US and UK analysts of the videogame industry tip Nintendo, with its Wii and DS, to be worst hit by recession – because its new base of casual gamers will stop buying games sooner than hardcore gamers, diverting their money elsewhere. UK analysts also point out that Sony’s PS3 will suffer from being at a higher price than its rival consoles. While US analysts have focussed on the fact that Microsoft has, at least for 2008, got the better exclusive franchises for the Xbox 360, with Gears Of War 2 leading the charge.
Electronic Entertainment Design And Research (EEDAR) analysis of November US sales figures show that of Sony PS3-exclusive titles, only Resistance 2 sold many consoles (and not so much in the UK). And PSP sales have fared even worse. Meanwhile, with Gears Of War 2 and Left 4 Dead Microsoft have two console-exclusive sales drivers for its Xbox 360.
EEDAR’s predictions for Animal Crossing: Let’s Go To The City are that it will only sell 200,000 units in the US. Better than most analysts expected, but still not a stand-out title. Despite that, the Wii will continue to lead sales.
In the UK, talking to The Guardian, Piers Harding-Rolls, for Screen Digest believes: “Consumers become more price-sensitive under these conditions and the PS3 is expensive, so they may delay their purchase or even buy a different console.” But Harding-Rolls also doubts the Wii’s ability to survive the credit crunch undented: “We are not sure how the recession will affect more casual consumers. These are more likely to view gaming as a discretionary luxury.”
Nick Gibson, Games Investor Consulting, agrees: “As the market has become more casual-gamer focused, it will be more susceptible to the economic rhythm. Nintendo therefore would be the most susceptible.”
Are you cutting your games-buying budget to survive the credit crunch? Let us know at the usual spot…
