Microsoft aims for 10m Xbox 360s

[TRiLoGY]

Found this Article (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4114682.stm) on the BBC's uk News website:

Microsoft wants to sell 10 million units of the Xbox 360 within 12 to 16 months of the launch of its next generation games console.

[bapenguin]

World Wide? Very possible if the price is right. Also...they need to figure out their supply problems...gotta keep up with the demand.

[Kefkataran]

In the first year or year and a half? Hmm... possible, but it seems maybe a bit high for their expectations.

[Kamalot]

And I want a pony.

[Heretic Machine]

I could see it happening worldwide.

[XxSATANxX]

SONY just decided to dial back on the PSP. I suspect retail price is going to decide. Notice how they HAVE NOT said the retail. For what it's worth the idiots in my network keep saying a launch price of $499. I know that seems kinda high but it's what I keep getting told. Since were getting into summer retailers will be finalizing plans anybody buy side got a number??

[Kamalot]

For what it's worth the idiots in my network keep saying a launch price of $499.
Won't be $499. People won't pay that for a console.

$299. It is the magic number.

Sega Saturn tried to launch at $399. Sony came in at $299 and made a KILLING! Sony launched the PS2 at the same magic price point, $299, even after alll the hype about how it would cost $700 to put all that awesome technology in the box.

The same thing is happening now. You are being led to believe that the cost of the hardware will be astronomical. When the box launched at $299, everyone will feel like it is a steal!

Hype and mind games y'all.

[bobbler]

It seems like a decent goal -- especially for worldwide. This also includes 2 holiday seasons, so that will definately help. Who knows how many they can actually sell -- it doesn't hurt to have lofty goals (it's the only way to really achieve anything).

I can't imagine the price being anything but $300.

I think their supply will limit their sales more than anything...

[netcraazzy]

World Wide? Very possible if the price is right. Also...they need to figure out their supply problems...gotta keep up with the demand.

I'm beginning to suspect that they may have a shortage when the 360 comes out. I went to preorder a 360 a few weeks ago and the sales guy at Gamestop told me the whole company was already sold out of their first shipment. When I asked how many units they expected in their first shipment he said 24,000. If MS wants to sell 10million they better be able to give retailers more than 24,000 units a piece. Hopefully MS will follow up with a 2nd shipment shortly after their first but the sales guy could only guarantee that their 2nd shipment would arrive sometime before Christmas! Please don't make me wait in a huge line in front of Wal-Mart like all those people did for PS2, Microsoft!

[crashedout]

They don't even have an offical release date or price, how can Gamespot know what it is getting? I will pre-buy as soon as they offical info is released.

[Kamalot]

Please don't make me wait in a huge line in front of Wal-Mart like all those people did for PS2, Microsoft!You may be alone outside of Wal-Mart. From the movies I've seen, there is nothing coming to the 360 that is really interesting. There are some driving, shooting and sports. All of it looks really shiny, but nothing really new. When we get some real uses of that power, instead of the same game done with better graphics, maybe it will be worth looking at the 360. Until then, buying a 360 is just buying hype and potential.

[Vandenh]

Oblivion and Gears of War. Nuff said.

[Kefkataran]

Gears of War isn't slated for release at the same time as the system, if I remember correctly. And I think Oblivion is, but I'm not convinced it'll make it.

[netcraazzy]

They don't even have an offical release date or price, how can Gamespot know what it is getting? I will pre-buy as soon as they offical info is released.

I asked the guy that exact question. He claims that they already got their initial shipment numbers from corporate and stated that the price is going to be $300. I preordered one based on that info so If he was making that shit up then he better have guessed correctly otherwise I'm comming for that mofo.

[thFOOL]

Gears of War isn't slated for release at the same time as the system, if I remember correctly. And I think Oblivion is, but I'm not convinced it'll make it.

Oblivion will DEFINITELY be available at launch. Bethesdasoft is way ahead of schedule on this one and will, in fact, have Oblivion ready well before the 360 launch.

[Kefkataran]

Oblivion will DEFINITELY be available at launch. Bethesdasoft is way ahead of schedule on this one and will, in fact, have Oblivion ready well before the 360 launch.

I haven't heard that, but if it's true, then great. Any news on when it's coming to the PC?

[Kamalot]

Oblivion LOOKS really good. I'm not the only one that finds Bethesda's games great technical achievements, but downright dull and boring to 'play'. More like a chore instead of playing though.

[Phades]

You may be alone outside of Wal-Mart. From the movies I've seen, there is nothing coming to the 360 that is really interesting. There are some driving, shooting and sports. All of it looks really shiny, but nothing really new. When we get some real uses of that power, instead of the same game done with better graphics, maybe it will be worth looking at the 360. Until then, buying a 360 is just buying hype and potential.

If there's a shortage, there'll be lines. Remember the PS2? I doubt this launch will be that crazy, but that's a system that had absolutely NOTHING to excite at launch. In fact, I think the PS2 had one of the worst launch lineups of recent history. Still, it was a frenzy to pick one up. I waited 7 hours..... to sell it on ebay for $600.

[TrackZero]

And I want a pony.

I want world peace. Or a pony.

[bapenguin]

Oblivion will DEFINITELY be available at launch. Bethesdasoft is way ahead of schedule on this one and will, in fact, have Oblivion ready well before the 360 launch.


Hmm...Kathode...can you comment?

[thFOOL]

I haven't heard that, but if it's true, then great. Any news on when it's coming to the PC?

Last I heard it was going to be a simultaneous launch. I wouldn't put it past 'em to delay the PC a bit to give the 360 version a bit time to shine on it's own.

[Kefkataran]

Oblivion LOOKS really good. I'm not the only one that finds Bethesda's games great technical achievements, but downright dull and boring to 'play'. More like a chore instead of playing though.

I'm sort of with you on that one. With Morrowind I really WANTED to enjoy playing it, and every once in a while I honestly did, but most of the time I just got lost and bored. Never did end up doing much.

[Reanimated]

Sounds plausible to me.

They seem to believe that the first to 10M will win the war. Guess we'll see how it all pans out.

[KNOTE]

There are some driving, shooting and sports.

What are the top 3 selling genres in video games? Driving, shooting, sports. Therefore you could understand why the suits have those types of games lined up for a console launch. If you want different genres, have you and all your friends support the little games and spread the word. I'm not accusing you of anything but I've heard a lot of people complain about the lack of innovation and the over-abundance of sequels and lisences. Then i ask them what the last 5 games they bought are and without fail, they fall into the very categories they were lamenting.

To say that a console will not be selling because it has an over-abundace of the top 3 genres is strange to me. Remember, Ico (which is everyone's favorite "innovative" example) sold less than 200k. Katamari sold less than 500k. Madden sells 5 million, need for speed sells 6 million, halo sells 7 million, GTA sells 9 million. You can't argue with the numbers.

BTW, you should all buy Condemned at launch. ;)

[kokyunage]

Speaking of Madden, a couple weeks ago I heard Don & Mike (WashDC Radio Show) talking about Madden and his contact with NFL & EA. They have him on the air plenty of times and they appeared to have some inside knowledge of his contract (they also quoted parts of article they found).

He's what they said:
(1) Madden gets 5 million per year for his tv broadcasting (not EA related)
(2) Madden gets money on the backend of EA sales. They said if sales increase the way they have been the last few years with Madden titles then he can make over 100 million from EA alone.
(3) His contract with EA is pretty much a lifetime deal - until he dies.

Anyway, it was interesting. I've been trying to find the article they quoted to no avail. And calling them up is worthless.

[Kamalot]

Then i ask them what the last 5 games they bought are...
This is a good question and really got me thinking.

Last 5 games:
Kirby for the DS
Fire Emblem for the GBA
Crimson Skies for Xbox (used)
Baten Kaitos for GameCube
Fate for PC (Shareware)

Anyone else?
Sports?

[kathode]

Hmm...Kathode...can you comment?
Nope... :p

[Kefkataran]

A Bethesda employees? You guys are in good with Microsoft, huh?

[Hellstorm]

Heh. Wait till Sony let's loose the hype train. Dreamcasted.

[zeeeg]

So I guess they're planning on selling the other 990 million in the 2nd and 3rd year?

[Borys]

A Bethesda employees? You guys are in good with Microsoft, huh?

Bethesda made games long before Xbox existed you know.

[Kamalot]

Bethesda made games long before Xbox existed you know.
Daggerfall!

I played Daggerfall for a few days. It was a HUGE open game where you could go anywhere and do anything. The downfall was, that it was so unstructured, you just ended up wandering around. Eventually, I made my own goal, to get matching armor for my character. Whoopiee! So Daggerfall turned out to be a way to play dressup with my character.

Morrowwind was the same thing, but much, much slower! Technically impressive. Dull as watching grass grow. After a few hours, I didn't care how detailed the world was 'cause it wasn't any fun to play in.

[bapenguin]

Bethesda made games long before Xbox existed you know.

Pretty sad huh? It's like horse blinders Borys....horse blinders I tell ya!

[Furious Wang]

I always get a special sense of wonder when playing an Elder Scrolls game. Damn Morrowind was so hot. So is Xbox's launch lineup. I doubt PS3's will compare at all. Remember the PS2's? What was it, SSX, Summoner, Madden and Fantavision? Wow.

[B_Money]

I want world peace. Or a pony.

You can have a piece of a pony.

[Kefkataran]

Bethesda made games long before Xbox existed you know

Yes. I did know that. It was a joke.

(I thought that was obvious.)

[Kelegacy]

worldwide basically means Europe and US, right? Because I dont think Japan will have a big impact on numbers.

What were the launch totals for the Xbox? The PS2? I really cant remember because I was too busy at the Betty Ford clinic at the time. (addicted to Tang) Anyway, I dont think the numbers will be drastically different. But if I can play Oblivion on a X360 cheaper and nearly just as fun rather than upgrading my PC's RAM and gfx card, i think i might pick one up, even though the naming of the new Xbox is a disservice to intelligent gamers everywhere.

[mister_slim]

Sounds plausible. PS2 was at what, 20 million, when the XBox and GC launched? If MS wants to dominate they really need to hit the ground running. I doubt they can manage the necessary supply.

[Chris_D]

worldwide basically means Europe and US, right? Because I dont think Japan will have a big impact on numbers.


And Asia / Oceania damnit :p. Of course we are getting shafted with a 2006 release. Might have to consider importing.

Fire Emblem 2
Jade Empire
Morrowind GOTY
Haunting Ground
Phantom Brave

[CarpeAmentum]

Then i ask them what the last 5 games they bought are and without fail, they fall into the very categories they were lamenting.



Ok, Last 5...
DDR Extreme - PS2
Frequency - PS2
Dead or Alive 3 - Xbox
Champions of Norrath : Return to Arms - PS2
Rome: Total War - PC


You know, I don't see a single shooter, driving, or sports game here....
So, does that mean I can keep complaining?