Game Console Thread (4th console to enter fray? etc)

[ixnay]

It'll be interesting to see how the next generation of console wars shape up. If one of them doesn't get a 1-year headstart on the others, I'd imagine there could be some fierce competition.

[Drake Tungsten]

It only makes sense that Gamecube owners buy fewer third-party games than Xbox owners. Third-party games on the GC have to compete with excellent Nintendo first-party games for the game buyer's attention. No such dilemna exists on the Xbox.

Although I do own three of those games...

[Asher]

Notice how the EA Sports games sell for cheaper on the Gamecube than Xbox.

EA ain't too happy about that, they make less money.

[Drake Tungsten]

Notice how the EA Sports games sell for cheaper on the Gamecube than Xbox.

EA ain't too happy about that, they make less money.

I enjoy it. I bought Tiger Woods 2003 for $30.

[Asher]

Instead of lowering the price like EA did, Sega just left the platform.

I think the only reason EA's staying now is nobody else makes sports games for the console.

Sports games are a huge market -- Nintendo needs to get more suppliers.

MS has Sega, EA, and makes lots of first-party sports games (NFL and NBA already around, Tennis and Baseball coming for the 2004 seasons, Hockey also in development).

Sony has Sega, EA, and 989 Sports.

Nintendo has...EA?

[Drake Tungsten]

Instead of lowering the price like EA did, Sega just left the platform.

Sega Sports is having problems that go far beyond the Gamecube. I don't really know why, as most of their products are better than EA's, but who understands the mind of the mainstream gamer? The Xbox is selling better than the Gamecube, after all...

Nintendo has...EA?

And their occasional first-party sports game. It is an area they need to work on, I agree.

[Asher]

Sega Sports is having problems that go far beyond the Gamecube. I don't really know why, as most of their products are better than EA's, but who understands the mind of the mainstream gamer? The Xbox is selling better than the Gamecube, after all...

Probably because gamers realize it's cheaper to buy an Xbox.

2 free games, DVD player support, built in ethernet and harddrive (no need for memory cards), $50 more than Nintendo's console.

Plus there's more games available for the Xbox. And Xbox Live... and stuff like in-game Dolby Digital, HDTV support, and being technically more capable in general.

It's a no-brainer to me. The only reason to get a Gamecube is if you're a fan of Nintendo games. Which is why I got one.

And their occasional first-party sports game.

When was the last non-arcade style first-party Nintendo sports game?

[Drake Tungsten]

The only reason to get a Gamecube is if you're a fan of Nintendo games.

That's one hell of a reason. Who isn't a fan of Nintendo games?

When was the last non-arcade style first-party Nintendo sports game?

That Kobe Bryant game? I've never played it, but I think it is a somewhat accurate representation of basketball.

[Asher]

Originally posted by Drake Tungsten
That's one hell of a reason. Who isn't a fan of Nintendo games?

Look at the SMS sales in North America.

Even Metroid Prime's sales weren't that great, a non-exclusive game from Ubi Soft outsold it.

[ixnay]

Mario Golf & Tennis kicked ass. And I eagerly await Mario Kart on the Cube.

[Asher]

Those aren't what I was thinking when I was thinking of sports games.

I'm talking about yearly games with real teams.

[Drake Tungsten]

Even Metroid Prime's sales weren't that great, a non-exclusive game from Ubi Soft outsold it.

For now. I think it's a little too early to be making final determinations...

And I eagerly await Mario Kart on the Cube.

Aren't we all?

[Asher]

This just in

Peter Moore, former president and COO of Sega America, just joined Microsoft. (Wonder if he'll be working with Ken Lobb? )

http://www.teamxbox.com/news.php?id=4021

Peter Moore Joins Microsoft
01.20.2003 @ 04:59 PM

Microsoft Corp. today announced that Peter Moore, video game industry veteran and former president and chief operating officer of SEGA® of America Inc., has joined Microsoft as corporate vice president of retail sales and marketing. In this newly created position, Moore will oversee retail business in the Home and Entertainment Division, including the Xbox™ video game console, Xbox and PC games from Microsoft Game Studios, and home software and hardware products sold at retail, in Europe and Japan.

Moore brings to Microsoft more than 20 years of global management, marketing and sales experience. At SEGA, Moore played a critical role in repositioning the SEGA brand and product suite to achieve a leadership position in the industry. Before serving as president and chief operating officer, Moore was the senior vice president of marketing and was responsible for the successful launch of the SEGA Dreamcast™ video game console. Before joining SEGA, Moore was with Reebok International Ltd., where he held senior management positions including vice president of global sports and senior vice president of Reebok Footwear.

In his new role as vice president of retail sales and marketing at Microsoft, Moore will report directly to Robbie Bach, senior vice president of the Home and Entertainment Division and chief Xbox officer.

“Peter has an outstanding track record of success in the consumer market and video game industries. In addition, we look forward to utilizing his deep knowledge of foreign markets to continue to grow our retail business in Europe and Japan,” Bach said. “In Europe, where we have made enormous progress, particularly with the Xbox business gaining the No. 2 position there, Peter will be working to maintain and accelerate that good standing. In Japan, we expect that he will contribute greatly to the work already being done there to advance the business.”

“I am excited to be joining Microsoft at a time when the company’s drive toward innovation and creativity is at the forefront of its retail and in-home strategy,” Moore said. “In particular, I look forward to applying my combined experience in global consumer sales and marketing and the interactive entertainment industry to enhance the global reach of the Xbox product line.”

Additional Management Changes in Europe

Microsoft also today announced the retirement of Sandy Duncan, regional vice president of Home and Entertainment in Europe. Duncan retires after 17 years with Microsoft, three of which were spent overseeing the retail business, including Xbox, in Europe. “Sandy leaves Microsoft on an incredibly high note,” Bach said. “Having worked with a fantastic team of people on one of the most exciting launches in history, in addition to the success of the first Xbox holiday in Europe, he can retire knowing that he helped establish Microsoft firmly as a serious player in the games industry.”

Eduardo Rosini, a 10-year Microsoft veteran currently driving product development projects at Microsoft Game Studios, has been appointed the new regional vice president managing the day-to-day activities of the division in Europe. Rosini and Duncan will work together during the next few months’ transition period. Rosini will report to directly to Moore.

Rosini has worked on Xbox since its inception, initially as a business manager working directly for Bach. He joined Microsoft in 1992 and spent seven years managing key Microsoft subsidiaries overseas, moving to Redmond, Wash., in 1999 as general manager of the Worldwide Enterprise Group. “I’m very excited for Eduardo to join the European team,” Bach said. “Building on the success of holiday 2002, he will work closely with Peter Moore to continue to fulfill our mission of bringing value to consumers through the strength of our products.”

[Drake Tungsten]

So now MS is hiring Sega's failures? That isn't a good sign...

[Asher]

Sega's failures were in made at the corporate HQ Japan, it wasn't Sega of America's fault.