Microsoft has thumped its chest about a successful holiday season. We post the stat-filled press release and annotate it with observations about what the company did -- and didn't -- say.
Press release by Microsoft, annotations by MTV Multiplayer:
Xbox 360 Records Its Biggest Year Ever
Driven by record sales at retail along with an 84 percent jump in online consumer spending; global install base lead over PlayStation 3 expands to more than 8 million units.
REDMOND, Wash. — Jan. 5, 2009 — Despite a tough economy, the gaming industry held strong in 2008 and Microsoft Corp.’s Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system recorded the biggest year in Xbox history, with more consoles, games and online entertainment experiences sold than any previous year [Note the lack of comparison to Nintendo. As good a year as the Xbox had, Microsoft can't spin any stats that make them sound like they came in first place.]. It was a year in which life-to-date unit sales of Xbox 360 systems climbed to 28 million consoles worldwide — expanding the product’s lead over Sony PlayStation 3 to more than 8 million units. [But Microsoft can claim it's winning against Sony.] The Xbox LIVE community also grew to more than 17 million active members, [Take note. An MS rep noted that this is a new stat. The company doesn't indicate here how many of those people are paying Xbox Live Gold members, but the company's Aaron Greenberg did tell the LA Times that the "majority" of that 17 million do pay.]as online consumer spending increased 84 percent from last year. Since the launch of the Xbox 360 three years ago, more than $1 billion has been spent on Xbox LIVE. This amazing growth was fueled by the launch of the New Xbox Experience; the broadest selection of hit games, TV shows, and movies available; and mass-market price points, starting at $199. [While this is all true, Microsoft isn't noting here that the $199 unit doesn't get you a harddrive. So what? Well, in the fine print below the press release, the company states is "recommended for Xbox LIVE," that service being touted with the 17 million figure.]
Xbox 360 is experiencing record-setting sales around the globe, particularly in Japan and Europe, nearly doubling market share in these key territories. In Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) specifically, Xbox 360 has now sold more than 8 million units, extending its lead over the PS3 by more than 1 million units. [Interesting to see the Middle East and Africa included, territories seldom discussed by the console makers.]
“For Xbox, 2008 will be remembered around the world as a pivotal growth year at retail and online — even in the face of tough economic conditions,” said Don Mattrick, senior vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “Worldwide, a record number of players flocked to our broadest games and entertainment lineup ever, while the New Xbox Experience thrilled millions of fans by making our console even more engaging. And yet, we’ve only provided a glimpse into the new world of interactive entertainment that we’re imagining. The best of Xbox 360 is yet to come.” [It's at about this point in reading this that you might notice that Microsoft hasn't named any games in this release yet. There's nothing nefarious, but the opportunity was there for the company to talk about sales being "driven by 'Gears of War 2' or something and it chose not to.]
One of the biggest trends in 2008 was consumers taking advantage of the convenience and value with digital distribution of games and entertainment content. One of the most popular offerings this holiday was Netflix on Xbox 360, which as a Netflix member provides users with access to unlimited viewing of more than 12,000 movies and TV shows in DVD quality as well as many in high definition. In addition, Xbox LIVE is home to the largest library of downloadable games, game add-ons, movies and TV shows.
Between Christmas and New Year’s Day, Xbox LIVE experienced its busiest week ever, with a record of more than 1.5 million concurrent members online. [And there's probably the most impressive stat in the release!]During that week, some of the most popular movies, TV shows, arcade games and game add-ons included these:
Movies
· “The Dark Knight”
· “Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay” (unrated)
· “Hellboy II: The Golden Army”
· “Iron Man”
· “Tropic Thunder” [I'd say these are more "guy" movies than family movies. Agree? Another sign that the Xbox is expanding its audience some by offering movies but not going all that far from its male base yet.]
TV Shows
· “South Park”
· “Family Guy”
· “The Office”
· “House”
· “Heroes”
Arcade Games
· A Kingdom for Keflings
· Castle Crashers
· Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix
· Puzzle Arcade
· Worms
Game Add-Ons
· “Rock Band”
· “Guitar Hero”
· “Halo 3”
· “Gears of War 2”
· “Call of Duty 4”[This last game's notable. People still want more of "CoD4" even while its sequel, "World at War" is selling.]
Microsoft has much to be proud of for 2008 and its ability to fend off the PlayStation 3 so far is noteworthy. Anyone notice anything else important in this release?
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