggling in November . and December of this year along with Final Fantasy 13 doesn't sell sell well.

That's nothing compared to Japan right now. For the week of 5/7/07 to 5/13/07: the ps 3 sold 8,839 ps 3 units. Remember also, that spring is here now, and at times spring and summer are slow months for game sales in America. The price of ps 3 would turn consumers off during the summer if they have money to go on planned vocations like traveling by airplane or by car and van to go out of the state the person going on vocationing will go to.

It is too early to call it a dead duck. If sony's gaming division looses another 2 billion dollars in a fiscal period, then the ps 3 would be considered to be very close to be a dead duck or Spiderman 3 would cut down the losses for sony. If other divisions of sony can off set whatever losses the game division has, then the ps 3 will be safe. Sony's other divisions can cover so much of losses by one division unlike Microsoft.

I'll be shocked if Sony's gaming division gets a 2 billion dollar loss in the next fiscal year.

ProgrammingAce

05-18-2007, 11:54 PM

Just remember, Sony took out a half a billion dollar loan in order to finance the production costs. They're playing with borrowed money...

RCM

05-18-2007, 11:57 PM

It's not dead yet! Sony reminds me of Sega back when the Saturn launched: in complete denial...at least publicly.

Word is that only two (2) PS3 titles will be released this month and they're both multiplatform licensed trash.

I'm tempted to pick up a PS3 for Heavenly Sword but cannot until they lower the price of admission. I'm currently boycotting the PS3, although I've played just about everything the system has to offer.

If and when Microsoft finally drops the price of the 20 gig 360 Sony and Nintendo will be in trouble, Sony more so.

Sony isn't dead, but they're in big trouble. It's too bad, they've done a lot for gaming like it or not.

Buyatari

05-19-2007, 12:01 AM

I don't think it has so much to do with price as it does the stiff competition. If it were the same price as the Wii and the 360 I'd still buy it 3rd. Is the best reason to own a PS3 the blue-ray drive? I'm happy with DVDs and I'm not sure we need a new format just yet. Compile a list of the top 5 reasons you should buy a PS3 right now. I can't come up with much. For a $600 machine thats not good enough.

Sony needs to tie some up some A+ exclusives and do it quick. If you grab the right games and have enough of them Sony could raise the price and still be #1.

ProgrammingAce

05-19-2007, 12:03 AM

http://eee.uci.edu/clients/bjbecker/PlaguesandPeople/bringout.jpg

..........

Berserker

05-19-2007, 12:13 AM

How the mighty have fallen.

AND How you changed your tune pretty quick there, bro.

Damaramu

05-19-2007, 12:13 AM

I guess it's too late to just pull the blu-ray from the PS3 and make it an optional add-on?

Regardless, sucks to be them. Even the Golden Week sales were weak for PS3.

jcalder8

05-19-2007, 12:40 AM

http://eee.uci.edu/clients/bjbecker/PlaguesandPeople/bringout.jpg

..........
This picture reminds me of Monty Python and the holy grail which leads me to say this about sony: their not quite dead yet.

Damaramu

05-19-2007, 12:44 AM

Actually, I think that is a screenshot of The Holy Grail, IIRC.

Xizer

05-19-2007, 12:47 AM

The PS3 is fucked. There's really nothing else Sony can do to fix it. They're already losing hundreds of dollars on every system sold - dropping the price on the system will move more units, but Sony is going to be losing like $400 on every one.

FF XIII is not going to be exclusive. We all know it will be brought to the Xbox 360, along with MGS 4.

The PS3 just doesn't offer anything the Xbox 360 doesn't. The Xbox 360, on the other hand, has a 10 million strong lead and a great game library already while being $200 cheaper.

The Wii offers a variety of games that are significantly different from the PS3, so it too offers something the PS3 doesn't.

The only thing the PS3 offers is a hurt wallet.

PallarAndersVisa

05-19-2007, 01:16 AM

Sony can't die. They are making millions in other areas selling TVs, entertainment systems, audio gear, car electronics, home appliances, portable devices ect ect. They'll always be in the green, just like Microsoft. The gaming business is only one facet of their income, so they'll be just fine for a while.

Richter Belmount

05-19-2007, 01:23 AM

If you think ps3 is doing bad the latest sales show only 8000 ps3s being sold in japan.

jcalder8

05-19-2007, 01:32 AM

Actually, I think that is a screenshot of The Holy Grail, IIRC.

I thought that it might be but I watched a quick video of the scene and it didn't look like it.

Anthony1

05-19-2007, 04:56 AM

AND How you changed your tune pretty quick there, bro.

Huh? Explain?

I currently own all 3 consoles, and enjoy all 3. They each have their positives and negatives. Right now, if I had to recommend a console to a person who could only afford one, I would tell the person to wait for the Xbox 360 price drop, and then buy a Xbox 360. I did a post awhile back where I said the 360 was going to win the console war. Seeing the NPD numbers for the Nintendo Wii, kinda makes me wonder if my predicition is going to hold true. Fear of a Wii Planet is a very real thing. The Wii continue to sells like gang busters month in and month out, even with a super crappy selection of games. Just imagine when the Wii actually gets some decent games. It's only a matter of time before they do. I still wonder when people are going to get tired of playing games with graphics from 2002. If the Wii actually dominates this cycle, I wonder what developers like Infinity Ward and Rockstar North are going to do? I doubt they are excited about making the Wii the lead sku for their future projects, but if Wii Continues to outsell the others like it has been, eventually they will have no choice but to put their best efforts on the Wii. That is going to be very strange indeed. I guess we will just have to wait and see how all this plays out. Here is my general take on the 3 consoles:

Nintendo Wii: Fun to play with my little kids, and also a great system to fire up when we have a group of people over the house (non hardcore gamers). I'm enjoying Paper Mario and some of the other games are fun in brief sessions. The graphics are pretty lame for this system, but luckily, I have the other 2 systems, so I don't depend on this to handle all my gaming needs. Looking forward to Mario Galaxy, Metroid and even the RE4 Wii-make. I only played RE4 briefly when it first came out, so it will be nice to experience more of it on the Wii.

Xbox 360: This is my go to system for hardcore gaming. Right now, Crackdown is my favorite game. I also love to check out all the demo's and try out a few other games. I'm still playing some old 360 games like Oblivion and COD2. Looking forward to some of the heavy hitters coming later this year.

Playstation 3: I do like Resistance, VF5 and Motorstorm, but that's it. If it wasn't for those 3 games, I would have nothing to play on this. I'm absolutely loving the Blu Ray player. If it wasn't for the Blu Ray player, I would probably be a very upset PS3 owner. My PS3 is used alot for Blu Ray movies on my projector. Watching a movie like "The Prestige" on blu ray, on a giant screen, is a true treat. Uncharted:Drake's Fortune is probably my second most wanted game of 2007. The first is probably GTA IV for 360. I'm also very interested in Ratchet and Clank. I'll definitely be checking out Heavenly Sword and Lair when they finally come out.

LAGO

05-19-2007, 05:24 AM

No...

RugalSizzler

05-19-2007, 05:31 AM

No...

The PS3 is still a SNES fighting the good fight against Nintendo but the only diffrence is the PS2 is still selling like hotcakes and people have become too smart.

Also the Wii is a Tv game toy and looks futuristic.

In a perfect world the PS3 would be going up against the GCN and X-Box.

Pesonally I would get a PS3 if they would just reshape it into something smaller.

The PS3 is probably going to be like the Saturn.:o

I would also compare SONY to Zero 1 like in the Matrix. They wont stop the roboy revolution.

jajaja

05-19-2007, 07:09 AM

The PS3 is not dead. PS3 is definitly hurting at the moment, but its not like its going to be $599 forever and no new games from now on. Sony Gamers Day(s) were earlier this week, it shows that many cool and great looking games are comming. FF13 and MGS 4 are also comming. Technology is also getting cheaper. Already the diods for BR have dropped alot in price and when they start (they probly have started) to massproduce CELL processors the price will also go down. As all technology, its getting cheaper and cheaper as time goes. PS3 is no exception.

The real question is, when the PS3 is down to like $399, will it be too late or will we see PSX and PS2 sales?

If you think ps3 is doing bad the latest sales show only 8000 ps3s being sold in japan.

Not to be picky, but the numbers are actually closer to 9000. 8,839 to be precise (Media Create numbers). Still pretty low, but almost all consoles dropped last week in Japan. Like Wii went from about 100k to about 50k.

skylark

05-19-2007, 07:17 AM

What are the big announced PS3 releases? I don't have the system, so I don't follow the news, but it doesn't seem like they've really released their system sellers yet (aside from Resistance, which hasn't lit up the scence quite like GOW managed). Until they get those titles on the shelves, I don't think we can call it dead. That's assuming they're in the pipeline. For me, there's enough of interest soon to be released on the 360 to keep my attention diverted at the moment.

Whatever. I do think we can safely say that Sony is going to be sharing a lot more of the market this generation, but there are still analysts who predict Sony will be the long-term winner. Don't ask for links. I don't care enough to find them.

gepeto

05-19-2007, 08:08 AM

This is crazy I have been saying this since before the launch. Way overpriced. Now the damage has been done people see what your about and it is getting to the point where it will be too late to reinvent themselves.

I never need the ndp to reveal the satistics neither could fanboys overhyping the joys of there 2 games good games the system offers nore screenshots of ratchet and clank convince me otherwise. it was common sense the facts don't lie.

Companies could save alot of money just listening to common folk. If it were up to me drake and the ngage would have never went into production. Someone has been doing some mass lying and over selling at the boardroom.
If standard dvd was installed from the get go we wouldn't be having this discussion. There online interface is clunky and not as smooth as live.

What can they do?
You would have think they would have learned with the psx debacle. At this point I don't think there is anything they can do. The horses have left the gate. Even if you package in resistance and motorstorm drop the price to 400.00. The damage has been done people are not excited.

Look at gamestop they are giving ps3 buyers 100.00 credit when the trade in a ps2 system and memory. trying to move stock.

Here is a question. When the dreamcast and the gamecube went through similar issues people screamed dead duck developers got scared. leading to a way premature death and 3rd party abandonment. Why should sony be any different? How long can the sony stand on the legs of fanboys?

I don't care what anybody says fans get tired of playing motorstom and resistance and hot titles are way overdue.

As far as release good games and they will come. Think of it this way if you were looking to buy a house and the house has been on the market for along time you would start to think that there is an underlying problem as to why the house isn't selling and most buyers would shy away from it. No different here.

Oh and a quote from someone in the ratchet and clank oh my giznod thread.

All I know, is after looking at those pictures, if that is real, if that is actual gameplay, then bye bye 360, lol
I know it was a joke but it was funny anyway. I really want everyone to do well but I have no answers for sony. Will the ps3 become the gamecube of this generation?

kainemaxwell

05-19-2007, 09:15 AM

jajaja

05-19-2007, 10:26 AM

Sony's realizing how bad they shot themselves in the foot with the inclusion of the Blu-Ray in the PS3, which jacked the price up now...

Now if they made a PS3 without it (if its possible), then maybe the numbers would change for the better.

Bigger issue is the games, even Sony admited that. Nintendo and MS was much better at this with Wii and 360, pushing out good games in a nice flow, not months and months of wait like for PS3. Its not possible to remove the BR player now. That would mean that the people who bought the newer model without BR wouldnt be able to play games that already are out on BR.

Lothars

05-19-2007, 11:17 AM

Right now The main issues are Software and Price

Once the PS3 starts getting better games than it will be a totally different game, I think your counting out the PS3 way to soon,

I know the games are coming and it's honestly looking like early 2008 is the time to own one, but they also need to drop the price and soon, once they drop the price to a decent level which is 399 US because that's the biggest deterrant,

I still stand by my prediction the PS3 will lead this generation, it's way to early to say it's a dead system now if the system sales don't improve at all in say 6 months than it's more likely it's not gonna make it, but I think the people that are saying they should take blu-ray out of PS3 would be killing one of the biggest features of the system. I like the fact that it offers something different, I just wish the price wasn't so high.

tom

05-19-2007, 11:27 AM

it's summertime, the men must keep the wifes and kids happy by paying for the summer vacation, not buying gaming consoles. whilst a Wii can be squeezed in with little money, a PS3 is a bit more of a bigger investment and must make room for holidays, 'mfraid

Snapple

05-19-2007, 12:08 PM

I know it was a joke but it was funny anyway. I really want everyone to do well but I have no answers for sony. Will the ps3 become the gamecube of this generation?

Being the Gamecube of this generation wouldn't necessarily be THAT bad. GC was in third place, sure, but I wouldn't call it a failure of a console. Most of its must-have exclusives were first-party, but it did at least have some must-have exclusives. Obviously the limited success of the Gamecube didn't kill Nintendo's reputation in the marketplace either, because they're doing fine with the Wii.

Likewise, if PS3 becomes the third place machine of this generation, that won't kill Sony's reputation for when PS4 comes out. The PS2 was my favorite system from the last generation, so I know Sony can make a damn good console. No matter what they do with the PS3, I'll always keep an open mind with future consoles they release.

geneshifter

05-19-2007, 12:17 PM

This thread is funny. I can't wait to look at it again a year from now.

skaar

05-19-2007, 12:28 PM

Actually... I was going to buy a PS3 for the new Katamari game ;)

Superfamifreak

05-19-2007, 12:45 PM

I don't know about the US, but over in Japan and here in the UK, the new Winning Eleven game will increase sales my a massive amount - Pro Evoution Soccer 6 is STILL in the top 10 nearly a year after it's release. Add Final Fantasy, Katamari & MGS and you have good enough reasons to get one. I've had mine for a few months now and am perfectly happy with it, as is every other PS3 owner I know.

gepeto

05-19-2007, 12:47 PM

Being the Gamecube of this generation wouldn't necessarily be THAT bad. GC was in third place, sure, but I wouldn't call it a failure of a console. Most of its must-have exclusives were first-party, but it did at least have some must-have exclusives. Obviously the limited success of the Gamecube didn't kill Nintendo's reputation in the marketplace either, because they're doing fine with the Wii.

Likewise, if PS3 becomes the third place machine of this generation, that won't kill Sony's reputation for when PS4 comes out. The PS2 was my favorite system from the last generation, so I know Sony can make a damn good console. No matter what they do with the PS3, I'll always keep an open mind with future consoles they release.

It would be if you are sony. I love the gamecube but people and developers abandoned it unfairly due to I believe sales and unfair press. If the ps3 is the gamecube of this era then 600.00 is really a blow to get a few 1st party titles a year and hardly no 3rd party support.

As far as recovery goes The nes and snes era is about as dominating as one could get but people have a what have you done for me lately attitude. The psx and ps2 was awsome but when this generation is done it could be a figment like those systems are now. Okay we all know they messed up how can they recover? I really am at a loss. The numbers are so staggering can you just scap it reinvent a new model and take the hit to the pocket and the pride? Ride the money pit? In reality wii need others consoles to provide competion and push the market.

The ps3 is a very ambitious machine maybe too much. Why did they stop the 20 gigger? That could have went for 399.00 or 350.00. I love the ports but I only us the wi fi and the hard drive of the 60. Maybe I am missing something or not spending enough time outside of games. Anyone here have a tricked out ps3 I mean have it doing crazy things please post your testimonials and explain was it hard or easy etc for the everyday mo.

SaturnFan

05-19-2007, 12:48 PM

I think 'Home' will be the savior for the PS3, I really do.

omnedon

05-19-2007, 12:50 PM

Come on. Atari took YEARS to die.

kainemaxwell

05-19-2007, 12:52 PM

Sony screwed themselves, plain and simple.

gepeto

05-19-2007, 12:59 PM

Come on. Atari took YEARS to die.

When did atari officially die?

I was there I just can't remember. I know the 5200's controller through me for a loop and turned me off. Then it was on to colecovision for there zaxxon, turbo and donkey kong.

Lothars

05-19-2007, 01:04 PM

Sony screwed themselves, plain and simple.

not at all, it's way to early to say one way or another though I still think they will do better than alot of people think

jdc

05-19-2007, 01:57 PM

I'm surprised at the readiness to count the Sony out at this stage in the game, especially from a group of people who have been around the gaming block a few times. It won't be long before the Sony juggernaut starts to pick up it's usual steam and everyone and their dog owns a PS3. It's almost inconceivable that it wouldn't follow the same success as it's uber-popular predecessors. If it fails I'll be shocked.

badinsults

05-19-2007, 02:08 PM

I really do think that a $400 PS3 would be very successful. At this point, very few people are willing to put down $600 for one. Why Sony is dropping the 20 GB version, I do not know. The best arguments for getting a PS3 is "potential", which I do not find to be a sound reason.

Anthony1, you certainly are one to change your tune. Only a few short months ago, you were raving about how the Wii would fail, and no one would accept its inferior graphics. Now you see that price does matter. Few people have the huge high definition rigs that you have, making the advantages of the PS3 rather pointless. I personally do not have any of the next gen systems because aside from Super Paper Mario, there are no games that interest me at this point.

skaar

05-19-2007, 02:43 PM

I personally do not have any of the next gen systems because aside from Super Paper Mario, there are no games that interest me at this point.

That's because you suck at Wii bowling :D

360's champ at the moment for me for games coming out. But that being said... I play the PS2 the most. There's plenty of life left in 'er.

Pente

05-19-2007, 02:50 PM

I currently own all 3 consoles, and enjoy all 3.

Show us a pic of your consoles all together and I'll believe you. You've shown pics of your setups many times, but I have yet to see this verified ;) I do believe you.. but maybe only 90% as there is a tinge of "maybe he's b.s.ing"

So make that 100% :D

MarkMan

05-19-2007, 04:51 PM

I have all 3 consoles too... and I enjoy all 3....

Collecting dust....

(although I use my 360 as a media center....)

diskoboy

05-19-2007, 07:05 PM

When did atari officially die?

I was there I just can't remember. I know the 5200's controller through me for a loop and turned me off. Then it was on to colecovision for there zaxxon, turbo and donkey kong.

Atari started gasping for breath around 1985. The 5200 flopped. The 7200 flopped. The Jaguar mega-flopped.

Atari officially died in 1995. But technically, they were dead a decade prior.

Anthony1

05-19-2007, 08:19 PM

Show us a pic of your consoles all together and I'll believe you. You've shown pics of your setups many times, but I have yet to see this verified ;) I do believe you.. but maybe only 90% as there is a tinge of "maybe he's b.s.ing"

So make that 100% :D

Here you go D.A.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g257/Anthony1fromDP/Picture122.jpg

The PS3 is to the left of my dome piece, and the 360 HD-DVD add on is to the right, and the 360 system is standing up and my Wii is in my hands. I normally keep the Wii in the living room, and this is my theater room.

AMG

05-19-2007, 08:24 PM

I think it's way too early to call a winner or loser in the console war this early in the game. Remember that the original Playstation didn't start off so hot in the game market either. We all know how that turned out.

tom

05-19-2007, 08:48 PM

Atari started gasping for breath around 1985. The 5200 flopped. The 7200 flopped. The Jaguar mega-flopped.

Atari officially died in 1995. But technically, they were dead a decade prior.

Not so, the Atari ST line was extremely successful in Europe until at least 1992.

djsquarewave

05-19-2007, 08:54 PM

Once the PS3 starts getting any games than it will be a totally different game
Fixed.

Of course the same could easily be said of the Wii as well.

The thing about the PS3 is that if it turns out to be "this generation's Gamecube", the blow would be far more staggering to Sony than it was to Nintendo. Rising development costs combined with a low install base means publishers would extremely reluctant to push for big exclusive titles because there's little chance of getting a return on the investment -- which is why there's talk of big-name games like Final Fantasy and Metal Gear appearing on the 360. The Gamecube survived in third place because it was simple and cheap to develop for. Nintendo would even do fine in third this time around as they're making a profit on the hardware and the disparity in console power means the development costs on the Wii look even more appealing.

Slate

05-19-2007, 10:52 PM

We need to give it more time before we call it "Dead".

chicnstu

05-19-2007, 11:01 PM

mills

05-19-2007, 11:04 PM

Here you go D.A.

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g257/Anthony1fromDP/Picture122.jpg

The PS3 is to the left of my dome piece, and the 360 HD-DVD add on is to the right, and the 360 system is standing up and my Wii is in my hands. I normally keep the Wii in the living room, and this is my theater room.

haha. I don't know how old you are. But seeing that face and seeing that is the person that just typed "dome piece" made me laugh :)

Anthony1

05-20-2007, 01:24 AM

haha. I don't know how old you are. But seeing that face and seeing that is the person that just typed "dome piece" made me laugh :)

I'm 36. Yeah, that picture of me is pretty damn horrible. I honestly don't look that bad, lol. But I just grabbed my Wii, and went into my Garage where my 360 and PS3 is, and had my wife snap a quick picture. I was standing on a ladder because my PS3 and Xbox 360 are up high on some cabinets, and my wife was down on the ground, so it wasn't the most flattering pose. Oh well, I don't really give an F.

Anthony1

05-20-2007, 01:35 AM

We need to give it more time before we call it "Dead".

I don't think we are actually calling the PS3 dead right now, we are just saying that things aren't looking so good, and it does actually appear to be headed in a direction in which they may never recover. Honestly, as somebody who forked over 700 beans plus on launch day (PS3 + Resistance + component cable), it's a little scary to think about how bad things are right now. I still think the PS3 is going to have some absolutely awesome games. In fact, my top 10 most wanted games of 2007 has several PS3 games in the list. Uncharted: Drake's Fortune is probably my most wanted game of all of 2007. I'm still not 100 percent convinced it's coming out this year, but I know that Sony needs this game more than anything. It does appear to be a legit system seller. I'm actually more interested in it than Halo 3 and some other absolutely huge games, so that's saying something.

Still, I think for the vast majority of gaming consumers out there, I'm not so sure games like Ratchet and Clank and Drake's Fortune are going to be the key to the PS3's revival. I'm looking forward to these games in a huge way, because they are in genres that I really love, and I can't wait to play these games, but I'm not sure they are the kind of games the average gamer is jonesing for. I love 3rd person adventures and platformers, but they aren't really as popular as they used to be.

I do worry a bit about the future of the PS3, because although I certainly don't want Sony to dominate again, I also don't want them to have a total failure on their hands. I do want to play some great games on the PS3, and I think the PS3 has the power to provide some very compelling gaming experiences. I think the most exciting gaming experiences of 2009, will probably be PS3 games. But if it really can't muster up a big rally in terms of installed base, it's going to be slim pickins for the occasional exclusive game that really pushes the boundries, and that is going to be unfortunate if that's the way it goes.

jajaja

05-20-2007, 05:32 AM

Rising development costs combined with a low install base means publishers would extremely reluctant to push for big exclusive titles because there's little chance of getting a return on the investment -- which is why there's talk of big-name games like Final Fantasy and Metal Gear appearing on the 360.

PS3 would still get the game in this situation and isnt that what matters (looking from a gamers point of view)?

And i know many people say that developers will move over to Wii and 360, but what about Japan. There the 360 is much worse than the PS3 so if they make it for 360 only it wont have the chance to sell as much over there.

Chaz From Phantasy Star 2

05-20-2007, 05:47 AM

I hate the PS3. The Wii is SO much better.

swlovinist

05-20-2007, 11:06 AM

The PS3 is in trouble, but it is too early to tell still. I personally do not have a problem with the system, other than the price. I also do not have a HD TV to play my games on. If Sony can manage to price cut their system in the future, then things might change. I feel that trying to sell a system at $600 when other more important things are skyrocketing in price(gas, housing, etc) may effect the game industry as well. People are looking for value. Yes people want to be entertained, but $$$$ talks. The bottom line is that $600 is a hell of a lot of money for most people to spend on a video game system.

ROBOTNIK666

05-20-2007, 11:42 AM

The PS3 has been buried alive by the Wii and 360.

In other news...

WOOT! 200th POST!

Anthony1

05-20-2007, 01:43 PM

Anthony1, you certainly are one to change your tune. Only a few short months ago, you were raving about how the Wii would fail, and no one would accept its inferior graphics. Now you see that price does matter. Few people have the huge high definition rigs that you have, making the advantages of the PS3 rather pointless.

It might seem like I've changed my tune, but I really haven't. I didn't exactly say the Wii would fail. What I said was, that I have a hard time seeing the Wii being viable 3 years from launch. 3 years from launch would be mid November 2009. We still have a long way to go to get to that point. Although the Wii continues to dominate the NPD numbers on a monthly basis, the general public is slow to catch up with the hardcore gamers. The hardcore gamers were totally into the Wii at e3 2006, and were also very hyped on the Wii during the Xmas 2006 period. As months started to drag on in early 2007, the hardcore gamers started becoming disgruntled concerning the Wii. Most of them finished Zelda, they got tired of ExciteTruck and Rayman and Trauma Center, and games like WarioWare weren't going to keep them that entertained. Right now, despite Super Paper Mario, alot of hardcore gamers have somewhat of a negative view of their Wii. They kinda have the take of, "Here we go again with another GameCube and Nintendo 64 situation in which we have to wait through extremely long software droughts to get to the exciting first person games like Mario Galaxy and Metroid". The same old story over and over. Also, I think the waggle control gimmick has worn off for alot of hardcore gamers. But it takes a number of months for this sentiment to trickle down to the general public at large. So, considering all that, I still think that by mid November 2009, the Wii could be mostly forgotten. It could be that console that's collecting dust in everybodies closet. Sure, by then it will have sold millions and millions of units, but I don't think the software sales will be there for it long term.

My take on the PS3 has always been that I think it's a nicely designed package of hardware, and it's great for the high end audio/video gear crowd, but I've always felt that it had a hard road to travel to get to the No.1 market share again. Some of the games really dazzled me when I first saw them, like Ratchet and Clank and Drake's Fortune, but I just don't see those games driving huge unit sales unless Sony spends a huge fortune marketing those games on TV. Make sure every man, woman and child in the US is well aware of what the heck Uncharted: Drake's Fortune is. That, and a $200 price drop on the system.

My take on the Xbox 360 is pretty much unchanged. I made a post where I said the Xbox 360 is going to win this generation. I'm going to stick to that. I still think the Xbox 360 is going to win. However, it's pretty obvious that whoever wins this generation is not going to win it in a landslide. You could easily end up with a situation where the No. 1 company ends up having 38 percent market share, and then end up calling that victory. I can see Xbox 360 having 38 percent worldwide marketshare, and Nintendo having 34 percent worldwide marketshare with Sony having 28. Also, I think late in this cycle, the Wii is going to really fall off the map, and the PS3 is going to really pick up steam, but when all is said and done, the Xbox 360 will appear to be the slight winner. Of course, this is assuming Microsoft drops the core to $199.99 right around the time that GTA IV and Halo 3 and all the other big guns become available later this year.

djsquarewave

05-20-2007, 07:50 PM

PS3 would still get the game in this situation and isnt that what matters (looking from a gamers point of view)?

And i know many people say that developers will move over to Wii and 360, but what about Japan. There the 360 is much worse than the PS3 so if they make it for 360 only it wont have the chance to sell as much over there.
Exclusives are a big thing. Who's going to buy a PS3 for Final Fantasy when they can play it on the 360 they already own?

Might also want to check out the relevant parts of this interview (http://www.gamasutra.com/features/20070507/sheffield_01.shtml).

They were ready to invest in the PS3, but the PS3 wasn't as successful as people thought, and it's expensive to develop PS3 games, so a lot of publishers now only do a couple of PS3 games, and many DS and Wii games. Then a little Xbox 360, because the 360 is successful in the United States. But its presence in Japan is small.

...

But very few companies invest in the 360 and very few do PS3 games. So what I�m saying is that you'll see a lot of Japan-made DS and Wii games in the next few years, but very few high-end games from Japan.

j_factor

05-20-2007, 11:28 PM

IIRC, Namco said that their Gundam game would need to sell half a million copies to break even, due to high development costs on the PS3. So far they've not come close to that, and it's the highest selling PS3 game in Japan. Maybe that's why they've suddenly decided to release it in the US after all, and with a 360 version to boot.

Meanwhile, they're focusing more on Wii from now on. Namco Bandai has 37 (http://www.psu.com/node/10724) Wii games in development now, compared to 23-24 for PS3/360. I think that's a sign of things to come, at least for Japanese third parties.

jajaja

05-21-2007, 06:48 AM

Exclusives are a big thing. Who's going to buy a PS3 for Final Fantasy when they can play it on the 360 they already own?

I never said that exclusive titles arent a big thing. If i.e MGS 4 gets out on both PS3 and 360 it would mean more gamers could play it, so for the gamers its much better that a game goes multiplatform.

Anyway, i'm talking about Japan only. Would it be smart to make a 360 exclusive japanese only game? The install base is very small so chances to sell alot of copies is very slim.

theoakwoody

05-21-2007, 10:59 PM

I agree that Japan will have a huge impact on how the console wars end up here as well. The 360 is non-existant in Japan and the PS3 is struggling as well but that's because everyone's waiting for something worth playing to be released this fall.

On a side note I think that we are all living in what will turn out to be a turning point in the video game industry. If you think about it you have Microsoft who had built what seemed to be an insurmountable lead and a resurgance of Nintendo. Of all 3 companies which one do you think can recover from slumping sales? Sony will eventually get some quality exclusives but they will never dominate like they have in the past. Everyone's used to there being an Atari, or Nintendo, or Sony dominating the market but I think this generation will change that to everyone's benefit. Can you imagine if all 3 of these systems sold relatively the same amount of systems? Sony can no longer sit back and wait for developers to just fall into their laps. The big 3 will all have amazing exclusives because the parody in the market will force them to have to go to developers and cut deals for exclusives. I think this will also force all of the first and second party developers to step up and really make some system sellers that will show some real ingenuity.

I loved the time from the release of the 360 to last november when everyone was so geeked about all the next gen consoles. Now we are still in the growing pain period and on the brink of what everyone refers to as second generation games that really harness the power of each system. The 360 hasn't impressed me yet, I mean it looks nice but there hasn't been a game that made you think that it couldn't be done on the original xbox with slightly worse graphics. Even Sony isn't putting out any of their own A+ titles for the PS3 yet. I mean God of War II should have been a launch title. The Wii is all about PS2 and Gamecube ports that somehow utilize the fancy wiimote.

This fall we are going to see the most amazing games released ever. No one can afford not to put their best stuff on the market because they know if they don't grab a big piece of the market this christmas they'll have to wait 12 months for another shot. Final Fantasy, Metal Gear, Mario Galaxy, Metroid, Halo 3, GTA IV. This is fucking insane if you think there are a lot of systems being sold now (minus the PS3) Just wait. There won't be any consoles on the shelves after Thanksgiving. I know that there are a ton of great titles I didn't even mention so this all leads up to what's going to turn into a crazy holiday season. Forget Tickle me Elmo or the snake flashlight or beanie babies or whatever other crap trendy gadget that everyone's killed to buy there kid in the past. X-mas 07 belongs to gamers and everyone will hate going within blocks of any major electronics store once September rolls around. Prepare yourself , a new age of video gaming is upon us so sit back and enjoy the ride.

djsquarewave

05-22-2007, 01:52 AM

I never said that exclusive titles arent a big thing. If i.e MGS 4 gets out on both PS3 and 360 it would mean more gamers could play it, so for the gamers its much better that a game goes multiplatform.
I'd actually argue that platform exclusives are ultimately better for the gamer. It means the developer is far more likely to push the individual strengths of the platform they're working on rather than making concessions to the lowest common denominator, resulting in a tighter and more refined game from a good development studio. Sure, not as many people might get to play it, but those that did would end up with a better experience for it.

Anyway, i'm talking about Japan only. Would it be smart to make a 360 exclusive japanese only game? The install base is very small so chances to sell alot of copies is very slim.
Namco Bandai and AQ Interactive seem to think this is entirely worthwhile. There's even some fairly popular licenses getting 360 exclusivity over there (Idolm@ster, Zegapain...). Microsoft just needs to push LIVE more and get some better ad campaigns going...360 dominance in Japan is entirely within the realm of possibility.

jajaja

05-22-2007, 08:16 AM

I'd actually argue that platform exclusives are ultimately better for the gamer. It means the developer is far more likely to push the individual strengths of the platform they're working on rather than making concessions to the lowest common denominator, resulting in a tighter and more refined game from a good development studio. Sure, not as many people might get to play it, but those that did would end up with a better experience for it.

Thats true, in that way the developer only needs to focus on one piece of hardware and dont have porting in mind. So that is a good thing for the gamers of course :)

Namco Bandai and AQ Interactive seem to think this is entirely worthwhile. There's even some fairly popular licenses getting 360 exclusivity over there (Idolm@ster, Zegapain...). Microsoft just needs to push LIVE more and get some better ad campaigns going...360 dominance in Japan is entirely within the realm of possibility.

I'm not familiar with 360 exclusive japan only titles, but i wouldnt think its too good to make this decition when you release games, from a financial point of view that is. On the other hand, if the console doesnt get that many games it might be a bigger chance to sell more copies when a game finally gets out, since people want some games for it :)

Eteric Rice

05-23-2007, 02:59 AM

I think it's pretty much dead, but not "dead" dead. Just PSP dead, as in it won't be the market leader.

I can see the Wii being world wide market leader, and 360 leading in the USA.

And despite HDTV penetration slowly rising, most people don't have their HDTVs connected properly to get HD. Hell, there was a survery a while back that said around 90% of PS3 owners with an HDTV in Las Vegas, had it hooked up with composite (I think).

Even a more recent article from a journalist said that most people are buying HDTVs because of their size in comparison to SDTVs, not HD itself.

So yeah, I doubt the Wii will die off. If it keeps going as it is, I expect a lot of companies to jump on the Wii's bandwagon.

jajaja

05-23-2007, 03:16 AM

Just PSP dead, as in it won't be the market leader.

I know what you mean, but i wouldnt use a phrase like "PSP dead". PSP has sold like 25-30 million units, which is pretty good in my opinion. Like Atari Jaguar, that system is suppose to have sold less than half a million. Then you can call it a dead system :)

goemon

05-23-2007, 03:33 AM

Namco Bandai and AQ Interactive seem to think this is entirely worthwhile. There's even some fairly popular licenses getting 360 exclusivity over there (Idolm@ster, Zegapain...). Microsoft just needs to push LIVE more and get some better ad campaigns going...360 dominance in Japan is entirely within the realm of possibility.

95,000 Xbox 360's have been sold in Japan so far this year. Compare that to three million DS Lites and 1.5 million Wiis and 425,000 PS3's and 335,000 PS2's. Almost twice as many DS Lites were sold this week than Xboxes have been sold all year.

Icarus Moonsight

05-23-2007, 03:40 AM

Anyway, i'm talking about Japan only. Would it be smart to make a 360 exclusive japanese only game? The install base is very small so chances to sell alot of copies is very slim.

Mistwalker seems to think 360 is worthwhile. They also (currently) have no plans to do anything for Wii or PS3. Even the creator of Final Fantasy has gone so far as to say he doesn't like the PS3 and has no desire to release for it. While the Wii intrigues him... Read: I could sell games on it.

Regarding the 360 actually selling well in the Japanese market, I'll admit, from what we have seen so far, it's a stretch. It remains a possibility that can all change. I wouldn't put money on it though.

jajaja

05-23-2007, 05:24 AM

Mistwalker seems to think 360 is worthwhile. They also (currently) have no plans to do anything for Wii or PS3. Even the creator of Final Fantasy has gone so far as to say he doesn't like the PS3 and has no desire to release for it. While the Wii intrigues him... Read: I could sell games on it.

Regarding the 360 actually selling well in the Japanese market, I'll admit, from what we have seen so far, it's a stretch. It remains a possibility that can all change. I wouldn't put money on it though.

I was thinking more of independent 3rd party companies. Taken from Wikipedia:

Mistwalker (ミストウォーカー, Misutowōkā?) is a Japanese video game development studio started by Hironobu Sakaguchi (the creator of the popular Final Fantasy series) in 2004 with the financial backing of Microsoft.

So its not strange that they support 360 when they got financial backing from Microsoft. I see 3 Xbox 360 games listed: Blue Dragon, Lost Odyssey and Cry On. Blue Dragon and Lost Odyssey are comming out in US (possibly EU too) so they arent Japanese exclusives. I dont know about Cry On, but judging by the name of the title i would guess we would see a US/EU title too.

The latest Media Create numbers shows total sold 360s in Japan to be 360,357 (almost 360,360 hehe ;)). It was released 10th December 2005, which is nearly 1.5 years ago. That is about 22,000 units sold each month. You do have some big titles comming up tho, like Trusty Bell and Forza 2. These games will sell some systems, but i dont think it will move too much systems. Look at Blue Dragon, that serie was suppose to be damn popular in Japan, but it surely didnt move crazy much 360s :\

Icarus Moonsight

05-24-2007, 03:20 AM

Ah. I wasn't aware they were in bed with Microsoft. lol NM then.

jajaja

05-24-2007, 05:59 AM

Its good that they are tho :) Or else 360 would do even worse in Japan.

Iron Draggon

06-09-2007, 12:26 PM

The PS3 is to the left of my dome piece, and the 360 HD-DVD add on is to the right, and the 360 system is standing up and my Wii is in my hands.

ROFL I nominate this one for quote of the year... "my Wii is in my hands"... PRICELESS... Anthony1, if you don't submit that as a new slogan suggestion for Nintendo, I'll do it and give you credit for the quote... you totally rule!

This is crazy I have been saying this since before the launch. Way overpriced. Now the damage has been done people see what your about and it is getting to the point where it will be too late to reinvent themselves.

I never need the ndp to reveal the satistics neither could fanboys overhyping the joys of there 2 games good games the system offers nore screenshots of ratchet and clank convince me otherwise. it was common sense the facts don't lie.

Companies could save alot of money just listening to common folk. If it were up to me drake and the ngage would have never went into production. Someone has been doing some mass lying and over selling at the boardroom.
If standard dvd was installed from the get go we wouldn't be having this discussion. There online interface is clunky and not as smooth as live.

What can they do?
You would have think they would have learned with the psx debacle. At this point I don't think there is anything they can do. The horses have left the gate. Even if you package in resistance and motorstorm drop the price to 400.00. The damage has been done people are not excited.

Look at gamestop they are giving ps3 buyers 100.00 credit when the trade in a ps2 system and memory. trying to move stock.

Here is a question. When the dreamcast and the gamecube went through similar issues people screamed dead duck developers got scared. leading to a way premature death and 3rd party abandonment. Why should sony be any different? How long can the sony stand on the legs of fanboys?

I don't care what anybody says fans get tired of playing motorstom and resistance and hot titles are way overdue.

As far as release good games and they will come. Think of it this way if you were looking to buy a house and the house has been on the market for along time you would start to think that there is an underlying problem as to why the house isn't selling and most buyers would shy away from it. No different here.

Oh and a quote from someone in the ratchet and clank oh my giznod thread.

I know it was a joke but it was funny anyway. I really want everyone to do well but I have no answers for sony. Will the ps3 become the gamecube of this generation?

Gepeto, I'm totally down with you, Bro... you nailed it without showing any signs of fanboyism or favoritism that I could see... Sony simply didn't learn a damned thing from Trip Hawkins and his original 3DO overpricing blunder... and now they will pay the same price for it... the PS3 is the new 3DO...

now with that said, Kororinpa sure has me very tempted to buy a Wii, even though I have previously vowed to never buy another new console system again... that says alot about fun factor and affordability bundled together... a Wii sure wouldn't set me back very much, even if I only bought it for that game and that game alone... Nintendo thrives as the Underdog, and it has been doing so ever since the days of the SNES... by ultimately "winning" the 16BIT war, they learned how to stay alive no matter what the odds, and the ultimate fate of Sega is their testament to their right to defend their crown...

yes I know that some of that really reeks of fanboyism, but bear with me... I put "winning" in quotes because there really were two WINNERS in that war, even though Sega ultimately fell by failing to continue the 16BIT fight against Nintendo from 1996 to 1999... if they had, things might have been different...

nothing that I've seen on the 360 so far has me even remotely considering a purchase of one yet, but I'm prolly a bit biased against a purchase because my nephew who lives right next door to me has one, so I don't have to buy one to be able to play it... and the high price of most of the better games for it has me very adverse to a purchase as well... I've only bought one game for him and his 360 so far (Blazing Angels) and I may not be buying him anymore that cost as much as that one did when it first came out... I want to buy him some more games for it, but I just can't afford to spend that much on him... I have my own video game addiction to feed, and he can well afford to feed his own, if he really wants to, and his wife can afford to help him feed his own addiction too... she's the one who bought him the 360 in the first place...

and then I see the PS3, all shiny and sleek and BLING BLING OMG WTF $700?

@_@:bawling::frustrated::onfire::whip::2gunfire::d eadhorse::bad-words:*_*:?

(to be continued in next post due to new smiley image limits... WTF?)

Iron Draggon

06-09-2007, 12:27 PM

(continued from previous post)

well let's just say refer to my reluctance to buy a few 360 GAMES for tips on my extreme reluctance to buy ONE PS3 SYSTEM for the price of THREE Wii's!

the name may be gay as hell, but I am gay, so why should I care? Wii ROCKS!

:band::rocker::villagepeople::dance::pimp: Wii will, Wii will, ROCK YOU!

the Wii is pimpin, the PS3 is blimpin, with all dat extra BLING BLING weighing it down... sucka lookin like da Hindenberg comin in for a landin on fire... :devilish:

Wii love the Wii :hail:

I haven't bought anything yet, but if I do, I'm buying the DS that I've been wanting, and then I'm buying a Wii... maybe one for my nephew, so I can play it, if he doesn't end up getting one himself first... and I hope he does!

no, I don't consider myself a Nintendo fanboy either, despite all my tongue in cheek emphasis to make my points... I'm a Sega man if I represent any fan... but I have to admit, Nintendo is already mopping the floor with unsold PS3's...

go Mario, go! :love:

:fist: Sony :fist: