Screen Digest objectively talks about next-gen console standings
by Nick Doerr 
{ Jun 12th 2007 at 12:00AM }
This is another incredibly interesting read thanks to avid gamers over at the PS3Forums, specifically Doc Evils. Screen Digest has opened up their hearts and minds to the state of the gaming industry and released some fairly entertaining and truthful observations about all of the next-gen consoles. This is in no way meant to fan any flames -- it's meant to show all of us how our beloved consoles are stacking up around the world. Are you curious to read on?- "For Xbox 360, European hardware sales seem to have hit a wall." Screen Digest says Microsoft's console focuses too narrowly on the young male demographic, inundating the market with shooters and other testosterone-ridden titles. The lack of diversity in genre is crippling its sales worldwide, questioning the validity of the console on a worldwide basis. SD says "without year on year sales improving across the rest of the region, the platform could be in jeopardy on a global basis." Of course, most people's anticipated titles for this year are 360 games, so don't worry Xbox loyalists, your system should be fine.
- "The Wii's target market could be saturated more quickly than its competitors as the technology looks increasingly tired by comparison." Caught on the collar of many other analysts and hardcore gamers, Screen Digest feels the Wii will reach as many consumers as it possibly can in a short time, then putter away just as rapidly. With a historical 3rd party abandonment policy, it's up to Nintendo's 1st party devs to keep the system alive. Japanese publishers have even said they don't plan to try very hard on Wii games, planning only to make whatever profit is possible with mediocre ports.
- Regarding the PS3, "the education of consumers as to what is in the box and what its benefits are has not been forthcoming from Sony." Basically, Sony's marketing has really taken a toll on what could've been showcased as the greatest piece of home entertainment ever created (we say this while we stream Arrested Development from our computer to our PS3 and onto our PSP while visiting a friend's house). Aside from that, European developers feel the PS3 will win out due to the strong brand image in the PAL territories. Also, a lineup unparalleled this Fall should bolster sales. SD goes so far to say that Sony "could reveal some unrivaled games which are exclusive to PS3, not least because competing platforms would be technically incapable of offering them."
Wow! Regardless of where you stand in the console "war" you've got to take all this information in as objectively as possible. It is true about the PS3's marketing -- it's been a joke. Nobody knows what makes it so unique. It is true about the Wii -- most third party companies aren't going to try very hard to make standout titles. It's also true about the 360 -- outside of America, it's suffering. It's choking on a narrow genre that can only get so many fans. What do you guys think of the state of the consoles? Let's be nice about it. Will there be any dynamic shifts by the end of this year?
[via PS3Forums]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
sam-evans @ Jun 13th 2007 12:22AM
What Sony should do is secure exclusives or buy the developers, exclusive games are crutial for the ps3, as they allow the developer to take advantage of the PS3 hardware (Hard Drive, Blu-Ray, Cell, SIXAXIS)
Microsoft did it and it seemed to work rather well, as the 360 has lots and lots of games.
a GTA Exclusive would have been great for sales, but a timed exclusive would have been good too
PSN also needs more games and a similar program similar to XNA could help the drought. Furthermore they could send development kits out to Colleges/Universities/High Schools and run contests where the best game gets some development stuff
A Wiimote style controller and a series of games aimed at the younger/family gamer(s) could do well later down the line if/when the Wii hits its predicted decline
PSN pre-pay cards and a world wide store are musts for the network, and a music & movie download section would be good
Tim @ Jun 13th 2007 2:11AM
^ That is obviously the best way to secure ones future, but I doubt (even though Sony is as huge as it is) they have as deep pockets as MS does.
Everyone keeps saying it, but next year will be the big year to really see who does what and what goes where with all the consoles.
Jonathan @ Jun 13th 2007 10:30AM
The problem with Sony's marketing campaign is that they try to "mystify" the console far to much. Making it seem far more amazing then it actually is. They need to give the hard facts and show what it can do. Find that balance of being artistic but still being solid in your information. The "This is living" campaign was far to out there to even create a decent brand awareness.
Lp47 @ Jun 17th 2007 11:07PM
The end of this year is going to change. Sure there will be halo 3 for 360 but, sony's lineup is far more superior and will overtake 360 games. The ps3 will jump in sales and will be back on track. following the strong fall and winter more games will hit in early 08. Knocking the 360 back. The ps3 sales will pass 360 next march and the wii might do well if they get some big games out. Sony will also announce some huge suprises that will hype the ps3 even more. thats my prediction.