Products
One reason for GAME Group’s leadership in Europe is our longstanding relationships within the video game industry. Not only are we on board with the latest developments, we’re at the forefront.
Technology – what’s out there, what’s coming
The latest "third" generation of games consoles has dramatically changed the home entertainment market. The different appeal and ability of each machine has attracted a wider range of customers than ever before, and games consoles provide mainstream entertainment throughout the world.
The consoles ("hardware") are manufactured by Microsoft (Xbox 360), Nintendo (Wii and handheld DSi) and Sony (PS2, PS3 and handheld PSP). The manufacturers have adopted different marketing and pricing strategies for each format.
All of the consoles have been in the market for several years, and they each have a range of games ("software") that appeal to a wide range of customers. Traditional video game genres such as first person shooters and strategy games have been joined by mass market titles, which allow players to interact using motion sensors, microphones or musical instruments.
Every GAME Group business has a team of product specialists who have strong relationships with key suppliers in each market, to keep ahead of all the latest news and developments. Industry newsflow peaks in May during the annual E3 exhibition in LA. Read more about announcements from E3 2009, when Sony and Microsoft announced plans for new motion sensing technology.
Installed base UK & Ireland - 3rd Generation Hardware
|
|
February 2008 (Millions of units) |
May 2009 (Millions of units) |
|
Sony Playstation 3 |
1.0 |
2.0 |
|
Microsoft Xbox 360 |
1.9 |
3.6 |
|
Nintendo Wii |
2.2 |
5.5 |
|
Total console |
5.1 |
11.1 |
|
Playstation Portable (PSP) |
2.7 |
3.3 |
|
Nintendo DS, DS Lite & DSi |
5.5 |
9.7 |
|
Total handheld |
8.2 |
13.0 |
|
Total installed base |
13.3 |
24.1 |
Source: ChartTrack
