Phil Elliott
10:43 (BST)
03/09/2008
Spore expected to sell 2 million in US in September
Lazard Capital Markets senior VP, Colin Sebastian, has stated his belief that September will be an important month for Electronic Arts, as it releases two key long-awaited titles - Spore, which he expects to sell 2 million units in the US, and Warhammer Online, which he's anticipated around 650,000 sign-ups for in that territory.
However, he did warn of a difficult year-on-year growth comparison for the month ahead due to the skew last year of the Halo 3 release - although "generally positive industry sales" are expected.
Meanwhile, he's also outlined "solid" expectations for the August NPD results: "Despite a seasonally slower August release calendar, we believe that retail activity in the videogame segment remains solid, with increased mall and specialty retail traffic over the back-to-school shopping period," he said.
"Based on our checks with 20-plus stores and industry contacts, we believe top titles include Madden NFL, Mercenaries 2, Soul Calibur IV and catalogue sales of Mario Kart Wii and Wii Fit."
However, while the software sales outlook remains strong, Sebastian believes the hardware side of things is less optimistic.
"Our checks through late August and early September indicate console hardware supplies are spotty, with Nintendo's Wii in strong demand, and the transition of the PlayStation 3 to a new 80GB SKU creating some lag in supply," he said.
"We expect August NPD data to reflect lower hardware unit sales with Nintendo likely stocking units ahead of the holidays, Microsoft phasing out of the 20GB Xbox 360, and the PS3 unit transition."
To view other users comments, you must be logged in to a GamesIndustry.biz Network account.
Publishers / Business
Take-Two sells Jack of All Games distribution business
SYNNEX Corporation picks up business for estimated $43 million
Developers
Report: US industry employment count rises marginally
Canada experiences 30% growth on last year
Financial / Politics
TIGA: Games Tax Relief report "yielded real benefits"
Failed campaign was a sound one but HM Treasury "moved the goalposts", says Wilson
Business / Publishers
EA scouts Atlanta studio location - report
Georgia's 30 per cent tax credits could result in 300-person facility
Media
Electronic Gaming Monthly to relaunch in March
New magazine to include reader access to weekly digital content
Online
Virtual world platform Metaplace to close
Venture fails to "gain enough traction" says company founder