An industry-leading IP with an unprecedented quality score on the platform with the largest userbase is at first blush a recipe for sure success. Thus far, however, the sales numbers from Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars on Nintendo's DS have raised more questions than answers.
Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter had estimated that Chinatown Wars could sell 400,000 units -- but as of March NPD, the game had sold only 89,000.
"Basically, NPD data covered only 19 days of sales for the title after it was released," a Take-Two rep tells Gamasutra. Even still, analyst Pachter says the performance is telling when taking a wide-lens view of the market for mature titles on DS.
Beginning today, Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories and Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars are now available for GTA+ Members to play on compatible iOS and Android devices.
Sweet. I loved Liberty City Stories despite the city being empty. Those main story missions were tough but fun.
vgPWN: "Let's pour one out for these games that were awesome, but just didn't sell like gangbusters."
I remember when my friend introduced me to Shenmue II years ago. I went out and bought myself Shenmue for my Dreamcast and Shenmue II for my Xbox. Still got them to this day.
GameCrate: "We take a look at five games and franchises that would be perfect for garnering some potentially strong third-party support (which we're well aware isn't Nintendo's strong point)."
Why do people think putting an M-rated game on Nintendo console will signal an influx of more M-rated title? We've had many M-rated games on Nintendo consoles since the N64. If third parties don't feel that it's profitable to do so in the past 20 years, I doubt they'll change their mind in the next 20 years
i want cod battlefield and gta oh yeah nintendo will win console war easily with those big sellers with better graphics and fps than ps4
It's too late bruh the PS4 took over like 80% of 8th gen home console market share. It will sell like the N64 at best. Unless they are waiting for 9th gen or something which by then will be too late. We all know Nintendo doesn't care about 3rd party. The consoles they create are for their benefit and only their benefit. They do not go to other companies and ask what they may need/want in a console so they can grow and thrive. They are stubborn and do not improve their consoles. They do not live or die on 3rd party and thus are on a one man island.
Sadly to say, but when it comes to Nintendo home consoles, they are almost irrelevant to the average person. Yes the wii Nintendo's best selling console was relevant, but I honestly think it was just a fluke.
Unless Playstation stops getting lots Japanese games I like each gen, then I'll stick with them.
Nintendo needs to bring in more struggling developers in Japan who are still obsessed with Sony, who isn't selling well over there, which is exacerbating their struggles further. Might be able to sell more NXs if it becomes THE place for Japanese niche titles.
I totally agree with this, GTA has a limited target audience and whilst there is a good amount on the DS it just isn't enough. The DS audience is wide and the majority isn't in the GTA target.
All I think this means though is that instead of equating hardcore with M-rated we should look more at Hardcore games that can appeal to a mass audience, this is where Nintendo excels and has probably contributed to the success of JRPGs on the system.
Regarding the “low sales”, I heard some hardcore gamers say they were waiting for the DSi to be released before they could buy GTA: CW. But then again it’s so easy to pirate DS games, that they may never buy it when they can just torrent it. Nintendo has GOT to find a way to make it harder to hack DS games if they want to make money. Why buy it when you can get it for free. I totally agree with you guys that the game is really, really awesome though. And heads up, GameStop’s got a Chinatown Wars contest to win a “mob boss experience” on their site, http://www.gamestopchinatow...