Let's end the week on an entertaining note with a rousing publisher he-said-she-said. In case you missed it, earlier this week games publishing giant Electronic Arts [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] the PlayStation 3 would place well ahead of the Xbox 360 in 2008. And today, rival games publisher Activision [Only registered and activated users can see links. ] (sort of) by claiming that no, the Xbox 360 will in fact outpace the PlayStation 3. Recall Activision is now Activision Blizzard per [Only registered and activated users can see links. ], making it either the first or second largest game publisher in the world depending on who you talk to.
Let's look at both companies' predictions for 2008. Electronic Arts:
- Wii takes #1 spot in North America and Europe with 12 to 14 million units.
- PlayStation 3 slots #2 in Europe, selling between 5 and 6 million units.
- Xbox 360 places a distant third in Europe, selling a paltry 1.5 to 2.5 million units.
- Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 tie in North America, giving Sony a 3.5 million overall lead. Activision:
- Doesn't dispute EA's Wii sales prediction. It's still #1 worldwide through 2008.
- Xbox 360 sells 4 to 5 million in North America and slots #2.
- PlayStation 3 sells 3 to 4 million in North American and slots #3.
And there you have it. Activision bets on Microsoft in North America, EA bets on Sony between North America and Europe, and no one bets against Nintendo after the Wii shattered pessimistic pundit predictions.
Honestly, I'd like to see all three keep pace in this most fascinating of races for as long as they're able. The more competition idea-wise, the merrier, and something for everyone, right?
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Did I just read that right? The Playstation 3 will have more sales than the X360 in '08 according to EA. Awesome.
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