360 big in Japan, but new PS3 could usurp lead

[Jordahn]

Sansui said:

naznatips said:
Both the PS3 and 360 are nothing short of disasters in Japan. Microsoft has spent hundreds of millions of dollars to increase their lifetime sales maybe 500K units in the country. They will never see a return on that investment.

The PS3 is getting violated by the Wii in Japanese 3rd party development past the first year on the market. Look at all the Wii games announced and shown at TGS from 3rd parties this year... then look at the PS3. There hasn't even been a new FFXIII trailer. We had a Castlevania announcement without even a release year and that's it. Not to mention it's underselling the PSP in the country...

The HD consoles are incredible disasters in Japan.

If you're looking at Japan and this generation in particular as a complete microcosm, then yes, total disasters.  But, Microsoft's strategy has allowed them to pick up third party games from Japanese developers that appeal to NA and Europe too and improve their brand perception in Japan.

This generation has been all about games and online service, and MS is building a compelling portfolio in both.  They can't afford to be third place this gen if they want to start being regularly profitable.

Investment in Japan = worldwide investment.

 

Didn't Microsoft themselves said something along the lines of winning Europe was a key to winning the console wars???