This forum has been home to a vast array of sales theories over the years. Some of which have fallen out of favor, or are for the most part thought to have been utterly debunked as irrational and nonsensical. Usually when the numbers illustrate the complete error of the logic. Be it price cuts do not matter, or a single game will turn the generation around for someone. Usually with the contrary theory becoming scripture. I want to discuss one of these theories that I see rearing its head in another form, and with rumors abounding about a price cut in the near term it stands a good chance for resurrection. To me the only question is do we still consider it to have some validity, and are there enough in the closet theorists to prop the theory back up into common discussion.
Over a year ago you know back in the dark ages. Before Microsoft enjoyed the fruits of a price cut, and the economy tanked. There was a theory ascribing serious brand loyalty in Europe for the Playstation brand. The name alone being enough to secure the PS3 dominance over the 360 in Europe. Well in this time frame that logic has seemingly faltered. For ten solid months Microsoft has bested Sony every week, and at one time the 360 outsold the PS3 by over eighty thousand units. The ultimate result being that the 360 now has a 500,000 unit lead in Europe, and in others which also includes other Europe I presume the 360 enjoys a 1.7 million unit lead.
For the longest time this theory seemingly enjoyed correctness for many due to sales figures supporting the conclusion. In fact for a year solid before the roles reversed the PS3 consistently outsold the 360. This brings to mind many possibilities. Perhaps the PS3 maxed out its brand name with early adopters. Perhaps price conciousness is all that matters. Perhaps the brand isn't worth as much as some thought. Anyway none of this is really up for debate anymore. Since nobody talks up the brands power in Europe.
However it could become a topic of discussion again in a couple months given there may be a price cut on the PS3 in Europe. So I ask are there any members left that ascribe to this theory, and if so to what degree. Do you still consider it a major factor as you once did, or are you viewing it is a minor component. Do you think the brand is healthy or do you consider it damaged goods. Further more do you consider that the Xbox brand has gained strength. Definitely want to read some European perspective on all this. For the longest time we were told the Playstation brand was utterly synonmous with gaming in Europe.
Are we due to for another bout of the brand defense. To be honest I always viewed the entire argument as defensive, and the last ray of light. When it came to PS3 sales boosting. With Sony unable to gain ground in North America, and Japan being excruciatingly weak. A default dominance in Europe was an outright necessity. In fact it was such a leveraged concept that almost every theory that invoked a PS3 victory demanded that the console enjoy supremely larger console sales then the 360. The mental image being that of a ammo dump just waiting for a spark be it a certain game, or just reaching the right price.
Does anyone still believe this. Does anyone think this is the parity that the console war debate has been craving for over nine months. Without Europe the PS3 cannot overcome the 360, and no Japan cannot stem the tide. Less then twenty percent cannot overcome eighty percent of the global market. For no other reason then it cannot generate long term momentum. Anyway if the roles can do a complete turnabout. Then certainly the theory itself can go from dead to spritely and alive.
What are your thoughts?
