Video Game Sales Thread: No more pie here, move to the next one.

cloudeagle

Hi! Welcome to the sales thread. Here we talk about how games have sold, marketing, PR comments, analysis of analysts and all kinds of other business-related stuff. Occasionally we make poop jokes.

To kick things off, here's the most awesome thing ever that EA needs to finally unveil RIGHT NOW.

Also, some brief analysis on what's happening at Activision at the moment.

In a recent Twitter message, Schafer wrote:

“Getting mad at Activision for this kind of thing is like getting mad at an ape for throwing feces. It’s just how the beast communicates.”

And now, February's info.
]Data care of NPD Group

PlayStation 2 101.9K
PlayStation 3 360.1K
PSP 133.4K
Xbox 360 422.0K
Wii 397.9K
Nintendo DS 613.2K


BIOSHOCK 2* 360 TAKE 2 INTERACTIVE Feb-10 562.9K
NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. WII WII NINTENDO OF AMERICA Nov-09 555.6K 2
CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE 2* 360 ACTIVISION BLIZZARD Nov-09 314.3K 3
JUST DANCE WII UBISOFT Nov-09 275.4K 4
SPORTS RESORT W/ WII MOTION PLUS* WII NINTENDO OF AMERICA Jul-09 272.5K 5
CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE 2* PS3 ACTIVISION BLIZZARD Nov-09 252.8K 6
MASS EFFECT 2 360 ELECTRONIC ARTS Jan-10 246.5K 7
DANTE'S INFERNO: DIVINE EDITION PS3 ELECTRONIC ARTS Feb-10 242.5K 8
DANTE'S INFERNO 360 ELECTRONIC ARTS Feb-10 224.7K 9
HEAVY RAIN PS3 SONY Feb-10 219.3K 10

Cameron_Talley

When is February's NPD Released?

cloudeagle

Cameron_Talley wrote: »

When is February's NPD Released?

Next week I think.

Pata

So on a scale of 1 to 10 how big a jerk is Activision being.

Brainiac 8

So uh....Activision pretty much sucks, and don't really have anything to fall back on.

I mean WOW can't support the whole company.

cloudeagle

Couscous wrote: »

"A significant portion of our revenues has historically been derived from products based on a relatively small number of popular franchises and these products are responsible for a disproportionately high percentage of our profits," the report points out.

For example, it points out that in fiscal 2009, which ended in December, that their top three franchises, Call of Duty, Guitar Hero, and World of Warcraft, accounted for about 68 percent of their net revenues for the year.

Further into the report, the company points out that World of Warcraft accounts for a staggering 98 percent of Blizzard's revenue. Ninety-eight percent! That's up from the previous two years when the hugely popular massively multiplayer online game accounted for a mere 97 percent.

What does all of that mean to Activision?

"Due to this dependence on a limited number of franchises, the failure to achieve anticipated results by one or more products based on these franchises may significantly harm our business and financial results," according to the report.

Activision built their house on sand.

The sad result of "we only release teh hueg franchises that can have the shit exploited out of them" strategy.

And yeah, soon they'll rape CoD into the ground.

Pata

I have to wonder if Koitik is dilberately running the company into the ground.

cloudeagle

Hard to believe, but the dude has been running the joint for a decade or so. Clearly he was doing something right, at least for a while. It's just recently that he went completely bonkers.

Lilnoobs

What do you mean he's bonkers? He's doing exactly what the american financial system promotes, and it gets him rich quick as hell. Dude will bail before he completely ruins the place. But 500 gazillion dollars richer. Oi.

mere_immortal

I really didn't think I could dislike Activision anymore. Shows what I know.

corin7

Brainiac 8 wrote: »

So uh....Activision pretty much sucks, and don't really have anything to fall back on.

I mean WOW can't support the whole company.

Or can it? With enough layoffs anything is possible. You have to wonder if Blizzard is having any regrets at this point.

Zek

What was the reason Blizzard merged with Activision in the first place?

cloudeagle

corin7 wrote: »

Brainiac 8 wrote: »

So uh....Activision pretty much sucks, and don't really have anything to fall back on.

I mean WOW can't support the whole company.

Or can it? With enough layoffs anything is possible. You have to wonder if Blizzard is having any regrets at this point.

So when Vivendi bought out Activision, what was the reasoning in putting Kotick (from Activision) in charge? I'm a little fuzzy on what happened, and usually the execs from the buying company take over, rather than the ones from buyees.

Santa Claustrophobia

cloudeagle wrote: »

corin7 wrote: »

Brainiac 8 wrote: »

So uh....Activision pretty much sucks, and don't really have anything to fall back on.

I mean WOW can't support the whole company.

Or can it? With enough layoffs anything is possible. You have to wonder if Blizzard is having any regrets at this point.

So when Vivendi bought out Activision, what was the reasoning in putting Kotick (from Activision) in charge? I'm a little fuzzy on what happened, and usually the execs from the buying company take over, rather than the ones from buyees.

Unless you're putting in place the one dude you think will make you the most money...

cloudeagle

Santa Claustrophobia wrote: »

cloudeagle wrote: »

corin7 wrote: »

Brainiac 8 wrote: »

So uh....Activision pretty much sucks, and don't really have anything to fall back on.

I mean WOW can't support the whole company.

Or can it? With enough layoffs anything is possible. You have to wonder if Blizzard is having any regrets at this point.

So when Vivendi bought out Activision, what was the reasoning in putting Kotick (from Activision) in charge? I'm a little fuzzy on what happened, and usually the execs from the buying company take over, rather than the ones from buyees.

Unless you're putting in place the one dude you think will make you the most money...

That could very well be it, since Kotick had a proven track record at that point. Still, I'm curious if there was any legal/political wrangling behind it.

Santa Claustrophobia

cloudeagle wrote: »

Santa Claustrophobia wrote: »

cloudeagle wrote: »

corin7 wrote: »

Brainiac 8 wrote: »

So uh....Activision pretty much sucks, and don't really have anything to fall back on.

I mean WOW can't support the whole company.

Or can it? With enough layoffs anything is possible. You have to wonder if Blizzard is having any regrets at this point.

So when Vivendi bought out Activision, what was the reasoning in putting Kotick (from Activision) in charge? I'm a little fuzzy on what happened, and usually the execs from the buying company take over, rather than the ones from buyees.

Unless you're putting in place the one dude you think will make you the most money...

That could very well be it, since Kotick had a proven track record at that point. Still, I'm curious if there was any legal/political wrangling behind it.

Probably, but probably not what you're thinking. This happens often enough where the company that's being bought basically sees their CEO or Prez or whatever installed in a similar position in the new, bigger conglomerate. Sometimes the old boss gets offered their Golden Parachute, sometimes it's just a newly created position that's only slightly under the old boss. It happens.

In this case, they probably interviewed him and when he told them his plans (cue the PA 'exploit' strip...), they liked what they heard.

Cantido

OP Needs Tim Schafer's poop joke first.

In a recent Twitter message, Schafer wrote:

“Getting mad at Activision for this kind of thing is like getting mad at an ape for throwing feces. It’s just how the beast communicates.”

chasm

Pata wrote: »

So on a scale of 1 to 10 how big a jerk is Activision being.

A solid 12.

Ain Soph

cloudeagle wrote: »

corin7 wrote: »

Brainiac 8 wrote: »

So uh....Activision pretty much sucks, and don't really have anything to fall back on.

I mean WOW can't support the whole company.

Or can it? With enough layoffs anything is possible. You have to wonder if Blizzard is having any regrets at this point.

So when Vivendi bought out Activision, what was the reasoning in putting Kotick (from Activision) in charge? I'm a little fuzzy on what happened, and usually the execs from the buying company take over, rather than the ones from buyees.

It's because Activision bought Vivendi games, not the other way around.

Xagarath

I guess if you're going to be a hated company, might as well flaunt it.
Or something.

Capt Howdy

Can't wait to see Feb's NPD. God willing Endless Ocean Blue World made a ripple, or a splash, in the sales world. I doubt it, but a man can dream.

Cameron_Talley

Pata wrote: »

So on a scale of 1 to 10 how big a jerk is Activision being.

Probably like 9.5 under the old scoring system, but now judging is based on technical and style points, so more like 130.78.

pslong9

Capt Howdy wrote: »

Can't wait to see Feb's NPD. God willing Endless Ocean Blue World made a ripple, or a splash, in the sales world. I doubt it, but a man can dream.

Hahahaha... that's a good one.

I'd wager that at least one of the Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympics versions will be in the top 20. Wouldn't be surprised if one was in the top 10, honestly.

Brainiac 8

I'm figuring NSMBWii at number one...but that's all I got.

I'm hoping TvC made some more sales, as last months NPD it had only been out for like a week.

Capt Howdy

pslong9 wrote: »

Capt Howdy wrote: »

Can't wait to see Feb's NPD. God willing Endless Ocean Blue World made a ripple, or a splash, in the sales world. I doubt it, but a man can dream.

Hahahaha... that's a good one.

I'd wager that at least one of the Mario & Sonic at the Winter Olympics versions will be in the top 20. Wouldn't be surprised if one was in the top 10, honestly.

I will smite the shit out of you, and turn you into chewy, delicious chum for my pet Greenland shark to frolic in.

Back off man, give me one week of dreaming, I have earned it.

Dragkonias

Didn't TvC do horribly in Japan, too?

I think the main problem TvC had was being put on the wrong console.

Brainiac 8

Dragkonias wrote: »

Didn't TvC do horribly in Japan, too?

I think the main problem TvC had was being put on the wrong console.

Yea, I'm not thinking that was the problem.

I'm thinking that since half the roster are unknowns, it wouldn't have sold well regardless of system.

But that said, it didn't sell horribly for it's first week, it at least sold 50k or more, which is more than most of us here thought it would sell.

Capt Howdy

Dragkonias wrote: »

Didn't TvC do horribly in Japan, too?

I think the main problem TvC had was being put on the wrong console.

Yep, would have sold magnificently on PS360. *sarcasm*

It was a niche fighting game that excluded some of the companies biggest characters. No system would have made it sell better.

Brainiac 8

San Diego, Calif.-March 2nd, 2010-Human Soft today announced it is developing HardGrip, the first extreme rock climbing game for Wii™. Experience the thrill and adrenaline of free soloing some of the most amazing rock walls in the world with vertigo-inspiring graphics, a pulse-pounding soundtrack, and dizzyingly realistic climbing action. HardGrip supports the Wii MotionPlus™ for even greater precision and authenticity. Compete against other climbers and hone your skills to earn respect and become the top extreme climber.

HardGrip takes players on a tour of exotic and stunning locales around the globe as they compete in open events or invitation-only official races. With no harnesses or lifelines, players must solve seemingly impossible challenges and conquer their fear to make it to the top. Speed counts, but climbers who prove their ingenuity and daring will earn more respect. As climbers progress, their skills will have to become truly awesome to make the grade.


"Free climbing is all about style and creativity. Just making it to the top fast isn't the point if you used an easy route." says Gabor Kadas, CEO of Human Soft. "By incorporating the MotionPlus, we can capture that competitive spirit in a game for the first time."

In addition to the Wii product, Human Soft is working on versions of HardGrip for other upcoming motion-based game systems.

You can't tell me this isn't the most unfortunately named games ever created.

Capt Howdy

Brainiac 8 wrote: »

San Diego, Calif.-March 2nd, 2010-Human Soft today announced it is developing HardGrip, the first extreme rock climbing game for Wii™. Experience the thrill and adrenaline of free soloing some of the most amazing rock walls in the world with vertigo-inspiring graphics, a pulse-pounding soundtrack, and dizzyingly realistic climbing action. HardGrip supports the Wii MotionPlus™ for even greater precision and authenticity. Compete against other climbers and hone your skills to earn respect and become the top extreme climber.
HardGrip takes players on a tour of exotic and stunning locales around the globe as they compete in open events or invitation-only official races. With no harnesses or lifelines, players must solve seemingly impossible challenges and conquer their fear to make it to the top. Speed counts, but climbers who prove their ingenuity and daring will earn more respect. As climbers progress, their skills will have to become truly awesome to make the grade.


"Free climbing is all about style and creativity. Just making it to the top fast isn't the point if you used an easy route." says Gabor Kadas, CEO of Human Soft. "By incorporating the MotionPlus, we can capture that competitive spirit in a game for the first time."
In addition to the Wii product, Human Soft is working on versions of HardGrip for other upcoming motion-based game systems.

You can't tell me this isn't the most unfortunately named games ever created.

at bold.

Dragkonias

Capt Howdy wrote: »

Dragkonias wrote: »

Didn't TvC do horribly in Japan, too?

I think the main problem TvC had was being put on the wrong console.

Yep, would have sold magnificently on PS360. *sarcasm*

It was a niche fighting game that excluded some of the companies biggest characters. No system would have made it sell better.

I know...and most niche fighting game fans tend to own the other systems. This isn't a jab at the Wii as everyone always likes to take anything said against it, just an observation I've made as a fan of the genre.

Not saying the game would have sold bajillions, just that it probably would have done a little better.

cloudeagle

Not just HardGrip, but Human Soft's HardGrip.

*snicker*

Brainiac 8

Honestly I'm hoping it does get ported over, since I want it to sell enough to justify a sequel...although I'm highly doubtful that'll happen. Once again, filling half the roster with unknowns and the other half with an...interesting collection of characters pretty much killed this game on arrival.

I am however impressed with the fact that Capcom was able to pull the strings required to bring it to the US.

Dragkonias

Oh...I have no doubt that hurt the game too.

Really...other than Tekkaman Blade and Karas, I have no idea who any of those other characters were.

Capt Howdy

Dragkonias wrote: »

Capt Howdy wrote: »

Dragkonias wrote: »

Didn't TvC do horribly in Japan, too?

I think the main problem TvC had was being put on the wrong console.

Yep, would have sold magnificently on PS360. *sarcasm*

It was a niche fighting game that excluded some of the companies biggest characters. No system would have made it sell better.

I know...and most niche fighting game fans tend to own the other systems. This isn't a jab at the Wii as everyone always likes to take anything said against it, just an observation I've made as a fan of the genre.

Not saying the game would have sold bajillions, just that it probably would have done a little better.

Didn't take it as a slight to the Wii. There's just no way it would have done better on a more expensive, less niche friendly system.

cloudeagle

Brainiac 8 wrote: »

Honestly I'm hoping it does get ported over, since I want it to sell enough to justify a sequel...although I'm highly doubtful that'll happen. Once again, filling half the roster with unknowns and the other half with an...interesting collection of characters pretty much killed this game on arrival.

I am however impressed with the fact that Capcom was able to pull the strings required to bring it to the US.

Yeah, given that one anime company's creations can get licensed to a hojillion different U.S. distributors who all have to be paid off AND the game's low sales potential it's a little amazing they bothered.

Then again most of the Testosteronuko lineup are so obscure most of them were licensed by no one.

Brainiac 8

G-Force or bust sucka! :x

Dragkonias

I wish I had more information about the Marvel licensing myself. They could have just stuck to that.

But I'm guessing licensing problems and the huge roster were probably deterrents.

cloudeagle

Dragkonias wrote: »

I wish I had more information about the Marvel licensing myself. They could have just stuck to that.

But I'm guessing licensing problems and the huge roster were probably deterrents.

Sometimes certain characters can be given to game developers exclusively. For instance, Capcom couldn't use Spider-Man because he's been promised to Activision. And by then you'd have so many holes in the line-up it wouldn't make sense.

Then again the lineups don't have to make perfect sense, Marvel vs. Capcom 2 absolutely piled on the X-folks. I mean Marrow, really? We didn't have Daredevil or Dr. Strange or any of the several hundred better-known Marvel characters just so we could have Marrow?

Rakai

cloudeagle wrote: »

Brainiac 8 wrote: »

Honestly I'm hoping it does get ported over, since I want it to sell enough to justify a sequel...although I'm highly doubtful that'll happen. Once again, filling half the roster with unknowns and the other half with an...interesting collection of characters pretty much killed this game on arrival.

I am however impressed with the fact that Capcom was able to pull the strings required to bring it to the US.

Yeah, given that one anime company's creations can get licensed to a hojillion different U.S. distributors who all have to be paid off AND the game's low sales potential it's a little amazing they bothered.

Then again most of the Testosteronuko lineup are so obscure most of them were licensed by no one.

Only 2-3 small companies have licensed any of the Tatsunoko properties used. Even then, the character license and the series license are usually two different things. Just because someone has the rights to a TV series, doesn't mean they have the rights to use the characters in any other form so it's likely they didn't have to pay anyone other than the Japanese company.

Unco-ordinated

Ain Soph wrote: »

cloudeagle wrote: »

corin7 wrote: »

Brainiac 8 wrote: »

So uh....Activision pretty much sucks, and don't really have anything to fall back on.

I mean WOW can't support the whole company.

Or can it? With enough layoffs anything is possible. You have to wonder if Blizzard is having any regrets at this point.

So when Vivendi bought out Activision, what was the reasoning in putting Kotick (from Activision) in charge? I'm a little fuzzy on what happened, and usually the execs from the buying company take over, rather than the ones from buyees.

It's because Activision bought Vivendi games, not the other way around.

No, they didn't. Activision merged with Vivendi Games, giving Vivendi (Vivendi Games' parent company) a majority stake in Activision Blizzard.