200°

Is Metal Gear Solid 4 sole reason for Sony PS3 sales success?

Many people are talking about the sales of the Sony PS3 and that sales have boosted because of the major success of the exclusive Playstaion 3 game Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots.

The sales of the console boosted through the month of June, this goes to prove that Sony PS3 exclusives are a must for future sales of the gaming console.

If there are exclusive games many gamers will buy the PS3 console just for these games, like upon the release of MGS4 Sony released a sales bundle which was just for that game, this followed the man himself, oh yes Snake on his epic adventure.
medicshelley - contributor
Published: 520 days 21 hours ago | Article | PlayStation 3 | Gaming | Industry News
 
 

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Wildarmsjecht - 520 days 21 hours ago
1 -
Metal Gear Solid did help, but it wasn't the sole reason for PS3 sale success. Since 2008 begin, we've seen that the PS3 itself with what it offers has seen much better sales than last year and has been outselling it's direct competitor (by PR folk from both camp's own words) favorably. A price cut, although unlikely, would help out alot. It just shows that people want a ps3, but want it alittle cheaper. when titles like MGS4 come out though, they just gobble it up.
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MURKERR - 520 days 21 hours ago
1.1 - UMM
i'd put it down to

best exclusives
many exclusives
bluray
wifi
bluetooth
potential
reliable
doesnt look cheap and plastic
basically value for your bucks!
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Mr Bun - 520 days 21 hours ago
1.2 - @ Merkerr
I'd like to add..
HDMI 1.3,
upscaled dvd,
7.1 Audio,
Sixaxis (whether you are "for" it or not),
cheap upgradable hdd,
the ability to install a 2nd o/s without "hacking",
I know built-in Bluetooth was mentioned above but I wanted to emphasize that...
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Lord Shuhei Yoshida - 520 days 20 hours ago
1.3 -
Plus Uncharted,GT5:Prologue,Hot Shots Golf,Singstar,Buzz,Resistance, Motorstorm,Warhawk,Heavenly Sword,and Rtchet and Clank Future.
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The Wood - 520 days 20 hours ago
1.4 - plus
free online and allowed to use non proprietary 2.5hdd's, Game sharing, Quality PSN games
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Unreal01 - 520 days 20 hours ago
1.5 -
Yeah, MGS4 helped the PS3 get that kick as sales numbers suggested. However, I believe the adoption of blu-ray and the expanding features and the free services of the PS3 definately had some part of it.
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ericnellie - 520 days 20 hours ago
1.6 - I also think -
Features on a game system only get you so far. When it's all said and done, consumers want games. If there were only 3 games available on the PS3, do you think anyone would buy it? Yes, MGS4 had an impact on sales...just like Halo 3 and Gears of War had an impact on 360 sales. That's why the loss of an exclusive game like FFXIII had the impact that it did...because that game had the potential to increase sales and demand for the PS3. Features and online or really good things but, in the end for me, it's all about the games - and what a damn good game MGS4 was!!! =)
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el_bandito - 520 days 20 hours ago
1.7 -
Since 1994, Sony had given me some of the best games I've played. Now after more than a decade, I still firmly believe Sony will not fail to deliver.
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CrazzyMan - 520 days 19 hours ago
1.8 - No, it`s just PS3 is cheaper and it`s a better value for money.
x360 60GB version + 3-5 years of Live! = 500-600$.
PS3 80GB version + blu-ray player = 400$.

People are NOT dumb, atleast not all.))
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Ateanboy - 520 days 19 hours ago
1.9 - Lol
"Sole reason."? Hardly.

I do, however, agree that exclusives can be a MAJOR force.
I guess it's a good thing that the PS3 has more exclusives than the competition. They said it time and time again on E3. "We can stand up there and say 'The PS3 has the most exclusives out of all the next-gen systems' and it is completely true."

All thanks to them investing their money into 1st Party Development, instead of using their money to buy off third party developers like Microsoft.
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Dark vader - 520 days 21 hours ago
2 -
Sony needs to release more AAA quality titles to continue the mommentum that the ps3 riding right now. The title i see that will boost ps3 sale is lbp.
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CAPT IRISH - 520 days 21 hours ago
2.1 -
i doubt lbp is going to sell any consoles. lbp looks great, but people new to Sony most likely have never heard of lbp.
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AlterEgo - 520 days 21 hours ago
2.2 - @ CAPT IRISH
You're absolutely right, and thats why Sony MUST focus on ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT.

MARKETING is Sony's biggest problem and it will be KEY to the success of their titles coming this Holiday.

They definitely have AAA games coming soon and throughout the rest of the year, but who'll know about it besides the internet community?

BUST OUT THE BIG GUNS SONY!!!

Sackboy needs to become the Sony mascot QUICKLY for LBP to gain the mass-appeal it so deserves.
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avacadosnorkel - 520 days 21 hours ago
2.3 - Marketing LBP is going to be key
If Sony markets LBP (and Sony never markets much) I agree it will boost sales because it is a game that will appeal to an entirely new demographic for the PS3 - the entire family. It's a four player simultaneous platformer where mom and dad can spend an evening helping the two kids build a level.

Opportunity is there.
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Dark vader - 520 days 21 hours ago
2.4 -
If sony advertise the game correctly it should. lbp, metal gear solid, resistance two and the blueray drive should be enough reason for anyone to pick up a ps3. I think with more people learning about blueray and how it is the future replacement of dvd, it will be a major selling point for the ps3 this holiday season. the ps3 has more potential of becoming more mainstream then the 360 cause of the blueray player
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kazuma - 520 days 21 hours ago
2.5 -
i doubt lbp won't get good advertising, sure other good games didn't have that many ads (mgs4) but lbp is truly a gem this holiday season. creating levels with your friends online or offline is just plain freakin awesome. sony should hype this to no end, especially after lbp being featured in so many best of e3's.
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getupahh - 520 days 21 hours ago
2.6 -
LBP will move more ps3's than MGS4. It reaches a larger audience. All types of gamers will be charmed by this gift from MM.

This game "almost" doesn't need Sony advertisements. It will be a fantastic word of mouth game. Imagine creating your own level than showing all your friends and family. Once people see what your capable of doing in this game, they will most certainly spread the word.
This game has more potential than any other game I can think of. :)
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Darrius Cole - 520 days 19 hours ago
2.7 -
Sony needs more that just basic advertising for their games. They need strategic marketing. The ads they I have seen for PS3 games are plain. I contrast ads for X360 games appear to be aimed at making the character into icons and the story in the game bigger then life. For example look and ad entitled "Rendevous" for Gears of War 2 http://gearsofwar.xbox.com/ Microsoft is clearly trying to turn Pheonix into an icon.

By contrast, I did not see any type of iconic portrayal of Solid Snake for Metal Gear Solid 4, even though amongst gamers Solid Snake is a bigger icon than Phoenix or Master Chief for that matter. There were no theatrical advertisements for MGS4 even though MGS4 is by FAR AND AWAY the most theatrical game made this generation. That is what Sony is lacking. They needs ads the don't simply announce the game, but rather tell a story.
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PimpHandHappy - 520 days 21 hours ago
3 - LBP
will move more systems then Gears of War
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v1c1ous - 520 days 20 hours ago
3.1 - in BIZARRO WORLD
wop wop woooop
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devilhunterx - 520 days 20 hours ago
3.2 -
True, since many people who buy sequels already have bought the system.
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silverchode - 520 days 18 hours ago
3.3 -
gears of wars 2 will sell millions of consoles/sarcasm.
4 SSCOOLCHEA | 520 days 21 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show
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gambare - 520 days 21 hours ago
5 -
It's been a sale success for more than a year, it's not the only reason, it's one of the reasons.
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name - 520 days 21 hours ago
6 -
The PS3 has been outselling the 360 since november. Even before MGS4 released. MGS4 DEFINITELY helped, but it's not the ONLY reason. Everytime a good PS3 exclusive drops people always act as if it's the PS3's first AAA. They said it for resistance, warhawk, ratchet, uncharted, and they'll obviously do it for MGS4.
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ChampIDC - 520 days 20 hours ago
6.1 - On selling more than 360 since November...
That's very true, but you have to consider the fact that 360 was out a year longer, and monthly sales should be slowing down as the console ages more, since many people that wanted the system already have it. The only way we're going to know who's going to win this war is to wait. Sony's making up good ground for sure, but it's anybody's guess as to who will come out on top in the end. I'm betting it's going to be darn close.

Also, people that say PS3 has no AAA games are just ignorant.
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Voiceofreason - 520 days 19 hours ago
6.2 -
When I go look it up I find that 360 sold the most in December of 07 and in March. Oh and did Warhawk even break 1 million sales? Or do you just think any game exclusive to Sony is AAA?Ratings and sales for a few PS3 games say differently but then again I cant same to find anything backing up your claim that PS3 sold more since November.
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fafoon - 520 days 20 hours ago
7 - No
MGS4 is the 13th piece in a 1000 piece Jigsaw
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Action Bastard - 520 days 20 hours ago
8 -
Does it matter? Just curious.
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PimpHandHappy - 520 days 20 hours ago
9 - name
your right on the money
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Awesomeo3000 - 520 days 20 hours ago
10 -
there are plenty of reasons to own a ps3 mgs4 is just the best reason at the moment lol but def not the only! and sony's marketing isn't that bad we've already seen commercials with LBP in it so thats only the start and till this day i still see at least 2 mgs4 commercials
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ChampIDC - 520 days 20 hours ago
10.1 -
Yeah, that's a good way to put it. MGS4 definitely helped, but it's not the complete driving force behind buying a PS3 for sure. And if it is for some people, well, at least it sold a console.
11 GametimeUK | 520 days 20 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show
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Raoh - 520 days 20 hours ago
12 - SONY Marketing sucks big time
but there are followings.

for instance Metal Gear Solid series

Final Fantasy was a blow due to its following as well.

resistance is more of a great game for current ps3 owners. just like gears is a great game for current 360 owners. i dont see either as real system sellers. at least not until their 3rd release. people waiting to buy a new console are not yet sold on gears or resistance.

but i think the media is forgetting that SOCOM is a system seller. there are many many people who dont see a need to get a ps3 until SOCOM is released. they dont care about mgs4, ff or lbp.. they only want socom.

persona moving to ps3 could also move a small following. mmorpgs is a toss up but more so than shooters, mmorgs are time consuming and hardware is a factor there.. do you want to play a game like World of Warcraft, Everquest etc for 48 hours on a 360 or a ps3? (i know warcraft etc arent coming to console i'm just using the example)

when i had my 360 and ps3 people asked me why i would buy multi console games on ps3.. my answer was simple.. the ps3 was quite and reliable.

god of war next year will also move consoles.
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PimpHandHappy - 520 days 20 hours ago
12.1 - yea Socom
i know more then a couple that are waiting on Socom to buy the system! In fact they still play Socom daily!
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name - 520 days 20 hours ago
13 -
What took the PS3 out of the "niche" market was the price drop. Although sony reported that the 80 gig's sales matched the 40 gig, which was 100 dollars more, so I'm guessing a lot of people were faced with that decision about BC. Sony interpreted that it was somehow the EXTRA HARD DRIVE SPACE that made people spend 100 dollars more, and not BC. Sigh.
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Santyx - 520 days 20 hours ago
14 - are you kidding?
Does the editor of this article really believe that MGS4 was MADE to boost Sony's sales... If so then they are incredibly stupid because MGS4 was obviously being planned and it was obviously going to be made it wasn't made for one sole purpose.
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PimpHandHappy - 520 days 20 hours ago
15 - well i guess
we can now ask

is Halo the sole reason to buy a 360!
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devilhunterx - 520 days 20 hours ago
15.1 -
I know a guy who sold his XB2 after playing the disaster called Halo 3.

Boy that was a fun day. I never let him live it down though. Maybe cause he is such a )(!£%$
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kevnb - 520 days 18 hours ago
15.2 - wow
Halo 3 was actually a good game, especially if you were a fan of the series.
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mattgdumb - 520 days 20 hours ago
16 -
pretty much
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karlostomy - 520 days 20 hours ago
17 - well no, MGSIV is not the only reason the ps3 is selling better than last year.
But MGSIV still is the only justifiable reason (apart from bluray) to actually own one.
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Ceekay - 520 days 20 hours ago
18 -
I would say it's a big part of the success. I got mine this year when I heard that a new Metal Gear would come. I also liked its built quality and the features. Another big part, at least for me, is it not being Microsoft. It might be fanboyish, but I'm more of a Sony/Apple guy.
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DJ - 520 days 19 hours ago
19 - No. It's only a tiny part of the larger picture.
As more and more high profile PS3 titles are released, the average monthly sales steadily increase as well. As their software library expands, it only makes sense that the platform will become more enticing to consumers.
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911 Gaming - 520 days 19 hours ago
20 - Nope. PS3's just... better
My friend just traded in all his 360 games and dipped in to his savings to buy a PS3. The 360 has more games that the PS3 doesn't; but that doesn't mean that they're any good. After MAG, and... God Of War III, and Resistance 2, AND Killzone 2, and LittleBigPlanet... and... after Microsoft's dissapointing Press Conference (the majority of the games would end up on the PS3, so why is it better) with a new layout and Netflix, and 3 games (nothing special there) compared to the variety PS3 is offering... MS is introducing avatars [*cough* Miis] and Netflix [and getting rid of their HD video store] to introduce the Xbox 360 as a... wait... didn't this happen to the PS3? What is it? Is it a media center, a gaming platform, or a children's playtoy?
That's why many people are getting PS3s. Their loyalties weren't to the 360. It was to the games. And Microsoft abandoned them. So long, Xbox. You've scared your customers away.
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kevnb - 520 days 19 hours ago
20.1 - ...
why would people be loyal to a console brand? People simply just buy the console they think best suits their needs.
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Panthers - 520 days 19 hours ago
21 -
PS3 has the best 1st party games. They blow most other games out of the water. MGS was awesome, but I enjoyed Uncharted more. A ton more are on the way as well.
22 enjoi187 | 520 days 19 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show
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Panthers - 520 days 16 hours ago
22.1 -
do you work at Gamespot? That place has so many 360 fanboys it is ridiculous. It has settled down now, but when the PS3 launched it was bad. I know a lot of people complained and probably got some people fired.
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Enigma_2099 - 520 days 19 hours ago
23 - You know...
... it was selling consoles even before MGS4 came out, so in a word, no.
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