Crappy Christmas for games...
mod
Now that we're starting to get some numbers from the holiday season where do you think the year is going?
http://blogs.forbes.com/ericsavitz/2011/01/13/for-video-games-a-christmas-bust/
Sorry to be so pessimistic but considering we're at the point in the console life cycle that typically new hardware would reinvigorate the market otherwise it continues to tank. Toss on that people are still trimming their entertainment budgets thanks to the recession I just don't see a rosy year ahead?
It's probably a good idea that MS, Nin and Sony, haven't invested heavily in new console hardware because I don't think they would sell all that well in the current climate. If Kinect and Move don't succeed in replacing what would normally be a hardware re-invigoration then what?
What bout you, what do you see? Puppies and kittens or vultures and cow skulls?
http://blogs.forbes.com/ericsavitz/2011/01/13/for-video-games-a-christmas-bust/
Accessories are up, that helps MS I'm sure but doesn't really help the majority of the industry making software... The jump in accessories is probably thanks to the Kinect and move, which you would expect a jump in accessories, there's a big price difference between a handful of controllers and cables being sold and some expensive add-ons launching. But unless the games follow in quick fashion and they're actually fun and playable outside of "wee I'm waving my arms around!" I think we're headed for harder times...Hardware sales for the month were down 16% in the month from a year ago, while software was off 8%. But the accessories category rose 10%.
Sorry to be so pessimistic but considering we're at the point in the console life cycle that typically new hardware would reinvigorate the market otherwise it continues to tank. Toss on that people are still trimming their entertainment budgets thanks to the recession I just don't see a rosy year ahead?
It's probably a good idea that MS, Nin and Sony, haven't invested heavily in new console hardware because I don't think they would sell all that well in the current climate. If Kinect and Move don't succeed in replacing what would normally be a hardware re-invigoration then what?
What bout you, what do you see? Puppies and kittens or vultures and cow skulls?
Replies
I have to disagree about heading into harder times mate. I'm actually working on an article that will explain in detail, but I think you'll start to see some more fragmentation and disruption soon.
I'll ping you when the article is up, I think you may enjoy it since you've got that indie spirit.
The year will be rosy for some I guess, not sure which sort of area you mean. I browse develop occasionally and some companies look like they're doing really well, I think Jagex is doubling in size or something.. and then there's the ones going out of business. There's a lot of positive news and some bad stuff, I can't tell how it balances out.
As for games, I think there's prolly some good ones coming out this year.
Despite that, there are also a ton of high profile releases coming this year (over 12 that I plan to buy). On top of that with the release of kinect, the Nintendo 3ds and other hardware we'll see a surge in software for them at least for a little bit.
I think this year will be a rebound year big time. (though I'll probably end up eating my words a year from now)
But otherwise, yeah, pretty bleak.
That said, 2010 was great for me. I had some contract work, and ended the year with a full-time job. So wtf do I know?
I didn't think there was much available for Christmas though. Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood and Black Ops were the only two games on my radar, and I honestly don't feel that either are worth the $60 price, because I hear the SP is short on both. I got the kids Fable 3 and Epic Mickey, but overall, that's 4 games of interest for the last quarter. I doubt those 4 games would offset all the other crap.
And I'm not too surprised on console sales either. All the systems are getting old now, and most people who would be interested in a console, already have them. Now you're just selling to the few stragglers who finally got money for a console, or just got into gaming. Hell, I'd bet most XBox sales are to people replacing a fried unit.
Obviously it comes to a matter of opinion on that perspective but I cannot be more excited to spend money on this year's upcoming titles and snatch them all up. This should be a year of very positive software sales for Sony and MS based on the release schedule, so driving hardware sales should scale in moderation as well.
I've seen a lot more hirings this year than last year. A LOT more. I have to believe that things are going to get better, for myself and the industry as a whole. Otherwise, what's the fucking point?
I can't tell you how everyone is fairing but I can say it's not bad all around at least.
Honestly if we're gonna compare everything by years....1998 was still the most awesome year for videogames ever.
In general though, its just the recession, everyones watching what they buy and cant afford to buy a stinker so wait out for the goodens. It means alot of companies go bust due to bad sales but its survival of the fittest now where you cant afford to bring out a dud.
We're still a few years off from a full recovery, but if nothing else can take solace in the fact that not every other new thread is about layoffs and studio closings like in 2009 and the first half of 2010.