G'day for Microsoft - Xbox 360 Becomes Fastest-Selling Console at Launch in Australia

[fitbabits]

Check out the full story (http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=15729), courtesy of GamesIndustry.biz (http://www.gamesindustry.biz).

Microsoft's Xbox 360 has racked up the best debut ever for a console platform in Australia, with over 30,000 units of the system selling through in the four days following its March 23rd launch.

That's according to figures from market analyst GfK, which reports that around 10,000 consoles sold at the midnight launch on March 23rd, followed by an additional 20,000 units in the following days.

The totals put the Xbox 360 at the top of the launch sales league table in the region - the former record holder was Sony's PlayStation Portable, which sold through 27,000 units in a comparable period of time.

However, it's not clear whether all of the pre-orders taken for the Xbox 360 in Australia have yet been met - Microsoft's Xbox chief in the region, David McLean, had previously told local publication AustralianIT that pre-orders were running at around 45,000 units.

Commenting to the site in the wake of the launch figures being revealed by GfK, he said merely that the firm would "easily reach our launch window forecast."
Welcome aboard, Australia.

[Vandenh]

One of my Live friends is from Oz... and the good thing about the launch was the big selection of games. I think he bought *gasp*5 at launch!!

[Metalhaze]

Yeah, not surprising that a country who is denied most video games and is always last on the list to get new stuff is a little overly excited about the XBox360. These sales won't continue the way they are going....

[fitbabits]

Yeah, not surprising that a country who is denied most video games and is always last on the list to get new stuff is a little overly excited about the XBox360. These sales won't continue the way they are going....
Why can't some people simply say 'good job' instead of reverting to type?

[CaptStu]

Why can't some people simply say 'good job' instead of reverting to type?

Why ask why when pessimism or fanboyism fills the heads of idiots. Too many -isms.

Good job, Microsoft.

[Heretic Machine]

Yay, they got 360's! Now if they can get rid of their fascist government, they'll be one step closer to civilization :)

[silv]

It's a good launch for the aussies with Oblivion and GRAW. I can see how they would be flying off the shelves.

[Vandenh]

>Yay, they got 360's! Now if they can get rid of their fascist government, they'll be one step closer to civilization

Hehehe... so true ;)

Well they do have good steak and some hot women!

[CaptStu]

Well they do have good steak and some hot women!

You forgot the beer and those bloomin' onions.

[easi]

Where are all the stories about the $170 price tag of the 360 in Japan, or the queues for the DS Lite launch? I think kotaku had shots of the same shop for the 360 and DS Lite launch side by side, it was hilarious.

[thegameguru]

Where are all the stories about the $170 price tag of the 360 in Japan, or the queues for the DS Lite launch? I think kotaku had shots of the same shop for the 360 and DS Lite launch side by side, it was hilarious.

who cares? The Xbox 360 sold like crap in Japan whoopee doo! its so tired and pointless.

[easi]

As pointless as all the overblown anti-Sony crap?

[Heretic Machine]

Where are all the stories about the $170 price tag of the 360 in Japan, or the queues for the DS Lite launch? I think kotaku had shots of the same shop for the 360 and DS Lite launch side by side, it was hilarious.

Ya, and it's just too bad that Japan is becoming more and more irrelevant when it comes to selling games, or that might matter!

[Adamtehgreat]

Yay, they got 360's! Now if they can get rid of their fascist government, they'll be one step closer to civilization

As opposed to your left wing, open minded government you have there in the US? "Hey! Lets go to war!"

Anyway, I got my 360; with Oblivion, GRAW and PGR3, so I'm happy......mate

[Wedge]

Welcome aboard, Australia.

World Simultaneous Lauch FTW!

Hell, I didn't know they hadn't gotten it yet. At least it had a great launch line-up.

[Heretic Machine]

As opposed to your left wing, open minded government you have there in the US? "Hey! Lets go to war!"

Anyway, I got my 360; with Oblivion, GRAW and PGR3, so I'm happy......mate

Doesn't take a conservative to want a war on Iraq. But you're right, the US isn't perfect, and I certainly think that there is far too much in the way of 'morality' laws. But still, when it comes to video games, the US at least hasn't banned anything yet.

[Knite]

As pointless as all the overblown anti-Sony crap?

Yes, the overwhelming Anti-Sony crap. I mean, just LOOK at the newspage!!!

---XBOX 360 - Available Soon!
---Quake 4 v1.1 Patch Recall
---G'day for Microsoft - Xbox 360 Becomes Fastest-Selling Console at Launch in Australia

Just LOOK at all of the anti-Sony news ar.... umm.. wait, those have nothing to do with Sony. Let's try the next one...

---Kingdom Hearts 2 GameSpot/IGN/GameSpy Reviews

Ahh, there we go, a Sony article, it HAS to be anti-Sony... wait... the complaint seems to be with IGN's score being too low at 7.6.... But there HAS to be an anti-Sony message!

---NYTimes: Oblivion a rare single-player treat ... no sony...
---Broken Sword: The Angel of Death Screens ... no sony...
---Next-Gen Interviews SCE's Phil Harrison

Ahhh, another article with sony! Let's see all the bashing... Borys showing dissapointment at "pay for" premium content. HARSH. Let's see what else there is... hmmm

---Crysis Features & Screens ... no sony...
---Top Spin 2 Review - Team XBox ... no sony...
---Dreamfall strikes gold! ... no sony...

etc etc....
Face it. Right now the 360 is the "New Hotness". It's here, NOW, and we aren't trying to imagine what stuff looks or sounds like based on pre-rendered movies, or PR talk. We get to touch, see, feel, and hear the 360's games going on, so of COURSE there's going to be more articles about that than any other object. Come back when PS3 is real and not just a demonstration and then let's see you complain about how anti-Sony the site is.. .that is, unless the PS3 winds up totally sucking and costing $600. Then they deserve the bashing.

[Knite]

Doesn't take a conservative to want a war on Iraq. But you're right, the US isn't perfect, and I certainly think that there is far too much in the way of 'morality' laws. But still, when it comes to video games, the US at least hasn't banned anything yet.

Give it time.
Never underestimate the power of unemployed redneck wives. They've got to do SOMETHING when the soaps aren't on.

[easi]

I like how you totally ignored the HDMI-Gate thread. I guess that wasn't convenient to your army of straw men.

[Savok]

This thread makes me die a bit on the inside.

Idiots buying 360s, wonderful, it's obnoxiously priced and too many months late, so what do we do, go right for their crotch, feh.

Fascist? You're an idiot.

Easi, wh... oh I don't even care.

[Adamtehgreat]

Doesn't take a conservative to want a war on Iraq.
+
Never underestimate the power of unemployed redneck wives. They've got to do SOMETHING when the soaps aren't on.

= Bush

However I can agree with you regarding the banning. Its because we don't have an AO rating available to us, because the government still assumes that children are the target audience for games.
Nevermind. Back to Oblivion ^_^

[Heretic Machine]

Its because we don't have an AO rating available to us

I'm aware, as that is brought up everytime we come to this topic. Unfortunetly, it's not an excuse, and it doesn't help your case.

[phantomhitman]

But still, when it comes to video games, the US at least hasn't banned anything yet.

Or guns, cause we kill em, kill em dead ;)

[Evil Avatar]

Come back when PS3 is real and not just a demonstration and then let's see you complain about how anti-Sony the site is.. .that is, unless the PS3 winds up totally sucking and costing $600. Then they deserve the bashing.

Bah. Even a $600.00 price tag won't dampen my enthusiasm for the PS3. I think that it will be a great system. Between 360 exclusives (rare, but they will have some) and PS3 exclusives I've got all my bases covered for the Next Generation.

I'm really jazzed that Resident Evil will be headed back to the PS3 and 360 this generation.

[dr_wily]

Bah. Even a $600.00 price tag won't dampen my enthusiasm for the PS3. I think that it will be a great system. Between 360 exclusives (rare, but they will have some) and PS3 exclusives I've got all my bases covered for the Next Generation.

I'm really jazzed that Resident Evil will be headed back to the PS3 and 360 this generation.

NINTY HATER! <sirens>
back to the real RE4 on the GC... :p

[Magnanimous Gnome]

No Nintendo love Evil?

Oh well, I suppose that some things never change. :p

I was going to be Nintendo's bitch this gen, but now I really want a 360. I feel dirty.

[rubek]

Doesn't take a conservative to want a war on Iraq. But you're right, the US isn't perfect, and I certainly think that there is far too much in the way of 'morality' laws. But still, when it comes to video games, the US at least hasn't banned anything yet.

But the games that have been banned here are also shitty, so we didn't really miss out on anything. Maybe our Government is just more discerning. :)

And when the PS3 DOES come out in Australia, expect a price of about $900 Aus.
I noticed ads on television enticing pre-orders a few weeks back for the 360, and the premium bundle was priced over $800 Aus.

[ElPresidente]

I'm aware, as that is brought up everytime we come to this topic. Unfortunetly, it's not an excuse, and it doesn't help your case.

The US would be in the same situation as the UK and Australia if it wasn't for your Bill of Rights. You're constitutionally protected from censorship in most cases. Australia does not have such a bill (praise the lord - sorry guys I've got a law background and a BoR causes more problems than it solves IMO) and hence the OFLC can step in and ban certain content.

As a gamer I hate the fact we don't have an AO rating system but censorship is an extremely small part of government function and certainly not an indicator of a draconian nature.

Anyway I'm steamed at the Australian launch - I had a 360 a couple of months ago and my geek cred was soaring high... now I'm just like any other shlep. ;)

[Liquidize105]

That's cus they've been ogling and drool bucket in hand since last November.

I thought it was worldwide? The Aussies always get the short end. :o

[ElPresidente]

Not always. Had Halo 2 before all of y'all. ;)

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

Australia must have been supplied with a (comparatively) decent number of units, as I've been to three different game stores just to look around since launch and all of them have plenty of core and premium units left in stock.

The prices are ridiculous though, I would never have bought a 360 in Australia, it is way too overpriced and with the new price gouging on games you can import them for literally half the price they cost here.

The launch was very strong though, gameplay wise, as has been mentioned, I don't think there was anything that special at all for launch in the other territories, but GRAW + Oblivion is possibly the strongest launch I've seen for a console to date.

On the topic of Banned AO games, it's not like it's hard to get a copy from UK/Europe/New Zealand, which are completely uncensored, so the ban on R rated games has only really affected mainstream gamers so far as I can tell.

[hogi]

On the topic of Banned AO games, it's not like it's hard to get a copy from UK/Europe/New Zealand, which are completely uncensored, so the ban on R rated games has only really affected mainstream gamers so far as I can tell.

Yes, that is if you are lucky enough if customs do not open your package. They will open packages and if you are unlucky enough they take it away and worse case get a summons notice. I had a few games taken. Some that shouldn't be taken, but they think it should because it hasn't been rated or they do not believe the US/UK rating system. (that's the reply mail I got from customs.) Technically the government has to screen all computer games.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

I have to say you must be pretty unlucky.

I rarely buy games in Australia anymore, so for the past two years I have had between 10-30 games arrive from overseas in the mail, and the ONLY time I've had anything to do with customs was when I went over $250 AUD with DHL (didn't realise the limit included shipping).

I have never had an opened package when ordering from liksang/playasia. The only time it has ever arrived opened was when I bought an old SNES game on ebay from UK, about 4 years ago.

[Heretic Machine]

but censorship is an extremely small part of government function and certainly not an indicator of a draconian nature.

NOT having a Bill of Rights protecting your right to free speech is not an indicator of a draconian nature?

[Zeal]

I swear, unless the conditions here improve, I'm bringing in a billion Microsoft fanboys.

[hogi]

I have to say you must be pretty unlucky.

I rarely buy games in Australia anymore, so for the past two years I have had between 10-30 games arrive from overseas in the mail, and the ONLY time I've had anything to do with customs was when I went over $250 AUD with DHL (didn't realise the limit included shipping).

I have never had an opened package when ordering from liksang/playasia. The only time it has ever arrived opened was when I bought an old SNES game on ebay from UK, about 4 years ago.

Yes I must be :mad: I had Please Twins DVD disc 2 taken from me because it had "children naked in a bath scene." Strange thing is the disc came out locally anyway and only had a M rating. So customs must had open my package and watched the disc.

Back on topic. Really anyone who wants a 360 (myself, but probably later) would fork out about 800AUD. The deals are bad and some shop give out very good coupons for future titles and add-ons. But really at that price you are asking a lot for the average consumer. Games at about 100AUD to 110AUD (retail recommened price) so thats about 72USD to 80USD each. I import most of my PC games since getting shipped from elsewhere but Australia and pay express is probably cheaper than the local price and faster.

Now if I can somehow write the 360 as a tax deduction I may get one. :) It could be asking a lot.

EDIT: Fix my Engrish.

[fitbabits]

I swear, unless the conditions here improve, I'm bringing in a billion Microsoft fanboys.
I worry about what goes on in your head. Just sometimes, but I worry nonetheless.

[ElPresidente]

NOT having a Bill of Rights protecting your right to free speech is not an indicator of a draconian nature?

No it most certainly isn't.

Enshrining rights in a constitution or document of similar legal power makes them pretty much incapable of change. There is a very strong argument that this isn't a good thing.

What we consider to be valid rights changes over time. It was once considered the right of someone with enough wealth to own and keep slaves. You put that kind of thing in an immutable document and you have a lot of troubles if you need to change something that seemed right at the time but is no longer relevant.

A bill of rights makes legal response to social change very difficult, something that is especially problematic since social mores are constantly changing the legal system is one that is largely in stasis.

To not have a bill of rights does not mean rights aren't recognised just as much as having a bill of rights does not mean rights are recognised (Most African nations have a bill or rights and most of those African nations are also targeted by Amnesty International for having an unacceptable amount of human rights violations.

The effect of a Bill of Rights comes down to the incorruptability of the govenerment. If you have a corrupt ineffectual government then the bill does nothing, if you government adheres to due process then the bill effectively prevents them from changing those rights. Considering how many international treaties there are defining world accepted standards of human rights this is a legitimate concern. What happens when a government is forced by international community pressure to become a part of a treaty such as the UN's international decleration of human rights and non-severable provisions in that treaty conflict with the Bill of Rights? The government is suddenly put in a very difficult situation where their own processes prevent them from achiving desireable goals.

That isn't to say not having a bill is perfect, it isn't. But there are various minds on either side of the fence that argue one way or the other. In Australia our Constitution doesn't tell us what is right or wrong (thank God... it is over 100 years old) it provides the mechanisms of government and does not step outside that role. It sets up the powers of the Judiciary, Legislative and Administrative roles of government. These three pillars and the constitutionally enshrined seperation of powers principle is how we each rights protection in this country without having the rights themselves enshrined. All three elements of good government operate seperate of each other and acts as a check & balance on the other two.

By this system our Judicial system is free to consider international treaties, prevading sociatal attitudes, phillosophical arguments and more when it comes to understanding what the Australian nation considers human rights. As a nation we accept that everyone has the right to speak their mind but we put limits on that. If what a person has to say offends the rights of others (note: This is different to disagreeing with what is said) then we can shut them down and we have a number of laws in this country aimed at doing just that. We can put limits on rights and they will be enforced assuming the judicature see those laws are inkeeping with our actions in defining what we consider important rights to protect (for instance the Universal Decleration of Human Rights). Not having a bill of rights means being able to weigh up competing interests, having a bill of rights means the right is absolute, immutable. In practice this isn't strictly true but it substantially more difficult to weigh up something that is constitutionally protected against other factors than it is when that which you wish to weigh up is considered voidable in the public interest.


In Australia the judiciary is not an elected position and hence does not owe the government any obligations. Furthermore ultimate power is not vested in the elected head of state but rather is vested in a political fiction called Royal Assent which is an essential part of what is largely considered one of the safest and most stable political systems in the world, the Westminster system.


That is not the only way to do it but it does not make Australia draconian just because we don't have a bill of rights. It illustrates an almost xenophobic inability to understand the legal systems of countries that are not your own. Read and learn before you go judging a country on the basis of "Oh Noes... they banned a game they are teh draconians!".

You may be thought of as being judgemental. I just think of it as plain rude. :D

[hogi]

Yes that is true. Australia doesn't in fact "ban" stuff. They get rated by an governemnt office or can be rate by a third party that is trusted by the government. However if they find that such material can cause offence or incite crime or other anti-social behaviour, it gets "NC" rating or Not Classified. Which mean not legal to sell. I had a game by custom and the reason was "It may cause offense to minors". I hated that reason because I no minor and not intended to used by any minors. The only exception is if you can prove it is of an educational or "art" form then it will pass.

Bah hijacking the thread. I fit right in huh? :)

[ElPresidente]

I blame myself. :P

Sorry folks. While I am critical of my country in many areas I do love Australia dearly (have had the fortune of spending significant time in countries like America and the UK) and take offense to criticisms of it born of ignorance.

Back on topic I think we'll see strong sales numbers of the 360 well into the systems life in Australia. It has always been a good region for Microsoft and I don't see that changing yet.

[Savok]

NOT having a Bill of Rights protecting your right to free speech is not an indicator of a draconian nature?
Yet somehow Australia is (right now anyway) one of the best countries in the world, and a world power with a measly 20 million people. Funny that.

[fitbabits]

Yet somehow Australia is (right now anyway) one of the best countries in the world, and a world power with a measly 20 million people. Funny that.
And Vegimite. :)

[ElPresidente]

The unique mix of Vitamin B and Iron helps us play. :D

[fitbabits]

The unique mix of Vitamin B and Iron helps us play. :D
So I've gathered.

Have you ever tried a pannini with extra sharp cheddar cheese and Vegimite? Dude!

[ElPresidente]

If I knew what a pannini was I'd answer. :P Actually I'm not that big a fan of vegemite. I don't mind it on occassion but I can live without vegemite in my cupboard unlike most of my friends. :D


Anyway something back on topic...

http://www.gfk.com.au/Charts/Entertainment/Top%2010%20All%20Full%20Priced%20Gam.gif

O_O

[hogi]

Yeah the 360 is doing well in Perth. (where I live.) But I don't want to fork out over 800 bobs for my gaming at the moment. Maybe after I get my tax return this year. (Assuming I get anything back.)

Nothing wrong with vegimite. Although I do find it a bit salty.

[Agro]

.....ado.....

[Savok]

Anyway something back on topic...

http://www.gfk.com.au/Charts/Entertainment/Top%2010%20All%20Full%20Priced%20Gam.gif

O_O
Holy fuck. Still, not like anything else came out. Fuck I'd probably buy one if the price wasn't an unholy raping of my wallet.

Still, the list shows why it's not that tempting, shooters and racers, oh boy.

[ElPresidente]

Shooters - CoD2, GRAW, PD0, Quake 4, Gun
Racers - PGR 3
RPGs - Oblivion
Misc - Tony Hawk

Not all shooters and racers... just shooters. ;)

[Savok]

Oblivion doesn't count, better on PC :P

You missed NFS.... and Tony Hawk has racing doesn't it? Kinda sorta? :p

[fitbabits]

.....ado.....
Is that all you can post?

[rubek]

Thanks for the rundown ElPresidente!
I am fairly ignorant to the workings of Aus government and law, but you explained it so even a dolt like me can understand it... and maybe use it later to make myself sound smart. :)

I work at Madman Ent. and we have dealings with the OFLC all the time.
I swear, half the time they don't even watch the discs, and when they do, they come up with rediculous consumer warnings like "scary themes".
For the release of Palindromes, the consumer advice we got was "Abortion and Peadophile themes"

HAHA Hogi, I did all the packaging and such for the Aus release of Please Twins.

[Savok]

I'm actually shocked they let the last ep of Excel Saga through (which was awful anyway).

Quick question, Rubek, a pile of my discs are defective, is it possible to send them in and get them replaced?

[rubek]

Hey Savok, If you have defective discs, just call reception and tell them which ones you have that are defective, and generally, they will replace them no questions asked: 9417 0977
Depending on where you live, you may have to send them in, or come visit yourself if you're in Melbourne.

[Savok]

Hooray, thanks. Now I just have to get off my lazy ass and do something about it all.

[hogi]

Yeah My disc two of Please twins was taken by Custome with the reason of "Peadophile themes and Offensive to Minors". WTF???? Yet six months later you are designing the packaging??? And I believe the rating is only a M?? Oh well.

Yeah you guy at madman are crazy with support. I noted a defective disc I got with and a guy named Daniel email two minutes later. That was the fastest response I got from any company from support and it was not a auto reply.

[Lon Lon Rabbit]

I work at Madman Ent. and we have dealings with the OFLC all the time.
I swear, half the time they don't even watch the discs, and when they do, they come up with rediculous consumer warnings like "scary themes".

The most awesome one I've seen was "Quirky Situations" on the rating for the remake of Charlie and the Chocolate factory.

P.S. Rubek, I'm an executive of a certain University anime society, we (at least used to) have strong ties with Sly down there in Melb! Say hi to him from SUAnime.

[phantomhitman]

I'm an executive of a certain University anime society
With that anime has officially become too big, kill it.