Writing for Gamasutra, Paul Hyman looks at the recent spate of game delays into 2010 for anticipated titles. Take-Two’s BioShock 2, Ubisfot’s Splinter Cell: Conviction, Activision’s Singularity, and Sega’s Bayonetta are among games slipping into next year. Publishers have given various reasons for the slips, and none are willing to lend further comment to Hyman on their strategies.
Hyman turns to NPD analyst Matt Matthews, who points to a shift that took place last year. Game sales in the first three quarters of 2008 rose 33 percent compared to the previous year. The fourth quarter year-over-year comparison showed only a 16 percent increase. Matthews revisits the notion that publishers might be considering the benefits of spreading releases throughout the year, helping game consumers pace their time and money.
Read more at Gamasutra.
