Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft - 1981 to 2011 gaming division profits chart

[Shinobi-san]

A203D said:

Shinobi-san said:

 

I highly doubt either company will completely pull out of the gaming business or even the hardware business, just because of one failed console. These companies have major significance in the gaming industry and this gives increased value to their respective ecosystems...and nowadays it’s all about the ecosystem and the full entertainment package that ecosystem can offer. This happens to include gaming. So I don’t see either gaming company 'whimfully' pulling out of the industry just because of one console failure.

Worst case scenario, one company does extremely badly, although I don’t even think that’s possible at this point with each brand having a large support base. In that case, I think they might restructure things or take a different approach, but outright pulling out? That’s bullshit. It will take a complete industry meltdown for that to happen.

@bonkers555 Sony definitely has the cash to back their gaming division up, so I think you asking the wrong question. It’s whether or not they want to back up their gaming division or not? That’s the more important question I think. And I think the answer to that question is yes. Sony holds the Playstation brand in high regard and gives it great importance...they also back this up. We’ve seen how Sony has beefed up their first party development...to me I see this as reinforcing an army going to war. Sony is definitely not willing to be giving up their presence in gaming.

Like i mentioned, i'm very skeptical about the numbers shown. while i think some things look about right. i dont believe the PS1 which sold 100 mil units, and the PS2, 150 mil units didnt make more money than this. the whole reason Nintendo changed its strategy with the Wii is because it couldnt compete on that level.

i think Microsoft might think about pulling out after their next console. the reason they were so successful this gen is because of the terrible PS3 launch. when the PS4 and 720 come around Microsoft will be competing with a console launch like the PS Vita. Japan wont accept Microsoft. and it will not be easy for them in Europe. personally i think they have contributed much to this console generation and their online service is exlemplary. but three companies competing for the same market is too much, i cant see Microsoft having the patience to continue with another console if the next one cant solidify a stronger userbase.

personally what i can see happening is Sony and Microsoft waiting for Nintendo to release the Wii U, and then annoucing their consoles at a similar price point, with more powerful hardware. so in sense they wont let Nintendo do the same thing as the Wii, they will make a better effort in fighting Nintendo rather than each other.

Agree with your first paragraph...i dont think these numbers have any real meaning, you cant simply add up profits for a division and expect to get any sort of valuable or accurate information on the divisions current standing or strength.

I wouldnt attribute microsofts success this gen to sony's failings. Sure it got their foot in the door, but microsoft did the rest. People arent waiting for Sony anymore, they dropped the ball. Its up to Sony now to go and get people again. So i think if the 720 and ps4 release on equal terms, we will see a redo of this gen. This is all assuming no major surprises (in terms of industry game changes or company directions). If either company is succesful in getting the casual market then that would change everything.

With regards to the Wii u...im stil not sure on the thinking of Nintendo, but its stil early days. As it stand now though, it looks like they are going for the "hardcore " market. The problem with this is that they simply wont succeed unless they do something amazing and they havnt shown that something yet. Also it looks like they alienating the casual...but again its early days so we will see. Maybe Nintendo has a plan to get both.

.