I heard summer isn't ideal for publishers since people do a lot of traveling then, so the assumption is they won't move as much units. As a result they aim for periods before and after.
When did Far Cry 3 launch again? I remember it didn't launch in time to be placed on the list of candidates for GOTY. It still sold well though, but studies suggest the GOTY titles helps move more units (which makes sense). It would be interesting to have this done under a controlled setting (if possible).
Playstation = The Beast from the East

Sony + Nintendo = WIN! PS3 + PSV + PS4 + Wii U + 3DS







