Holiday Game Sales Semi-Merry After All?
Thanks to CNN for its report discussing specific sales numbers for November's top videogames. The report, shortly following previous analyst worries, mentions that "game software sales climbed 7 percent, as compared to November 2002", fairly reasonable, but still short of (possibly excessive?) analyst estimates. GameSpot has further commentary, mentioning the big winners ("Strong sales of True Crime: The Streets of L.A. (630,000 copies) and Tony Hawk's Underground (554,000) let Activision skate its way to a 46 increase in sales over November 2002"), and the not so fortunate ("November's big loser was Take Two Interactive, whose sales plummeted 47 percent. Hopes that Manhunt would help fill in for the absence of a [new] Grand Theft Auto game proved woefully unfounded, as the controversial game only shipped 75,000 units, a fraction of the 502,000 GTA Double Packs sold.")
I can see Manhunt being eschewed for holidy gift-giving because of its over-the-top violent nature. I wouldn't be surprised, however, if it sells at a more brisk pace once the season of peace and love ends and the season of returns and gift certificate spending begins.
Do you need a hug or something?
Oddly Draconis
Too cynical to live, too stubborn to die.