Activision predicts PS3 victory over 360 in 2008
by Andrew Yoon 
{ Aug 1st 2008 at 3:00PM }
According to the company, Wii is forecast to sell 15 million units. PS3 will sell 8 million, while Xbox 360 will sell 6-7 million. Not strangely, the PS2 is also expected to continue srong, with 4-5 million units sold.
This isn't the first major publisher to go on record with high expectations for the PS3. EA went on record in February with a similar prediction.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
SimplyB @ Aug 1st 2008 3:10PM
Let the fanboy wars flame at 1,000 F. Oh yeah.... Put that in your pipe and smoke it 360 fanboys. Sony is the win!
Invisible Robot Meat @ Aug 1st 2008 3:15PM
Theres no room in their pipe because of all the crack.
Christopher @ Aug 1st 2008 9:47PM
Bwahaha. Did you even watch ANY E3. This is the funniest propaganda coming from Sony all year. I don't even have a 360 either. You know Sony HAD to say something after loosing all those exclusives. :-D
Game consoles are all politics anymore. Public statements, to hopefully steer the crowds the way you want. I wonder what Sony gave Activision in exchange for such a statement? Otherwise, who the hell cares what Activision says about PS3 sales? Like they're in a position to know how Sony's channels are doing.
Arnon @ Aug 2nd 2008 4:01AM
I actually agree with Chris..
dhaspert13 @ Aug 1st 2008 3:12PM
Ok so it will sell more...sweet the 360 will still have a commanding lead, and the games to back it. I have a feeling when Blu-Ray players are around $200 you will start seeing sales of the PS3 slow.
Devin @ Aug 1st 2008 3:20PM
a "commanding lead"? Are you serious?
Also, what are these "games" that will "back" the 360 up to the competition?
PS3 Fanboy you are NOT!
Mark @ Aug 1st 2008 3:34PM
3m gap is NOT a commanding lead, considering the 12month headstart in US, and 18month headstart in Europe.
I would expect the game to have totally closed by next summer.
spamsphen @ Aug 1st 2008 5:50PM
If you don't think the 360 has a commanding lead over the ps3 then you either smoke to much crack or are just very uninformed. http://www.nexgenwars.com
How is almost DOUBLE not a commanding lead? Tards. And btw I have a 360 AND a ps3, but my ps3 only seems to get turned on to watch a blu-ray movie and that's it since it has barely any if any good exclusive games. But if i was a ps3 fanboy i guess i would b doing the same thing, always hoping my console will do better when in reality it never will. I was an original xbox fanboy and was in the same boat as u guys. Loved my console but compared to the ps2 at the time it was nothing. Basically how it is this time around just flip flopped. Hey, i guess i'll never have to buy a paper weight again, I have a big one right here :)
Invisible Robot Meat @ Aug 1st 2008 6:28PM
Actually spamshen, the 360 isn't that great of a paperweight because it will most likely cause your papers to catch on fire
JerJerBinks @ Aug 2nd 2008 5:43PM
@ spamsphen
Try http://www.vgchartz.com for a little dose of something called reality. The "lead" is just over 5 million and considering that the 360 had a full year head start, it isn't very impressive. Also, you are smoking crack if you think that the PS3 doesn't have very many good exclusives. Either that, you have the fanboy blinders on.
I have both consoles, and I would have to say that my 360 collects more dust than my PS3. That will change a bit with Too Human in a few weeks, but still, my PS3 has logged 50 times the hours my 360 has.
Alex @ Aug 6th 2008 8:40AM
i'm assuming they're talking about consoles shipped.
well, in that case, it really won't be surprising if the PS3 is able to edge out the XBox 360 in sales.
the 360 has had a year head start. it makes sense that sales would taper off slightly. I dun see the point in making a big deal over a victory for this year. Logically, it doesn't really say much. The victory for this year (if it happens) could even out the year head start of the 360, but I wouldn't call that a victory.
Echnaton @ Aug 1st 2008 3:24PM
Well, I guess the PS3 will eventually win, but not in 2008, 2009 will see a change ... that's what i would predict ...
bambino @ Aug 1st 2008 3:25PM
Yeah baby! The PS3 will reign from 2008 onwards!
Sora57 @ Aug 1st 2008 3:28PM
I still think SONY should have stopped making PS2's and simply made all SKUs of the PS3 with b/c. Everyone with a PS2 would be able to keep their old library of games and get a next gen console when they wanted to upgrade (or needed to replace a dead PS2).
Devin @ Aug 1st 2008 3:34PM
Hey! You don't make $5XX,XXX+ a year, driving that $100k sports car while living in that $1,XXX,XXX+ house so you can't make that decision.....but if you could then I would say allow atleast 1 SKU to be BC. Atleast that way people would be happy while the others can save the extra $100 and spend it on something else that matters to them...
I H8 MS @ Aug 1st 2008 6:03PM
No they should not have pulled ps2. Are you seeing this? The ps2 is giving the xbox a run for its money. Beating it in NPD probably total year sales also.
Jon Acheson @ Aug 1st 2008 6:04PM
I really think that Sony has shot themselves in the foot by not keeping BC across the board. Or at least on one model.
Anecdotally, my brother wanted to get a PS3 after buying a new HDTV and seeing my PS3 playing Blu-rays. But he wanted backwards compatibility, and the 60 GB was gone by then, and the 80 GB was unavailable. It's still unavailable unless you want to buy a bundle.
He now owns a Nintendo Wii.
xFenixKnightx @ Aug 1st 2008 3:30PM
Are they serious? This has so much PHAIL in it for too many reasons. I have all 3 systems but wow are they crazy? The PS3 has barely been outselling the 360 here in teh states, just barely and its doing about the same in Europe. J@pan is no contest but c'mon now when exactly is PS3 gonna start jumping to HUGE monthly leads? I dont see it happening. Also, 360 sales are about to jump off. Especially after this rumor is the confirmed.
http://kotaku.com/5032062/more-xbox-360-price-cuts-coming-next-month
xFenixKnightx @ Aug 1st 2008 3:57PM
LOL, vote me down but give no rebuttal, yup this is PS3fanboy alright. Blind fanboy is blind.
Robert @ Aug 1st 2008 4:09PM
The post say: "Griffith predicts PS3 will beat Xbox 360 by a 1-2 million margin this year." and you say: "The PS3 has barely been outselling the 360 here in teh states, just barely and its doing about the same in Europe. J@pan is no contest". I think a litlle of barely + barely in Europe, and a little of no contest in Japan, that be near 1 or 2 millions consoles of difference. They are not saying that the PS3 will have more consoles sold in total,just that they predict that the PS3 will sell a little more than the 360
Devin @ Aug 1st 2008 4:14PM
We will start seeing 'major progress' once all the big-name titles (that everyone's been waiting for) are announced by the end of this year that will help distinguish why it's worth owning the console. Are you the one whose blind? The year isn't over yet my friend....
SimplyB @ Aug 1st 2008 4:32PM
Call the wambulance! Ignore victim needs attention from other posters Stat!
Brodie-san @ Aug 1st 2008 5:16PM
Maybe you're right but I've always thought that at the current Xbox price anyone who wants an Xbox - has an Xbox.
In my opinion: price cuts only gain you a certain percentage of the (usually low software purchasing) market so, at this stage in the battle, it's not going to make a great deal of difference. Will it cause Sony to lower their price too? Sure. Eventually. But that's economics for you. I wouldn't expect a price cut for the PS3 until Christmas though - or maybe in the new year. Though the latest "gimmick" is "same price - more HDD/functionality" so - maybe no price cut but a new bundle with platinum/greatest hits games? It could happen.
You mention an epic fail because of this one company's projection of a PS3 victory and ask for proof of "sales surges" but I don't think Activision are predicting this trend based on current, or even recent, sales figures. There is a sea change in the industry at the moment with a move towards PS3 support. There are many reasons for this but a lot of it has to do with the fact that Sony seriously misstepped entering this generation and are now delivering. Also, studios are starting to see the benefits of developing on the PS3 and, as such studios as id Software have recently shown with the latest Rage announcement (for the record, I have little interest in this game), the expectant ever-increasing demands for more X by developers (where in this example X equals disc capacity) means the PS3 is, once again, in my opinion, better future-proofed for the next phase in this contest.
Let's face it, both hardware specs are very comparable in terms of brute force despite Sony's claims otherwise. It now comes down to constants and the PS3 has some very obvious advantages over the 360; namely every single one has a HDD and blu-ray which means that developers have more space to play with - unless they want to go multi-disc (or compress and risk fidelity) and let's face it - multidisc games is pretty dated in this day and age.
Of course, MS has some big hitters in its corner as well. A better Online model and more money than God to line the pockets of studios that are experiencing exponential increases in game producing compared to the last gen. Of course they're going to take the coin to recoup some costs - if only for timed exclusivity. But, as can be seen with the recent updates, Sony is catching MS on the online frontier and as for the loss of exclusives - it stings to be honest but, as has been documented already, 1st party games are usually where it's at. Also, most 3rd party games worth their salt are usually multi-platform anyway so who really loses in the end? The zealots? The die-hards who start petitions against SquareEnix, Capcom, etc? They are the minority and really won't affect the gaming spectrum a great deal in my opinion. There's too much money in this industry now. You can afford to piss off a few fervent acolytes in this current multi-console environment.
Finally, I just want to say that, yes, the Wii will "win" this generation. However, this is like saying a Ford is better than a Porsche because more Fords are sold each year. I mean no disrespect to Wii owners/fanboys. I'm sure you're very happy with your system and enjoy great gaming on it. I've tried the Wii many many times and I just can't get into it but that's my problem, my loss, etc. I just can't honestly compare the Wii with the 360 or with the PS3. It's like chalk and cheese.
To me the contest is between the 360 and the PS3 this generation. I honestly don't care who sells more or "wins" the war as long as each company pushes the other and ALL gaming fans on both sides of the trenches wins with great games. Truly the main benefactor in a console war are the consumers so long may it continue. My only regret is the ensuant caterwauling and immaturity on such sites as these (and worse on Joystiq) from "fanboys" who can't see past their console of choice to realise we're all fans of the same thing albeit with different flavours. Gaming.
(Apologies for the length of this. I stepped up on the soap-box and I forgot where I was for a moment.)
:)
dhaspert13 @ Aug 1st 2008 3:33PM
Devin said...
a "commanding lead"? Are you serious?
Also, what are these "games" that will "back" the 360 up to the competition?
PS3 Fanboy you are NOT!
I listed several games in my soon to be posted post. On top of the ones I listed they have like 4 JRPGs, with 3 of them being exclusives. Your right im not a fanboy, even though I own a PS3 MGS 4 FTMFW! And a Sony Bravia to boot. But Sony managed a handful of release dates for the games they showed, some even the most hardcore PS3 fanboys prob don't care about. Seriously they showed like 10 trailers and had about 4 release dates. Wow, its real good to be a PS3 owner. Whats the next PS3 game you are buying, and Im talking AAA not PSN or some Indie game? What LBP? cool see you in October. What Resistance 2? Cool see you in November.
Devin @ Aug 1st 2008 3:48PM
First off, LBP is out in October, not November.
Beside the 'exclusive' JRPGs (which nobody that I personally know plays), what does MS have coming out before November that is leading you to basically say 'PS3 has nothing to offer'?
Devin @ Aug 1st 2008 3:51PM
Ooops you did say October so nm that. Anyways, you're still losing me on the MS offering being better than the PS3's. I guess the thing for you is the JRPGs not being there and maybe someone else can clear that up better than me, but away from them I see the PS3 as having plenty to offer in the upcoming month(s).
Arnon @ Aug 2nd 2008 4:04AM
Fable 2 is in October.. and in November? Gears of War 2... and I honestly hate to say this.. but I doubt LBP will top GeoW 2 and Fable 2..
Devin @ Aug 2nd 2008 1:11PM
That is your opinion Arnon.
Devin @ Aug 2nd 2008 1:16PM
Arnon, Sony has Buzz!, Motostorm 2, SOCOM, LBP & Singstar Vol. 2 all coming out in October. Fable 2 (don't forget about Too Human) will be a good game, I know, but Sony is still offering it's gamers plenty, something dhaspert thinks not. Also, GoW2 (going to be another amazing game) is going to be competing with Resistance 2 (ditto), as well, so I don't know where you came up with LBP vs. GoW2..... both sides are offering plenty.
Sora57 @ Aug 1st 2008 3:33PM
The PS3 numbers would be even better in that scenario.
grognard66 @ Aug 1st 2008 3:38PM
Even with pricing at the current levels I doubt the lead would be that much this year. If the rumored Sept. price drops for 360 end up being true 360 will again be the one with a 1-2 million sales advantage for the year.
{@} @ Aug 1st 2008 3:53PM
Don't see that happening unless they drop the price.. PS3 is likely to finish in second when all is said and done.
Devin @ Aug 1st 2008 4:11PM
The funny part is this: When do we stop counting? Shouldn't it be total $$$ earned per console that determines a winner?
Jonathan @ Aug 1st 2008 3:54PM
Ps3 is the best system out ther period!
Tristan @ Aug 1st 2008 4:21PM
OH my goodness everyone has erupted.
What are the current sales of the consoles this year alone thus far?!
Sean @ Aug 1st 2008 4:44PM
Say it slowly...
It doesn't matter.
All three systems have enough owners now for publishers to write games for all three and make money. All three have compelling 1st party games to make each console fanboy happy.
If each one is profitable, what does it matter if one sells 5% more in one year?
We are the winners because the hardware is cheaper because of the competition. We are the winners because third parties are making games for everyone so you won't get locked out if you happen to choose one console or another.
What would the PS3 be like right now if it didn't have the 360 and Wii competition?
(Not very compelling given the reaction to the original sku.)
Nugent @ Aug 1st 2008 5:27PM
Some people need to boost their reading comprehension. Activision is talking about total sales this year, not total sales to date. They're not predicting an overall winner of the console war, they're just saying that they think the PS3 will outsell the X360 in 2008. Its not much of a prediction either, since the PS3 is already outselling the X360 for _this year_.
Invisible Robot Meat @ Aug 1st 2008 5:28PM
XBox360=fail. I dont mean sales numbers, I mean it will literally fail right there in your living room.
Brad @ Aug 1st 2008 5:40PM
If they have so much faith in he PS3, maybe that means they'll also include Rock Band compatibility on their PS3 GH peripherals.
I'm already a bit nervous that they'll only make them compatible on the 360, like the Les Paul for GH3 is. That, and they only specifically mentioned 360 inter-compatibility during E3.
Ben @ Aug 1st 2008 7:52PM
I wish they would have said which territory they were talking about. I think the real news is that the PS3 is going to outsell the 360 in the US this year. Europe and Japan are a lot easier wins, but outselling the 360 in the US at a higher price is huge. LBP and MGS4 are the 2 key games that are going to make it happen.
iamkid @ Aug 1st 2008 9:22PM
why are people that are not ps3 fanboys coming onto the ps3 fanboy site? are they insecure? i believe so. anyway, this is pretty good to here that more and more companies are backing ps3
saito ps3 @ Aug 1st 2008 10:00PM
its funny how 360 fanboys come to ps3 fanboy just to say how bad ps3 is, i mean come on, is your website so boring that you have to come here just to talk? thats sad, well, have fun playing viva pinata (LOL)
Arnon @ Aug 2nd 2008 4:07AM
See.. saying things like what this guy said is pointless.. Viva Pinata has about as much "kiddie gameplay" as LBP.. not to mention I've seen PS3 trolls on that site as well.
spamsphen @ Aug 2nd 2008 5:51AM
this guys an idiot.
dhaspert13 @ Aug 2nd 2008 5:26PM
Viva Pinata are you kidding me!?! What are you playing on your PS3, or right nothing. I just recently bought a PS3 and I own 2 games! where as I own like 12 for my 360. Oh and by the way Viva Pinata is a pretty fun game. So why I play that enjoy your broken (Orange Box) and inferior (Vegas 2) games. And while I rock out on Too Human in a couple days you'll still be waiting for a game to come out. At least the system teaches you patience.
Chris @ Sep 21st 2008 4:23PM
Well I am speaking on the matter of backwards compatibility, and at first I was angry that they didn't have it, but I understand from there point of view and it makes sense not to have b/c. Sony has done the research already, they know that majority of people who complain about b/c already have a PS2. Sony is trying to showcase the next gen capabilities of the PS3 not b/c. Backwards compatibility isn't part of their goal, and it isn't in their budget. They are trying to reach the 10 year goal of the PS2 and they are doing an impressive job, why would they implement b/c when the PS2 still sells like hot cakes so to speak. All I am saying is that if you think about it, it is a smart decision for Sony at this point not to have it because many people still have a PS2 and they are trying to showcase the blu ray in all its glory, not the old PS2 games, b/c is really just a small complaint at this point because the PS2 is still out there. Most likely in the future they may add b/c when they can afford to, but right now isn't the time to do it. Sony knows what they are doing, I definitely believe the PS3 will have a longer than 10 year lifespan since it is so upgradeable. Sony will eventually win the console war, you just have to give it time, it is a whole year younger than the 360 and the sales rate of the PS3 is higher when you look at post release sales.