Kreher said in a phone interview with Next-Gen, "Basically the 360 had the first-mover advantage, so they already had 5 million units in US households before the PS3 and Wii launched. That's a lot of the reason why I think they'll end up winning."
He added that Xbox Live and its 6 million users have a lot to do with his projections. "Live's been a huge bonus for them," he said.
But doesn't Sony have a little something called PlayStation Home that is expected to go toe-to-toe with Xbox Live in October? Kreher said that although Home's concepts are attractive to more casual gamers, it won't be enough to sway them to spend $500-$600 on the console.
"The trick here is that the popularity of these online features depends on people," Kreher said. "It's great that Sony is going to have this service, but the reason Xbox Live is so popular is because you have 6 million-plus people on this thing. If the people don't come, it doesn't matter how great the service is."
Kreher made it clear that he believes Sony has to change its strategy if it wants to capture a larger chunk of US market share, and it goes beyond a strong online component.
"There's just not enough compelling software," he claimed. "I see Resistance, everyone can point to that, and MotorStorm is going to do very well. But you look outside and the third party software support just isn't that significant, and I think that part of that is because the installed base isn't doing that well."
Kreher compared the PS3 to the PSP, which has a relative lack of software support. "[PSP] is starting to fade away on us. I could see that happening on the PS3 before Sony even has a chance to show their stuff," he said.
Xbox 360 launched 18 years ago and was a generation-defining console that invited many people to jump into gaming for the first time and connect with friends around the world. We’re thrilled people continue playing their favorite Xbox 360 games on Xbox 360, or on newer consoles via Backward Compatibility for supported titles.
When the PS5 and the Xbox Series X/S first launched all the way back in 2020, console sales were not what either platform manufacturer wanted them to be. The pandemic slowed things down more than ever before, even though in the case of each next-gen console, all the units that were manufactured, sold.
Of course that didn’t last, and soon manufacturing limitations on the consoles were a thing of the past, and sales started to leap forward. For one next-gen console platform, at least.
I can see why Microsoft is putting their games on PlayStation with these numbers
Imagine how many copies of future games like Elder Scrolls VI, Blade, Indiana Jones and more they could sell if they went fully multiplatform.
Sony would probably be selling more if they stopped sending mixed signals about their future. Putting games on PC because you are taking data analytic advice from Microsoft about the future of consoles is folly and has limited their potential sales. Microsoft want Sony and the world to believe that consoles are done as a business so companies like Sony and Nintendo etc can end up serving Microsoft's platform. Remember when it comes to Microsoft "It is us or no one and the three E's" Don't fall for it.
Companies, particularly public companies like Microsoft, need to grow.
i mean its pretty simple, they spent close to 30 billion in acquiring activision, they thought they'd make it bk no problem, and that didnt happen.
its just shit that because of MS's miscalculation alot of people lost their jobs.
They are going to use AI for a large portion of the game development process. Upper management need bonuses and the shareholders need more money. So, people will lose their jobs.
They shouldn't have bought any studios. Some is okay...but they went on a shopping spree...stupid
The better question is why did Microsoft buy publishers for a service they were subsidizing they knew couldn't support.
And why are so many websites trying to make people feel sorry for Microsoft instead of truly criticizing the fact they are closing studios and killing jobs that would have been fine if Microsoft themselves hadn't gotten involved.
Quit feeling sorry for Microsoft and start feeling sorry for the industry and the all the gamers who are actually losing out.
THIS IS MICROSOFTS FAULT.
The first thing that happens after any major acquisition or merger is a consolidation of the whole new portfolio, which includes cutting any excess, bloat or portfolios that don't fit the larger MO of the big boy. So far, it's been par for the course with Microsoft and that's why gamers have been so against this acquisition. Tango Gameworks is the beginning. You think Microsoft wants to pay to keep small timers like Ninja Theory in business?
There is absolutely zero evidence to suggest that Microsoft will improve any of these studios, but plenty to suggest that they will get rid of what they don't need and hold onto the IP. The real agenda of the acquisition was always to acquire The Elder Scrolls, Diablo, Fallout, Call of Duty, Candy Crush etc. that will create millions in passive revenue stream for Microsoft regardless of where the games release. Microsoft simply wants their cut.
Because of Games Pass Microsoft has no interest in investing in new IP which is risky and requires creative talent they can neither nurture nor manage. Game Pass has also not grown in the way Microsoft expected it to, even post acquisitions. Therefore the logical thing to do, without serious money makers to release, is to cut as much cost as possible.
Let the flame wars commence in 3..2..1
Repost
the price of the PS3 hardware will stay at $500 - $600 all the way to 2009? Now, the 360 price will not stay at $300 - $480 either in 2009. This is going to be a dog fight folks! The winner will be who provides the best software.
Couple of things that I don't agree with ...
Point -> “Especially when there’s no assurance that Blu-ray is going to be used in games in any significant way.”
Counter Point -> PS3 already has games out that break the DVD limit of 9 GB. RFOM is one. I'm sure there are other first and second party PS3 games that will leverage the Blu Ray format. Multi-format games will always code/compress to least common denominator for size. If you are squeezing everything to DVD9, then why would Blu Ray be leveraged (whole other argument).
Point -> Kreher stated, “Speaking in terms of a holiday, if mom and dad are looking to buy a system for their kids, first of all they’ll see the $250 price tag versus $400 or $600. Then they’ll see those familiar titles like Mario, Mario Kart and even the licensed games from THQ, whether it’s Disney Pixar or Nickelodeon, those are the type of games that are going to sell well on that system.
Counter Point -> Kreher hasn't studied the history of the Nintendo 64 or Gamecube as he? Mass market appeal does not necessarily equate to success. How long can this Wii wave go?
I don't disagree that the 360 will have the majority marketshare (US Market) but not 2009. Look for the tide to shift to the PS3 corner mid-08. As the global installbase grows, I think the US market will follow the trend. This time around, I think it will be the US market playing follow the leader ala the Nintendo DS.
It seems as if these prediction move even further. I remember people staying that the PS3 would dominate on day one. Then within 6 months, then 2007, then 2008, and now 2009. Isn't that already pretty much a entire console lifecycle? Anyways.. I think this people can be way off. It will take more than some guy looking at current numbers for this to happen. Sony can still come up with some crazy stuff that can put then on the top again (including price drop and better online service) but microsoft can also do the same (sprint update, iptv, etc). I guess we are going to have to wait and see. Microsoft can also drop the ball. I personally believe that they almost did with the new SKU, but let's see how it plays out.
For the most parts I agree with sajj316; specially the part where he says, "The winner will be who provides the best software."
I don't care who sales more units. All these guys a billionaires. Every second they get richer. Both consoles are good, and it is about the games. Price is important but Sony has loyalty. M$ will never beat Sony in console sales. When 09 comes it will be close to time for xbox 720 with DX11 support, but not PS4.