There are three main regions when it comes to video game markets: United States, Europe, and Japan. Ever since Sony announced they were dropping the price of the PS3 at gamescom, sales for the system skyrocketed in both the US and the UK, which shortened the gap between PS3 and Xbox 360 sales. While analysts may want to keep track of PS3 sales in relation to other consoles, it’s also worth it to mention when PS3 sales pass certain milestones.
Sony has sold more than 22 million PS3’s in Europe, which amounts to about 3% of the population or 7.5% of households. Jim Ryan, who just recently got promoted to SCEE CEO, had this to say to MCV:
We’re at 22 million on PS3. So there’s lots of life in that still to come.
Since so many AAA titles are coming out later this year, Ryan’s statement that there is still life in the PS3 will probably be accurate. UK marketing director, Alan Duncan, also chimed in on how the price drop would affect PS3 sales:
The new price for PS3 will make the console accessible to a broad range of new consumers. It was essential that we supported it with a heavyweight campaign. The announcement also kicks off a busy period with major campaigns for Resistance 3, DanceStar Party, PS Move, the new PSP and Uncharted 3.
Finally, hardware marketing director for SCEA, John Koller, gave his opinion:
We’re opening our arms for the Xbox 360 and Wii owners to come over. There’s a real opportunity for those consumers to be able to play, what we view, are the best games in the industry on the PS3 this fall.
We will have to wait and see if Sony is able to catch up to Microsoft and Nintendo worldwide, but one thing is for sure – the PS3 is here to stay.
