GTA IV will not sell more PS3s than Xbox 360s or vice versa
The majority of those who have bought one over the other will stay with that one, not spend $350-$400 more for just one game, regardless of the differences, even in the face of downloadable content or achievements that extend gameplay.
Those who have waited until now to buy a console have an equally weighted decision on their hands when it comes to GTA IV: minor graphics improvement with PS3 or extended gameplay with a great game?
Normally I would say 360 in this case, but I believe just as many would go with PS3 due to PS2 consumer loyalty and or the slight graphic advantages it has over the 360.
Either way, the Wii misses out due to it’s underpowered console. But lets say, just for example, the Wii could support a version of GTA, would it? Probably not. For one, it goes against it’s family, everybody pickup and play vibe, and second, the wiimote wouldn’t last in baseball bat bashing sessions (just kidding, that would actually pretty cool).
But perhaps the Wii will sell even more due to not having GTA aboard. Think about it, at least in the American midwest and the bible belt, what would be the cleanest prettiest choice of a console to get for Susie and or Bobby? You guessed it, the Wii.
In the meantime, latchkey kids without morally restrictive gameplay supervision will probably find a way to acquire this game, while older gamers such as myself will either rent or play this game for the good month or two it was meant to last, on either PS3 or 360.
And yes, fanboys (I am beginning to wonder about Pachter- maybe he gets paid to say those things?) with nothing better to argue about will no doubt debate which console plays better GTA IV.
During this period, the rest of us can laugh utilizing the same time to enjoy whichever version we have, all the while being thankful it has distinct qualities and advantages due to the same exacting competition they argue incessantly, and often ignorantly, over.
PS3 vs 360 vs Wii = arguing fanboys
can also be read as
PS3 + 360 + Wii = happy gamers
By MSgt C. E. Borrowman
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35 Responses to “GTA IV will not sell more PS3s than Xbox 360s or vice versa”
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April 30th, 2008
good article… I believe the new buyers are more likely to buy the 360… but I dont care… All I want is GOW!!!
April 30th, 2008
what the writer fails to address is that the vast majority of the ps2′s loyalty came with a sub $199 price tag. loyalty doesn’t account for squat. with 90% of sony’s “120 million ps2 users” ignoring the ps3 thus far, one has to wonder where’s the loyalty in 10%? you should have stopped while you were ahead, sarge.
April 30th, 2008
You guys DO know that the Wii has Manhunt 2 and No More Heroes, right? What happens when Bobby and Susie get caught playing those games?
-Arvis
April 30th, 2008
Good read. A good opinon piece and neutral assessment.
I am trying so hard to be good, but Kevin … OMG, need I say more ??
April 30th, 2008
Spideydog,
Yes, I understand what you mean. But I read something today that gave me pause:
“Never argue with an Idiot. He will drag you down to his level and then beat you with experience.”
So if you notice yourself arguing, just stop, take a breath, and figure out a better way to get your opinions across.
-Arvis
April 30th, 2008
Arvis,
Yup, good advice, as I said, trying to be good…lol
April 30th, 2008
Manhunt 2 was crap anyway.
May 1st, 2008
kevin, you are right, I did fail to address that some of the ps2′s consumer’s bought a PS2 because of it’s lower price tag, but without stats, I would fail to agree that it is the vast majority of the PS2 user base.
I would argue that a significant sum of users have owned a PS1 and learned that Sony will continue to put out quality games for it’s console for a significant period of time after other console maker’s have stopped selling hardware and moved on to the next gen only approach.
Thus “loyal” consumers who have been with the Playstation brand since PS1 could predict with some accuracy that they can enjoy the PS2 and new games for it until the PS3 reaches a sub $199 price point, perhaps even with a more efficient redesign and native backwards compatibility.
The PS2 users are not “ignoring” the PS3, they are simply waiting and enjoying the system they already own immensely in the process.
May 1st, 2008
Arvis, yes Manhunt, Red Steel, No More Heroes, and a few other violent games have been released for the Wii, but they are the exception rather than the rule, especially when compared to other consoles.
These few games can be looked at as dad’s indulgence (poor Dad if that’s all he gets to play), but they are not enough to characterize a console.
PS3 and 360′s ratio of violent to non-violent games far outweigh’s the Wii’s. People in general who are not as familiar with the gaming market look at the ads and go with past or present knowledge, seeing Mario as the mascot for Wii, with some half-naked chick (Heavenly Sword) representing PS3, and Master Chief (with rifle in hand) representing 360. That’s not even counting if they take into consideration COD4 or GTAIV.
May 1st, 2008
err…. Technically.. Nariko isnt the postergirl for PS3… Id say Kratos is.. but its most likely Solid Snake….
I was dissapointed with Manhunt 2… bought the PS2 pirated version.. to tell you the truth.. I think I overpaid
Good advice arvis..
May 1st, 2008
MSGT – it’s odd you claim you can’t address the fact that over 70% of the ps2 were sold at $199 or lower but CAN say that ps2 owners aren’t moving to the ps3 simply b/c they love their ps2 that much. so, i guess historical data isn’t valid, but your BELIEF (contrary to the evidence against it) is valid. the simple fact the ps3 zealouts are consistently reduced to personal insults aimed at me, rather than the topic, should tell you just how bad of shape the ps3 is truly in. it’s a nice “let’s all just get along” article, but gaming is always about competition. always will be. nothing more than chevy vs. ford, cowboys vs. steeler, etc, etc… accept it.
May 1st, 2008
darkwhitehair, I would have to agree, Solid Snake is a better mascot for those who have even a little knowledge, though from what little TV ads I’ve seen in the past for PS3, Nariko seems to have had some more coverage in the “collage” ads. Even more than Kratos, but counting any or all of these three just characterize the console as more adult and more violent than Mario for the Wii. This isn’t to say the Wii is bereft of violent games, just that they don’t seem to play them up as much (with perhaps only a few exceptions).
I need to tell you though, if you can and as a rule, rent before you buy. GameFly rocks, and even my copy of GTAIV just came in yesterday (though I have a pretty good feeling it is slightly better than Manhunt 2 and I will eventually buy it).
May 1st, 2008
kevin, thanks for the continued feedback.
I just admitted my failure in mentioning it, and I agree that price was a factor in many PS2 owner’s purchase, but not the only one. I. e., reliability, reputation, backwards compatibility, game library, next gen backwards compatibility (albeit limited at this point) software support, and hardware support with a future beyond those of other consoles might have been just as important in the decision of the purchase.
How do you read:
“Thus ‘loyal’ consumers who have been with the Playstation brand since PS1 could predict with some accuracy that they can enjoy the PS2 and new games for it until the PS3 reaches a sub $199 price point, perhaps even with a more efficient redesign and native backwards compatibility…” as saying “ps2 owners aren’t moving to the ps3 simply b/c they love their ps2 that much”? I just admitted there that price was a factor. Even if those owners have not previously owned any other console, they could look back and see that Sony has a reputation from their previous transition to PS2, and could reasonably expect some of the same rewards with the transition to PS3.
Personally, I am waiting for the price to drop on the PS3, and am currently playing GTA IV on the 360. I haven’t seen any issues with my game yet, so I am happy.
Of course historical data is valid, but just reading one stat saying that a lot of people bought the PS2 after it fell below $199 does not necessarily mean that is the only reason they bought it.
Yes, thinking that the majority of PS2 owners bought their console based upon other factors vice price alone is a belief, but I don’t see any evidence against it.
I also agree that the PS3 is currently in bad shape, but it is nothing Sony cannot recover from in the future with focus and dedication, as they have with the PS1 and PS2.
If you believe this is a “let’s all get along” piece, that’s your own opinion, but as the author, I can tell you the objective was to downplay any hype from people like Pachter that GTA IV was a major maker or breaker for consoles. The reason it isn’t is because each console’s strengths and/or weaknesses fairly cancel out the others in this single instance.
Of course gaming is about competition, but sometimes everybody wins because of it, and I can easily accept that.
I believe the stat you gave (and appreciate you giving it), but just for my own future knowledge and betterment, could you give me the source?
May 1st, 2008
@ MSgt
I havent seen any US tv adds… so I cant say…
Kevin… The only reason we are constantly insulting you is because you brought up the topic of “GTA 4 360 version has better graphics” in a completely different topic… so we didnt start it… we dont forget either… so I will continue to use it against you.. specially since your credibility is shot…
specially because you cannot fairly compare one with another without being labled a fanboy.. and also… if one console IS selling more.. you dont get anything.. the company makes the profits.. so unless you are a Stock holder or are directly working for them.. theses arguments get you nowhere…
Yes gaming has ALWAYS been about competition.. but it has been about which games you are better at than someone else…
This console fanoby wars has no winners… All losers
Ohh and MSGT…. dont I need a credit card for gamefly?? wouldnt it be better to rent games from those moviie rentals?? I know they used to rent PS2 games.. I dont know whether they rent the “nex-gen” games…
And the games you choose to buy from Gamefly… if you rented a used copy and want to buy one.. then do they send you a NEW copy?? or you keep the one you have?? I went to their website.. it was a a little confusing…
May 1st, 2008
darkwhitehair, we win because of the competition; usually a profiting company will be the one that gets more developers, but even the “underdog” in this race has deep enough pockets to fight for a considerable time.
Those that “lose” are those whose console gets dropped early from the competition with minimal to no games foreseeable for the future. Being a former Saturn and Dreamcast owner, I’ve felt that pain, but it wasn’t too bad, as I still haven’t played through all the worthwhile games on both of those consoles. Where is the Future of Sega when you need him?
Yes and no, you don’t need a credit card if you’re bank or debit card has the visa or mastercard logo on it, as you can use those as you would a credit card, but they are not technically credit cards.
Brick and mortar stores such as Blockbuster can be hit or miss with game selection and availability, and I like the fact that the games come to me with GameFly, I don’t have to hunt them down.
GameFly’s selection includes all current consoles games, including PSP, PS3, PS2, XBox, 360, DS, GBA, GameCube, and Wii.
If you decide to keep a game you are renting, you keep the copy you have and they will send you the case and manual (in like new condition from my experience). As far as I know, they do not sell new games, but some of the copies I’ve received seemed new, like the copy of GTA IV I received yesterday.
May 1st, 2008
msgt – calling the ps2 reliable is silly. you do remember sony got sued for shoddy ps3 workmanship, right? the wii is the PROVING point that price point IS the biggest draw. Sony has lost the price advantage, the hardware advantage (as bluray’s “win” has not prompted aggressive ps3 growth or br player growth), the online advantage, and the game library advantage. will gta sells consoles? yes. will it sell more 360′s than ps3? who knows. but to say it’s “even” is not true, especially once word gets out of the ps3′s not working with gta to its potential.
May 1st, 2008
oops…meant “shoddy ps2 workmanship”..
May 1st, 2008
sony didnt get sued for shoddy workmanship.. they got sued because of the DualShock technology.. another company claimed that it was their technology.. later Sony and that company settled their case.. and they worked togather to bring Dualshock 3…
jeeez get your facts straight…
@ MSGT
obviously your copy of GTA is new…but when Im renting games.. Im renting so I can judge whether they are worth paying $50 or not/… but if I dewcide to buy themmthen Id rather buy an original “brand-spanking new covered with polythene” one.. I dont want second hand or used ones… (why would I pay for that?)
Like the simpsons game… I saw the ps2 version sucked… but I heard that the nex gen ones were good.. so I would rent a used copy.. but buy a new one… ohh well Ill rely on the reviews (as confusing as they are sometimes)
May 1st, 2008
dwh – THIS is why noone can take you seriously. The lawsuit stemming from patent infringement over rumble with Immersion has NOTHING to do with the fact sony was sued for faulty dvd drives w/ little to no customer recourse. (DDE, DRE) it was only after the suit started that sony moved in the direction of customer support. to this day, sony STILL refuses to acknowledge there ever was a problem with the ps2. you must be new to gaming.
May 1st, 2008
and this is why no one takes YOU seriously… you keep bringin in old facts that has nothing to do with the topic at hand… and try to change the subject so you can build up your cred from your last “piece of mind”…
YOU dont take me seriously… I dont care… keep rambling on about ps2…
atleast when ps3 fanboys use the RROD argument.. they are keeping up with the present.. the current gen…
link to the lawsuit please…
didnt MS get sued for RROD in the beggining of the launch of the 360?? why dont you quote that???
I wonder why??
May 1st, 2008
dwh – just go away. you don’t have enough info in this industry to even put up a debate. it’s not my job to educate you. the point of the reliability issue (if you knew how to read) was a direct quote at the author stating gamers will remember the ps2′s reliabilty as pro-ps3 stance. not true on any level. and no, noob, ms did not get sued. they saw the issue, admitted it, and worked hard to correct it at minimum impact to the gamer. it’s what sony should have done to stay out of court. there’s nothing to quote, sport, that’s why i didn’t quote that.
May 1st, 2008
PS2 Slim is not reliable or the original design? 360 RRoD seems just as much of an issue as any PS3 shoddy worksmanship, though I do not remember coming across that, I do see they have been sued for just about everything else under the sun including patents and chip tech.
The Wii is an exception, with price one of it’s major draws, along with ease of use, popularity, and many others.
Sony will probably adapt to any advantage it has lost, including price, over time. The PS3 is not going the way of the Dreamcast anytime soon.
As you say, console sales between the PS3 and XBox 360 will not be perfectly “even” during GTA IV sales, but it doesn’t seem (at this time) like it will be anywhere near a significant difference between the two based upon this game alone.
Granted though, recent PS3 hard drive compatibility issues do seem troubling, and if that continues to be a trend, it will wind up further damaging the PS3′s rep and sales because of this one game alone.
May 1st, 2008
sorry, the above is to kevin.
May 1st, 2008
msgt – it was the original, first gen, ps2. not the slim. the rest of your post i agree with.
May 1st, 2008
kevin – agreed as well, 1stgen PS2 did have issues, later fixed for the most part with redesign.
darkwhitehair –
not saying you have to buy a used game, but merely that it is a good idea to try before you buy, and that GameFly has those options.
Why would you want to buy a used game over a new one? Well, depending on the condition, it can be just as good as a new one for less cost. And if you were one of the ones using it, you know it plays good. For collection purposes, sure, you may want to have a sealed copy as well, but I’m not one of those guys.
My method for buying now consists of renting and playing through first, then buying whenever it reaches $19 or below if I really liked it. I have bought a few games recently though, such as Odin Sphere and GrimGrimoire.
From what I know, you probably wouldn’t go wrong buying GTA IV right off the bat, unless it doesn’t play on your console
May 1st, 2008
I have yet to find out whether my Original PS3 GTA 4 version will work on my 60 gb or not… hopefully it will.. otherwise Im screwd cus I cant return it (Im importing it)
or I could wait untill the next firmware update when they would release a patch…. IF there IS a problem…
May 1st, 2008
ohh and Sony has supposedly broke even.. they are not making any more losses per console sold now…
YAY!! GOooooo JAPS!!
May 1st, 2008
I hope it works for you too… I was reading something earlier about the issues PS3 was having and how there is no great difference between a 60gb vice other versions, but one I can think of right off the bat is native backwards compatibility… I wonder if that design effects the performance in any way, and if that is part of the reason why they decided to stop making them with native backwards compatibility for now. Don’t know, but good luck and enjoy, I know I am.
May 2nd, 2008
dwh – could you link sony’s press release stating they are no longer selling the ps3 at a loss? thanks.
May 2nd, 2008
I dont have a press release… thats why I said supposedly…
when someone uses “sexier” instead of “slightly better” you catch it very quickly.. and yet missed this word…
I heard it from others… but Ill try to find a reliable source
May 2nd, 2008
Can I just point out that playstation does not have a mascot, nor does it need one. When ps1 enterted the market not having a mascot was a big push towards grown-up gaming and so it remains, Solid Snake is probably the most wel recognised PS character,but that’s what he is a character not a mascot he has too much depth and personality to be a mascot, the same goes for the likes of Kratos and Ratchet, mascot’s are for consoles with little variety on them, like the 360(FPS’s) has Master Chief(has there ever been a personality with less personality?), Good for the Wii thougth Mario seems to be diminishing as the mascot as more varities of games go onto the console. PS has such a great amount of charcters and variety of different genre games that it does not need a mascot.
May 2nd, 2008
M, Sounds as though you like the Playstation, but even though it and other consoles may not have a mascot, a lot of people who are not as familiar with video games as you (first time console buyers, perhaps) may associate it with one of the characters they have seen on tv and print ads.
360 has little variety? Do you own one? Maybe saying there is not as many exclusive game series would be more accurate. Though perhaps The Hero (Fable), Commander Shepard (Mass Effect), and Jack (BioShock) may have something to say about that in the future.
And some would definitely argue about depth of character w/Master Chief as opposed to other video game characters. Perhaps you say this because his face is not seen? Ah well, it’s been argued before, but if you want to see his depth of character, read the books, and consider that saying very little in game sometimes says more.
May 3rd, 2008
true… PS games have a variety of charactors.. from the “box man” snake… to funny happy Ratchet to “wife killing wannabe OJ Simpson” kratos…
360 does have a lot more shooters… they both have great games… but most 360 exclusives turn up on the PC.. thats a big problem…
May 7th, 2008
I would say some, but not most show up on PC, and that is not a problem for Microsoft, especially if they are “Games For Windows,” not to mention the fact that the PC is often not considered a console.
August 20th, 2008
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