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[gamechanger87]

If we're assuming the bunker means "less than desirable" news for Microsoft/XBO, then I can only see it being that XBO > PS4 but InFamous > Titanfall XBO.

Keep your eyes peeled for whether they actually mention Titanfall collectively or make mention of the XBO sales specifically.



Yup. This is what I see possibly happening.

MS could lose NPD with titanfall but win in actual software sales. NPD doesn't pick up official console bundles as a software sale and it ignores all digital. Ea or Ms will release the true figures.

A good proxy for the digital vs physical split would be infamous vs the one million sold.

 

[TheRealTalker]

I predicted that the PS4 would outsell the XO by a very slim margin but that was just a random go lucky prediction without any merit


The XO outselling the PS4 is way more plausible with TF marketing, Media Hype, and aggressive pricing deals



But who knows... Either way I (like most NPD threads) will just mostly watch from the sidelines

 

[Lace]

PS4 killing it.

Spoiler

I have a blank one with no text if anyone wants it.

 

[A_Gorilla]

so they wait months to get an account for the sole purpose of committing account suicide on npd day. that is true dedication...that article about being a fanboy being like being in love was spot on

That is the best fanboy analogy I have ever heard.

 

[rokkerkory]

MS needs to increase to new markets asap.

 

[Dynedom]

I think they wanted to get ahead of Microsoft winning the news cycle this week with a March victory of sorts. It is going to be a pretty hollow victory though. I am still shocked there was not much of a negative backlash for a stealth price drop though.

That price drop wasn't an official one like the UK though was it? Those were just random deals by retailers and the one-time Titanfall bundle.

MS could lose NPD with titanfall but win in actual software sales. NPD doesn't pick up official console bundles as a software sale and it ignores all digital. Ea or Ms will release the true figures.

A good proxy for the digital vs physical split would be infamous vs the one million sold.

Didn't think about it this way. Good point. Mass bannings in the NPD thread if this does happen.

 

[Amir0x]

MS needs to increase to new markets asap.

it's unlikely to do much considering how the rest of the world is receiving them

they're going to sell, what, 2 units in Japan?

 

[gamechanger87]

I thought bundles were included.

Would need to search back through the NPD thread but I believe Aquamarine said that a bundle created by MS with only the code inside is counted only as a console sale not software. If GameStop created a bundle you get both.

 

[darkwing]

MS needs to increase to new markets asap.

They are going for China

 

[TheLostBigBoss]

MS needs to increase to new markets asap.

That will have a negligible impact.

Sony owns Europe and Japan, Microsoft has no option but to retake the US to 360 levels of control

 

[Dr. Kitty Muffins]

I guess your PR will have to ignore dropping the price due to less than stellar sales in 2014. At least we get acknowledgement of that beyond Walmart officially declaring it a rollback in store.

 

[Delusibeta]

Would need to search back through the NPD thread but I believe Aquamarine said that a bundle created by MS with only the code inside is counted only as a console sale not software. If GameStop created a bundle you get both.

Yeah, as I understand it NPD doesn't count the bundled game in manufacturer-made bundles (so in the case of the Titanfall bundle, that's a bunch of game sales missing).

 

[coolasj19]

uh oh, maybe PS4 DID outsell XBO last month. bish is entering his bunker after all

that would make for a delightful thread tomorrow. just delightful.

It's going to be delightful no matter what happens.

 

[2345425]

Ban hammer fall ready.

 

[Heshinsi]

You have a point there despite the condescending tone of the rest of your post. I would however remind you that this current generation is much different than the PS2 gen for a myriad of reasons, but I'll keep it simple with one. For both Sony & Microsoft selling their services (PSN & XBL) is just as important as selling the hardware & games themselves. This creates an ecosystem where healthy competition helps facilitate innovation across the board. Stuff like Video Sharing, Playroom, Remote Play were created as features to 'one up' the next guy. Competition in the market is a good thing for all of us bro.

It was never meant to be condescending, just an observation on a lot of people really wanting sales parity. Here's why I don't agree with parity. When sales are exactly the same between two corporations, things begin to stagnate. Look at the cable companies. They can do whatever they want because you as a consumer have no choice. You're faced with the same shitty service each way you look.

On the other hand, when a company excels in their products and services, and is rewarded for it by an increasing dominance in the market, that company becomes the standard everyone tries to emulate. The weaker companies step up to match the market leader. No one is going to rock the boat when there's parity.

 

[gamechanger87]

Yeah, as I understand it NPD doesn't count the bundled game in manufacturer-made bundles (so in the case of the Titanfall bundle, that's a bunch of game sales missing).

Found it

Everything is tracked in NPD.

NPD's Top 10 that it reports to us doesn't count software that's bundled in hardware as part of the Top 10 calculation.

But I have no doubt that Microsoft would calculate Titanfall bundle sales in with the rest of the software sales reporting. Remember, their PR wants the absolute highest sales numbers to brag about.

 

[Biker19]

They are going for China

China won't do anything for them, or for anyone else, either.

It was never meant to be condescending, just an observation on a lot of people really wanting sales parity. Here's why I don't agree with parity. When sales are exactly the same between two corporations, things begin to stagnate. Look at the cable companies. They can do whatever they want because you as a consumer have no choice. You're faced with the same shitty service each way you look.

On the other hand, when a company excels in their products and services, and is rewarded for it by an increasing dominance in the market, that company becomes the standard everyone tries to emulate. The weaker companies step up to match the market leader. No one is going to rock the boat when there's parity.

Exactly. And if Microsoft gets the lead on Xbox One over PS4 in total hardware sales, they will easily be able to buy up tons of exclusives, just like with Xbox 360. None of us wants that to happen.

 

[werks]

You have a point there despite the condescending tone of the rest of your post. I would however remind you that this current generation is much different than the PS2 gen for a myriad of reasons, but I'll keep it simple with one. For both Sony & Microsoft selling their services (PSN & XBL) is just as important as selling the hardware & games themselves. This creates an ecosystem where healthy competition helps facilitate innovation across the board. Stuff like Video Sharing, Playroom, Remote Play were created as features to 'one up' the next guy. Competition in the market is a good thing for all of us bro.

Parity isn't competition. If there was parity between the two consoles, it would mean that MS releasing an overpriced, underpowered console was acceptable. It wouldn't convince Sony to be better, it would tell MS that what they released was ok. Thats not how it works. MS needs to get their balls crushed just like sony did. Only when the market punishes the shitty product, will the shitty product get better (or cheaper).

 

[Mr. Waffle]

I'm just wondering if MS had the bundle of the year, and it was selling as expected... why would retailers offer $50+ discounts (which MS would have to sign off for). Either it's not selling, or they are afraid to get stuck with these bundles past the initial surge.

 

[Rogue_Ledr]

I predicted that the PS4 would outsell the XO by a very slim margin but that was just a random go lucky prediction without any merit


The XO outselling the PS4 is way more plausible with TF marketing, Media Hype, and aggressive pricing deals



But who knows... Either way I (like most NPD threads) will just mostly watch from the sidelines

Same here, I'm not going to get too involved in the discussion that much, if at all.

At the very least, I'm gonna let things simmer a bit before I dive in.

I think people are making too big a deal out of this regardless. We'll see.

 

[ThoughtsOfSpeaking]

Question for all. Doesn't NPD ignore the Titanfall bundle for software sales? Thus Titanfall should expect a higher software figure than shown on NPD.

I would look for MS or EA to give the official Titanfall figures which is what Sony did with Infamous. World is moving digital

Digital on consoles is still less than 10% of sales.

The titanfall bundles however muddy the waters as bundles aren't official counted.

 

[Scully Scully Scoo]

so either the x1 dominated last month, hence the pre-emptive 7m strike by sony, or ps4>x1. either proposition is equally exciting. if ms cant win in their homeland, the 1 place they focus all their efforts on, after launching the game they have been advertising before the x1 even came out expect a price drop at e3

 

[Mr. Waffle]

Parity isn't competition. If there was parity between the two consoles, it would mean that MS releasing an overpriced, underpowered console was acceptable. It wouldn't convince Sony to be better, it would tell MS that what they released was ok. Thats not how it works. MS needs to get their balls crushed just like sony did. Only when the market punishes the shitty product, will the shitty product get better (or cheaper).

Polish that Shit

 

[TheActtionFigure]

It was never meant to be condescending, just an observation on a lot of people really wanting sales parity. Here's why I don't agree with parity. When sales are exactly the same between two corporations, things begin to stagnate. Look at the cable companies. They can do whatever they want because you as a consumer have no choice. You're faced with that same shitty service each way you look.

On the other hand, when a company excels in their products and services, and is rewarded for it by an increasing dominance in the market, that company becomes the standard everyone tries to emulate. The weaker companies step up to match the market leader. No one is going to rock the boat when there's parity.

When you put it that way I completely understand where you're coming from. It just seems that with videogame companies being so reactionary competition moves mountains. But you do make a great point.

 

[gamechanger87]

Digital on consoles is still less than 10% of sales.

The titanfall bundles however muddy the waters as bundles aren't official counted.

Is the 10 percent rule of thumb still current on the new consoles? I really haven't heard an update on it, but I have to think it's higher.

 

[Aquamarine]

Would need to search back through the NPD thread but I believe Aquamarine said that a bundle created by MS with only the code inside is counted only as a console sale not software. If GameStop created a bundle you get both.

In the Top 10 calculations distributed through PR channels, this is correct.

But when Microsoft is bragging about Titanfall sales, they'll count manufacturer bundles as software sold.

 

[Rogue_Ledr]

Let me ask this again: Who exactly is privy to NPD numbers? Do MS and Sony know the numbers in advance? I thought only NPD had the numbers. I figured MS and Sony must do something estimation tracking, but only the accurate numbers are held by NPD until released.

 

[Scully Scully Scoo]

In the Top 10 calculations distributed through PR channels, this is correct.

But when Microsoft is bragging about Titanfall sales, they'll count manufacturer bundles as software sold.

are the sales brag worthy? dun dun dun

 

[Aquamarine]

Let me ask this again: Who exactly is privy to NPD numbers? Do MS and Sony know the numbers in advance? I thought only NPD had the numbers. I figured MS and Sony must do something estimation tracking, but only the accurate numbers are held by NPD until released.

NPD knows about GAF...a lot more than you might think.

There is always the possibility someone at NPD / Sony / Microsoft / Nintendo tipped Bish off.


Generally no, MS, Sony, and Nintendo do not get the full set of numbers in advance. Why wait until NPD release time before bragging about sales if you could get the sales earlier?

But there are many people who work at the NPD Group, and I'm sure they'd give out sales indications to Microsoft / Sony / Nintendo employees if they asked. After all, part of NPD's business revolves around their retail ecosystems.

And there are always internal estimates.

 

[Lace]

Let me ask this again: Who exactly is privy to NPD numbers? Do MS and Sony know the numbers in advance? I thought only NPD had the numbers. I figured MS and Sony must do something estimation tracking, but only the accurate numbers are held by NPD until released.

I'd assume Sony and Microsoft both know how many are sold better then anyone.

 

[stonesak]

This news makes me as happy as a little girl.

 

[ThoughtsOfSpeaking]

Is the 10 percent rule of thumb still current on the new consoles? I really haven't heard an update on it, but I have to think it's higher.

Why would it be? I'd imagine it would grow inline with previous gen.

If someone is adverse to buying full retail on last gen consoles, buying a new shiny box won't change their mind.

 

[BruceLeeRoy]

It is going to be a bloodbath tomorrow

 

[Nightengale]

large image

That image man...

The feels I get from Lucifer and Biscuit Hammer.

 

[tfur]

Anything short of a sizable victory for MS this month, would be considered somewhat of a disaster for MS... In my book...

 

[spatenfloot]

Clearly it just means Bish has a very high interest in bunkers and their designs...

That is all

He probably was just referring to that hilarious Brendan Frasier movie "Blast from the Past".

 

[andromeduck]

IDK man... I'd assume there'd be no big deal either way unless WiiU outsells XB1

 

[darkwing]

Anything short of a sizable victory for MS this month, would be considered somewhat of a disaster for MS... In my book...

for NPD I think it's safe to say MS won because of TF, bundles, discounts, worldwide is a different story

 

[EmptySpace]

do you want us to go into the bunker or have you just come out of it from hibernation?

or both?

 

[Game Guru]

No matter what happens, we now know it will be epic.

 

[Infinite Xero]

I'm expecting PS4 to outsell XB1 or at least be very close behind.

XB1 probably sold about 350k-ish in NA. I'm expecting PS4 to have done 400k or above.

 

[theprodigy]

the bunker clearly means Vita outsold 3DS
which outsold PS4 and Xbox One

lol j/k you guys are probably getting played

 

[Aquamarine]

the bunker clearly means Vita outsold 3DS
which outsold PS4 and Xbox One

lol j/k you guys are probably getting played

I don't know, man.

Bish works in the industry. He might have heard something or someone tipped him off.

 

[GamerJM]

oh shiiiit

When's NPD day?

 

[TheLostBigBoss]

oh shiiiit

When's NPD day?

In 18 hours

 

[Aquamarine]

oh shiiiit

When's NPD day?

Tomorrow at 6:30 PM EST is when we'll get PR.

 

[TomShoe]

oh shiiiit

When's NPD day?

Tomorrow, 6:30 PM.

EDIT: RRRRrrrrgh beaten.

 

[EmptySpace]

I'm expecting PS4 to sell XB1 or at least be very close behind.

XB1 probably sold about 350k-ish in NA. I'm expecting PS4 to have done 400k or above.

i think the expectation is that xbone won march. i mean, it's the month when their biggest game dropped.

is it just me or did ea/respawn never use the "from the creators of call of duty..." sales pitch on any ads?

 

[hawk2025]

lol, the "bunker" could mean anything!

Even though the vast majority expects the Xbox One to handily sell more than the PS4 tomorrow, it could be any one of these scenarios:


- The Xbox One sold enough to match or even surpass how much the PS4 has sold so far in the US
- The PS4 somehow sold more than the Xbox One in March


It could basically mean anything, and I like it that way

 

[Tagg9]

I assume others have tried to extrapolate NPD numbers already but I thought I'd give it a try. Let me know if my logic is totally off base.

Note that the next NPD report covers March 2 to April 5, 2014 (February was 4 weeks).

Last known number is 6.0 million worldwide as of March 2. So we know that from March 2 to April 6, the PS4 sold 1 million units worldwide. This is almost exactly the same range that the NPD will be reporting on (I'm going to just disregard the extra day for now).

Let's break it down further. We know that in Japan during this time frame, the PS4 sold approximately 35,294 + 29,677 + 30,201 + 23,327 + 13,401 = ~102,223. Let's assume 100K.

So far, PS4 sales in Europe have been almost equivalent to sales in USA. However, it's available in other places as well (Australia, South America, UAE, etc.). Let's be generous and say it sold 100K everywhere outside of Europe, USA, and Japan. That leaves 800K units unaccounted for that can be split between USA and Europe, so ~400K in USA. Not bad, but I still think Microsoft beat them.