Now that the Chinese government no longer believes that video games will rot the mind of its teens like teeth cleaned with Coca-Cola, both Sony and Microsoft are scrambling to release their next-gen consoles in the region. It’s easy to understand why: the untapped nation represents a potential audience of over one billion. So, who will win the latest format face-off?
Considering that Sony’s gaming brand is already massive in most Asian territories, it stands to reason that the PlayStation 4 will come out on top; however, Microsoft will be deploying its device as soon as September, and seems to be betting big on the emerging market to boost the figures of its somewhat flagging brand. Alas, that may not work out as planned.
According to a poll of approximately 6,000 local gamers conducted by NetEase, a whopping 57.3 per cent intend to pick up the Japanese giant’s platform when it eventually releases. A disappointing ten per cent said that they’d opt for the Xbox One, while just six per cent said that they’d plump up for the PlayStation Vita. Meanwhile, about 19 per cent said that they’d continue buying consoles on the grey market – imported channels – while a further six or so per cent said that they’d nab everything.
The survey suggests a clear win for Sony, but shouldn’t be taken at face value. While the sample size is decent enough, it isn’t random, and could have easily been fudged by fledgling fanboys rallying their troops to vote for the format that they like the most. We suppose that that alone would indicate a modicum of interest in the PlayStation maker’s corner, but it still can’t be considered fact.
As such, we’re probably just going to have to wait and see how this one plays out. It’s entirely possible that both platforms flop, as China has historically proven a difficult nut to crack. Who do you think has the best chance at conquering the potentially lucrative Eastern market? Issue a rallying call in the comments section below.
[source game.163.com, via kotaku.com]
Comments 13
My money's on Joel from the last of us!!! Lol.
The thing I wonder about this is are we going to see Chinese knock offs now of Playstation 4s and Xbox Ones and if so I would imagine that that will hurt actual PS4 and XBO sales.
Im wondering if this will affect availability in other regions, since both Sony qnd MS probably disnt plan on releasing in China at this time. And who is going to track sales data in that region?
I think PC gaming is a lot more popular in China for obvious reasons
"the untapped nation represents a potential audience of over one billion"
Sure, and my posterior has the potential to transform into a high-speed primate dispenser.
But yeah, Sony and Microsoft could sell a fair few consoles in China. Will they though, that's the question. Considering the types of games that tend to do well in China, it's by no means a sure thing.
It all depends on if knock offs take off, I still thin ps3/4 and vita will sell tens of millions though. I doubt Sony will be prepared for the demand.
China Rising
@Tasuki : Direct copies (fakes) are much harder to find these days in China. They still exist to be sure, but much more underground than they used to be. The Government seems to have started to care, probably bowing to international pressure.
Bad rip-offs that do "similar" things with different names are definitely still around, but I am not sure that will detract to much from the real market.
In any case, it is a big new world and it will be fascinating to see how it develops.
@Tasuki @SimonAdebisi @Ginkgo : yeah , i thought this as i was reading this article . as a veteron gamer , i remember all those chinese copy-cat machiines from yesteryear - my favourite being the "game-kid" .
Can't wait to see Chinese developed games hit the West. We need more variety than just COD clones, crazy Japanese RPGs and reiteration of same franchises. Welcome to the gaming stage China! !
@eliotgballade treamcast I actually wanted to own, less of a copy and more just an alteration
@SimonAdebisi : treamcast ? that's brilliant - could you get thenmue for it ?
@eliotgballade You can play any Dreamcast game, it was pretty much just a Dreamcast with a fold out screen
Tap here to load 13 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...