For those who want to argue sales numbers, the NPD's data is always crucial to the discussion.
But the debaters are going to have to do without, at least in regards to hard facts. It has been revealed that the NPD Group will change the way they share industry sales information with the consuming public. Firstly, while we'll still be told how well hardware is selling in relation to other hardware, we won't receive actual sales numbers. Secondly, we won't get any actual numbers for software sales, either, although we'll still get a monthly top 10. Here's the rundown:
— Removal of monthly hardware unit sales figures
— A shift in the Top 10 software from sku level with unit sales for the Top 5, to Top 10 software at the title level with no unit sales
— Revised footnote explaining that the monthly retail data reflects new physical purchases, not total consumer spend (digital, subscriptions, mobile games, rentals, used or social network games). The NPD Group will release a total consumer spend report to press on a quarterly basis
— Monthly analysis from NPD industry analyst, Anita Frazier, will include software sales figures at both the sku and title level for various new releases
We have to remember that the numbers have always been viewed as a promotional tool for the NPD and if it isn't much of an advantage, it's going to disappear. In the end, journalists and gamers should still have everything they need to get a bird's eye view of the industry landscape and as a bonus, the console wars won't receive quite as much fuel. It may not sound like a fun change – and it basically isn't – but we understand the reasons behind it.
No relation I apoligise, but SW:TFU 2 DEMO!!!!! OMG!!! :)))))
awww, so sad. now we'll never see when (and if) Sony ever "closes the gap" within the next several years =p
Now gamers will just have to cling to their over-generalized assumptions when they see their local Best Buy's or Wal-Mart's sold out of their favorite system which then becomes "evidence" for one system selling "better" than the other.
Well, I guess there's always the PR statements released from the manufacturers themselves. BUt there';s something about a third party entity reporting numbers that seems to me more trust-worthy.
There will be other sources. I'm sure some one will keep track. Sony keeps track by quarter on their website.
We don't need to, we know the truth, we closed the gap a long time ago…
Forget closing the gap. I want to take the lead, and when that moment comes I am going to party like it's 1999,lol.
I bet MS will go crazy now claiming all types of numbers… They prolly say… kinect sold 5 million and 360 sold 10 million, in december alone… We all kno it's BS but it's coming
Ooooh booo, no more fodder for Aaron Greentoad to rub in our face?
"we out sold you again!…….in the US"
Worldwide, because apparently, only the US is "the whole wide world" to him…
Last edited by McClane on 10/13/2010 2:11:37 PM
hmm. Are they trying to sell that information now to specific companies? for example so Sony can tell how well they are doing against MS, but then not permitted to share the information with the general public still.
If numbers are provided for units sold by music albums then why remove the numbers from video games? If sales figures are released for TVs, movies in theater, smartphones, etc. then why remove the information from gaming hardware?
It's fun to track. But I guess it's not so bad to put one's time to better use doing other things.
In other news, the NPD group has been purchased by MS to keep the truth from getting out.
I smell a funky side deal for cash, like…
"You want the numbers too? Well, that's gonna cost you"
Last edited by BikerSaint on 10/13/2010 1:30:59 PM
Sounds like NPD is pulling somebull…! Hmmm I wonder why.
NPD sticking the finger in Microsoft's face.
We know Microsoft's sales claims are the most ludicrous in v-game history. Specially when you consider the 360's failure rate.
it was my understanding they were putting the actual numbers behind a paywall.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20019356-17.html?tag=mncol;posts
surprise, surprise.
its a conspiracy!
😉
Sadly, this will simply encourage more flame wars. After all, 360 could outsell the PS3 by 1 unit and be placed ahead of the PS3. You know that is just more fanboy fodder.
…and now NPD is completely useless.
Good work, boys.