The following comments and details come from a recent IDC report...
"The console ecosystem is in a state of flux since these platforms need to support an ever-growing array of non-gaming features and services at the same time that game distribution and monetization is moving in a digital direction. At the same time, it doesn't appear that alternative platforms - set-top boxes from cable companies, Web-connected smart TVs, and so on - are positioned to materially disrupt the trajectory of the 'big 3' console OEMs in 2013 or 2014. Discs will remain the console game revenue mainstay for years to come.
2011 and 2012 were tough for many console game disc developers and publishers. With the advent of eighth-generation consoles, starting with the Wii U, historical norms strongly imply that game disc revenue will stop bleeding in 2013 and rise substantively in 2014."
- Wii U shipments expected to hit 50 million by the end of 2016
Link
"The console ecosystem is in a state of flux since these platforms need to support an ever-growing array of non-gaming features and services at the same time that game distribution and monetization is moving in a digital direction. At the same time, it doesn't appear that alternative platforms - set-top boxes from cable companies, Web-connected smart TVs, and so on - are positioned to materially disrupt the trajectory of the 'big 3' console OEMs in 2013 or 2014. Discs will remain the console game revenue mainstay for years to come.
2011 and 2012 were tough for many console game disc developers and publishers. With the advent of eighth-generation consoles, starting with the Wii U, historical norms strongly imply that game disc revenue will stop bleeding in 2013 and rise substantively in 2014."
- Wii U shipments expected to hit 50 million by the end of 2016
Link
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It's refreshing to see an analyst not being all doom and gloom over video games! Yet there is no comments on this but when it's Pachter, it's overwhelming!
Some fat will be trimmed but I still see a good future for my hobby
50 million wouldn't be horrible at all. Hope Nintendo can hit those numbers.
I see physical media hanging around for another generation or two.
Actually selling less than the Wii will likely instill fear in developers and investors.
Finally if 720/PS4/PC outsell the Wii U, then you can kiss 3rd party support good bye!
50 M is a good,number if you really think about it.
There are also a lot of unknown variables, such as the cost and capabilities of competing consoles.
Plus, do not be surprised if manufacturing improvements lead to a price drop.
Mike from Morgantown
I wonder how well the 720 and PS4 will sell. It's so hard to predict since we know very little, especially when it comes to the most important thing. No, not power. Not 3rd party support or killer apps. I'm talking about... pricing. As I've said before, Nintendo usually has the lowest-priced console. Assuming that that continues (it would make sense if it did, unless Sony and Microsoft are willing to sell their consoles at an even larger loss than usual), the price of those new systems could be pressing $500!
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