The previous generation was a long one for Sony, so we suspect that it’s starting to enjoy being back on top again. While the PlayStation 4 has been performing outrageously well all year in the UK, the next-gen device confirmed its status as the King of Consoles this week by moving more copies of Grand Theft Auto V and Far Cry 4 in the UK than any other machine.
According to VideoGamer.com, Rockstar Games’ hotly anticipated re-release sold a whopping 58 per cent of its total units on the Japanese giant’s system, compared to just 41 per cent on the Xbox One. A similar split was recorded for Far Cry 4, with 49 per cent of sales coming on the PS4, and just 30 per cent on Microsoft’s big black box.
Of course, it’s worth mentioning that both of these games were advertised alongside Sony’s console, with Ubisoft’s shooter including exclusive access to the Keys to Kyrat feature. However, co-marketing doesn’t appear to have worked in the Redmond firm’s favour with Dragon Age: Inquisition, as the PS4 SKU finished fifth in the individual units chart – compared to 14th on the Xbox One.
It’s certainly interesting how times have changed in the span of a year, as the PlayStation 3 constantly languished behind the Xbox 360 all throughout the previous generation. However, with Microsoft remaining aggressive, Sony will need to ensure that it keeps its foot on the gas if it wants to retain its place in the lead.
[source videogamer.com, via videogamer.com]
Comments 5
I had no idea MS had a partnership with Dragon Age Inquisition, I don't think I've seen any adverts. The 49 percent sales of far cry 4 on ps4 are very impressive.
That's good but I feel Sony are being too relaxed, especially in the US. MS are pushing hard and doing well. Sony hardly even have any bundles (though I know they do in Europe).
If they want to keep a similar ratio of software sales like FC4 and GTA for future releases, then I think Sony need to remain competitive with hardware by also lowering their prices. Even if only "temporary" for the holidays...
@Dodoo It's a difficult one. I do generally agree, but on the other hand, if their sales are already strong in the US (ten NPD victories in a row), why on Earth would they lower their price just because their competitor's panicking?
Clearly they're still going to do very well this Christmas, so I think it's smarter to wait and reassess in the New Year. I agree that there are smaller things they could have done, though - why not just throw in a PSN voucher with all consoles including a copy of Killzone: Shadow Fall and Resogun, for example? It's a tiny thing, but it would cost nothing and would increase the value of the box.
@get2sammyb I appreciate and agree with your points if you are looking at it from the perspective of Sony's business alone but your talking about what they have achieved in the past, I'm talking about what they should do in the present and the short-term future.
I just think they should be careful not to rest on their laurels as they have done in the past and have an opportunity to take the wind out of MS's sails by being a bit more aggressive.
Of course, like you said, PS4 is selling well regardless and they've obviously decided not much action needs to be taken. Though as a wise man once said "'like' actions produce 'like' results" and if their recent financial performance is anything to go by, maybe they should consider changing their actions to get better results? (i.e. return the company to profitability).
In mainland Europe PlayStation has always remained on top.
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