As that is how they invest, on predictions, not actuals. It soundscrazy to think that games have just 2 weeks to make a financial success, and it’s one of the main reasons why we can NOT and never should compare pricing of games (RRP) to that of say movies. Which basically have 3 ‘release periods’.

SO RRP are gauged on quick sales, high returns over short periods for games, which btw, have not grown over the last 1.1/2 decades, and in fact, have shrunk, both in off the shelf RRP and also gain through stiff competition, bargain company sales (Play-Asia ect) and trade-in. All of which were NOT available even several years ago (to the level they are now).

We have one major thing happening with games that publishers are NOTtaking into consideration on one aspect. That is, the expidential expansion of online gaming which in turn expands numbers for all areas of gaming, Single Player, Multiplayer, Online activity etc etc.

$ years ago the online community with regards togames across the board was decent, but since XboxLIVE, and now PSN has exploded, well beyond what they even though possible, and it’s growing daily, publishers MUST change their tactics if they wish to make the most of new IPs and even normal franchise.

Sorry for the rant btw.

It is easy to see that next year with Street Fighter 4 being released during the beginning of the year that it too is going to have a field day. Remember GTA4 set many sales record I too would state that it was due to the timing of release as well brand name associated with it.

But If Publishers continue to glutten up on the holiday season of releases than if a new IP is to contend with another addition of a sucessful IP then whey not release at a budget price.

It is a shame though that the performance of a title is determined by its first month of sales. If publishers and stock holders allowed for greater period to see sucess then new IP will undoubtley fair better. But unfortunately due to the economic recession its perform immediately or pull the plug. Companies can’t take the risk anymore of “give it a month or two”.

Again, I thank you for the compliments and I will make sure to drop by your site more in the future.

-Zen

We wish to support sites that ‘make a difference’ rather than simply have any site listed to make us look good in some way.

Great article btw,

Cheers . . . Grant

If I had the money I’d buy as many games ‘to keep’ as I could, new IP’s especially, as they are what moves the industry on. Sequels do nothing more than feed money into the publishers purse . .they certainly do not innovate.

I would also like to thank you for challenging the claims I made in my previous article. We need more discussion about these types of topics as it allows the readers to get both sides of the debate. Sadly this doesn’t happen as much as needs to because most of the gaming press attack each other instead of actually discussing the issue at hand.

Also, I’ll make sure to include a link to your article as a rebuttal to my post.

- Zen

I acknowledge your points above, but this year in particularly has had a HUGE line-up of stellar titles…way too many for one time of year and stressed budgets (recession or not).

Again, thanks for the interesting read.