famousringo said:
This is a point which I think needs more attention. It's becoming very obvious that the video game industry isn't as recession-proof as most of us thought it would be. Compelling software might not be enough in this current climate, when price barriers loom larger than they did a couple years ago. |
Especially Nintendo. The recession hits them harder because they have a broader kind of consumer base that isn't all just hardcore gamers.
I think some of those casuals are cutting back/waiting for a price drop, because Oprah/Dr. Phil is telling them every 10 seconds to stop spending or look for bargains these past few months and its taken its toll on consumer spending.
The 360 hasn't been as affected because they already cut last year and that cheaper price point is paying dividends through this year. Also I believe core gamers are more likely to put aside money for gaming even during tough times. As a matter of fact I think some hardcore gamers actually play more when they're jobless/depressed (lol ... I know people like this) whereas casuals don't.
I believe the DS would be down too if it weren't for the DSi model buoying its numbers, but since Nintendo is biting on a Wii HD model, that isn't an option for them with the Wii.
