PES Sales Figures Make Depressing Reading
OK first off lets get one thing clear, the sort of sales figures and revenue the PES series generates is nothing to laugh at. The findings after some extensive research show that while PES is still selling in the millions, it is most certainly a series in decline.
Now first off I have been using figures given from independent companies who provide figures for companies within the games industry. Because of my job I have access to this, but unfortunately due to certain rules within the business I cant portray them publicly. I will say though, a good source for sales figures for the public is VG Chartz. While not 100% accurate, it gives a good indication to how things are going.
Lets begin.
Back in 2003, the launch of PES 3 was extremely successful. Perhaps to many of us fans it was their highlight of the year, but back then it was still a relatively up and coming franchise. Critically acclaimed, it didnt have the public attention compared to EAs competitor. The game finished the year in 24th, with FIFA 2004 in 3rd.
The following year showed a massive improvement in sales, primarily down to being released on the Xbox. It climbed up the charts, finishing the year in 7th. FIFA 05 was only just ahead in 5th.
2005 was a huge year for PES fans, with arguebly the greatest version to date. The cover wasnt bad either, with Henry and Terry facing off. The series continued its improvement in performances in the charts, with PES 5 ended the year in 5th. As ever, FIFA 06 was just ahead in 3rd.
2006 brought us PES 6. A game that still many fans hold onto, especially with what was to come in the near future. The release of the Xbox 360 gave the series that extra push, ending the year in 2nd. You guessed it, FIFA 07 was just ahead in 1st.
So to last year and the much maligned PES 2008. A huge let down to many fans, what was supposed to be the big nextgen title turned out to be an anticlimax. After aggressive price points in the run-in to Xmas, and the first PS3 release, the game ended the year in 6th with FIFA 08 in 2nd.
Now, over the last 5 years PES sales have steadily increased. That even includes PES 2008 sales, thanks to the PS3 version. But this year is very different. PES 2009 marks the first year that the series has had a dip in sales compared to previous years in the same period. After steady top 10 positions in the charts over Xmas in recent years, PES 2009 finished 2008 in 18th. And we all know where FIFA 09 finished
I suppose there is a possibility that with the continued low price point of PES 2009 the title could surpass sales of previous versions in its lifespan, but I personally doubt it. The reason? PS2. The sole reason of low dip in sales was a massive drop off in sales in that particular format. Konami helped that dip themselves with the delayed release. Its also evident their effort on PS2 versions in recent years havent been great, and the sales have started to reflect that.
Then theres also the clear indication that fans are switching over to FIFA. The astronomical sales EA have mananged with their latest title wouldnt not of been achieved if PES was in good shape, and FIFA 09 took its chance.
So, while PES 2008 was the version that carried the most disappointment its actually PES 2009 that had taken the first sales hit the series has suffered since its existence. This news, more than any other, should spring Konami into action.
And we here expect it to happen. Weve initially heard that PES 2010 was going to be more of an evolution, but with such an outcry for a bigger improvement including poor sales I see Konami with no other choice. Well try and get some feedback and hopefully promising news in the coming weeks.
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