I wish they did put more big hits at the beginning and the middle of the year. GTA4 and MGS4 were the most anticipated games around that time and they sold really well. I don't think GTA4 would have broken first week sales records if it was released during the holiday season. Also having high profile game during the first half of the year can cause a temporary boost to hardware sales and it shouldn't hurt holiday sales because those are always up, plus those hit games might be cheaper when it hits holiday season causing more people to buy that game plus save some money for another game. i got bored during the first half of the year and started borrowing games from a friend because nothing new really interested me. the games I definitely will buy during the holiday season will be viva pinata 2, banjo-kazooie, and gears of war 2, and I'm gonna have to wait to get the other games I want till next year when I can buy them used.
