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Halo 3 Preorders Top 1 Million, Marketing Begins
Gamespot reports that Halo 3 has broken the all-time record for videogame preorders in North America. There are now more than 1 million copies of the title reserved across the continent. "The figure means that the Halo 3 launch could potentially be bigger than that of Halo 2. The then-Xbox-exclusive sold 2.38 million units in the US and Canada in the 24 hours after went on sale on November 16, 2004, generating an estimated $125 million. Halo 3 preorder customers' passion for the game is such that cost is apparently no object. As part of today's announcement, Microsoft warned that, despite its premium price point, the collectible Halo 3: Legendary Edition is on track to sell out before the game launches. The bundle, which includes a miniaturized version of the Master Chief's helmet, retails for $129.99 in the US, but is already sold out at several online retailers in the UK."
No marketing? Their was a fairly widespread beta, as well as two games before it. Sequels don't really need much marketing, that's why publishers like them. They theoretically make oodles of money without much being put in.
"He who can destroy a thing, controls a thing." --Paul Atreides, Dune
You can also buy 2 and a third normal Halo 3 games for that price.
The premium version isn't the only one, you know. Sheesh.
Comment of the year
Halo 2 was released on the 9th. I still have the orange sticker on my box stating that it not be sold until 11/09/04.
What happens at wal-mart when a good game comes out? would you like to know? Cause I have the answer. It's happened to me several times. I'll tell you because your probably in suspense. When a good game comes to wal-mart, I stop by wal-mart after work to pick up a copy and all the copies are sold out. Yep, by 5:30 in the afternoon they're all sold out. So what have I been doing lately? I buy a pre-order from Gamestop instead and I'm able to stop by the store on my way home from work and pick it up. I can even stop to get a bite to eat without having to worry that I've missed out on the single last copy of the game. It's very convenient. But I could see how you'd be upset. I mean, why reward someone for planning in advance? Everyone knows than an angry midnight line, getting shot over a PlayStation is the way to go.