We've all heard numbers thrown around, but I don't think this has ever been answered.

I know there are always different variables involved when it comes to production costs, but does anyone know on average, what quantity a gamemaker needs to sell to make a profit on their games?

I've heard that if a gme doesn't reach the 250K-500K mark on the PS3, no profit is made.

Likewise I've heard approx. 150K for Wii, and 250K for Xbox360.

Again, I have no credible references, so I am curious if any of you know some insider info. Also, last but not least, I wonder what you need for a DS / PSP game to turn a profit. I imagine that anything over 100K and you will turn a profit. Any thoughts???

THRILLHO---

Who knows really. Only a few have said how mnay they needed like NAMCO saying they needed 500k for some of their games or most recently Konami saying mGS4 needs to do 1 million on day one etc. I would personally think it would take less once you have the engine or infrustracture setup. Though some of the PS3 games haven't sold well they may recoup their money on the sequel or future games since they won't cost as much to make and the installed base should be higher. This also goes for the Wii and 360. Once we get past the R&D stuff I don't think you have to sell millions to make a profit especially if you go multiplatform etc. Obviously you will always have those million sellers but even 250k with decent legs may be profitable if it didn't cost that much to begin with.

not sure, but i dont think it can go on number of units sold, simply b/c games like chicken shoot--almost nothing to make so?? where as Halo 3 tons to make so ???

In order to make a profit, a modest budget game with modest advertising last gen had to sell about 600k copies I believe.

I have the numbers at home and if I'm not too tired when I get home I'll dig them up (hoo-ray for 15-16 hour work days, this is the only thing keeping me going :-p).