Microsoft: Xbox 360 Will Beat PS3 Because Of Stronger Position
August 25, 2007
Microsoft is confident that the Xbox 360 has a “stronger position” than PS3 and that consumers will choose their next-gen console this Christmas season. Between the Elite coming out at £299.99 and the recent price drop of the other models, the company may have a reason to be confident.
“If you look at PS3, it’s a lot of money for families to come in at,” said Dan Cornelius, Microsoft’s UK marketing manager for the Xbox 360, to MCV.
“Sony is requiring a fairly novice gamer to enter into things like Blu-Ray and wireless gaming by default. The Core’s still doing well for us in the UK and the price drop is bound to produce a spike in sales. These customers like the fact that they don’t have to foot the bill for a load of technology they don’t need. It means we can gain access to a type of consumer that PlayStation 3 cannot.”
“With the launch of Elite and the price drop, the delta in terms of value for money between 360 and PS3 gets broader,” he continued. “We feel we’re in a stronger position than our competitors in the run up to Christmas.”
Michael Vick Suspended Indefinitely From NFL
August 25, 2007
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has suspended Michael Vick indefinitely for his role in Bad Newz Kennels. The suspension came just hours after Vick acknowledged that he bankrolled gambling on dogfighting and participated in the gruesome killing of some dogs that were deemed not worthy of fighting.
“Your admitted conduct was not only illegal, but also cruel and reprehensible. Your team, the NFL, and fans have all been hurt by your actions,” said Goodell in a letter to the ex-Falcons quarterback.
“Your plea agreement and the plea agreements of your co-defendants also demonstrate your significant involvement in illegal gambling. Even if you personally did not place bets, as you contend, your actions in funding the betting and your association with illegal gambling both violate the terms of your NFL Player Contract and expose you to corrupting influences in derogation of one of the most fundamental responsibilities of an player.”
Vick faces up to five years in prison for his crimes.
Nintendo Wii Dominates Xbox 360, PS3 Again
August 24, 2007
For yet another month, Wii has dominated both PS3 and Xbox 360 in the next-gen console race. If you’re looking for drama in sales numbers, you’re just not going to find it — perhaps for a long time to come.
Nintendo Wii once again flew off the shelves, with NPD reporting 425,000 units sold in July. Xbox 360 came in number two for next-gens, selling 170,000 consoles. Sony gained momentum for PS3 with their price cut during the month, but PlayStation 3 still came in third with 159,000. Can Sony take the coveted #2 spot next month? Maybe this is where the drama lies.
Game sales were also strong for mid-summer.
“July is typically one of the slower months for the video game industry, falling between June and the related Father’s Day and graduation gift occasions, and before Madden month,” said NPD analyst Anita Frazier.
“Despite the summer slowdown, the industry still realized nearly $1 billion in sales for the month, and year-to-date is up nearly 43% from the same time period in 2006. At this pace, it is on track to ring up $16-$18B for the year.”
A larger version of the pic and more fun Wii Safety manual images can be found at The Icon Factory.
Source: Gamasutra