What’s happened in the business of video games this past week …
QUOTE | “There is a dark underbelly to Xbox Live.” — Rob Fahey, former editor of GamesIndustry.biz, talking about what can be done to rescue Xbox Live and online gaming from abusive bullies.
QUOTE | “The idea that Microsoft would make a game console was so f***king nuts that it was just a joke.” — Seamus Blackley, one of the co-creators of the Xbox, talking about the early days of the console and Xbox Live.
QUOTE | “Gamers have been hungry for new and better ways to play and this is it.” — Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America’s VP of sales and marketing, talking about the Wii U and why it’s going to be successful.
STAT | $US1.4 billion — Amount spent on digital game sales (games, DLC, subs, mobile and social) in the third quarter, according to NPD; this beats the $US1.07 billion spent on physical games in the US.
QUOTE | “Technology will drive gameplay, always.” — Cevat Yerli, Crytek founder and CEO, talking about the latest edition of CryEngine and the upcoming Crysis 3.
QUOTE | “I always prefer lower pricing, so I can’t say I’m happy.” — Yves Guillemot, CEO of Ubisoft, talking about the Wii U’s pricing, though he thinks it’s cheap compared to an iPad.
QUOTE | “Differences in polygon count and frame rate may be hard to see, but anyone can spot the difference between $US60 up front and free-to-play.” — Steve Peterson, West Coast Editor for GamesIndustry International, on why next-gen consoles need next-gen business models.
QUOTE | “As we look to 2013, we relish the opportunities and challenges we face.” — J. Paul Raines, CEO of GameStop, discussing the tough road ahead for the retailer in a shrinking market.
QUOTE | “Activision Blizzard’s primary liability could be World of Warcraft, which appears to be past its peak and could see declining subscriptions” — Billy Pidgeon, analyst for Inside Social Network, talking along with other analysts about why Activision’s stock is dropping despite reporting record earnings.
STAT | Eight million — Number of Minecraft sales on the PC so far; Minecraft hit seven million in sales only two months ago
QUOTE | “Arguably, the most fun this year is the e-sports angle. It’s already fun to play and now it’s fun to watch.” — Peter Hepworth, managing director of Activision UK, talking about Call of Duty: Black Ops II and its incredibly loyal fans.
STAT | $US100 million — The amount US game sales at retail dropped in October from September levels; analysts think that this year’s sales overall could be 20 per cent lower than last year.
This Week in the Business courtesy of GamesIndustry International.
Image from Shutterstock
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