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Analysis determines publisher strengths in console war
While analyst predictions for the current round of the system wars vary greatly, most analysts agree that Sony will no longer enjoy the same level of market dominance it had in previous generations. If you'll grant that premise, what third party developers are in the best position to benefit from this shift in console fortunes?A pair of analysts at 2K Advisors (no relation to the developer) decided to try and figure out the answer to that question with a new metric called the Revenue Attach Rate (RAR). Basically, the RAR measures how much money a publisher makes on system software for each unit of that system currently in the marketplace. All other things being equal, publishers benefit most when systems that give them a high RAR do well, because those system sales translate to more revenue than other system sales.Based on previous generation RARs for the major publishers, the 2K analysts determined that EA and Take Two have the most to lose from increased market share for Nintendo in this generation. Both companies showed relatively weak RARs for the GameCube, which might explain why they have each been falling all over themselves to play nice with the big N in light of strong Wii sales. Activision would benefit most from a strong Microsoft performance, given their high Xbox RAR, while THQ's relatively balanced console portfolio makes them well suited to succeed no matter who wins the battle.The full report is a little technical, but it's full of lots of good data and analysis for anyone following the business side of the game industry.[Source: 2K Advisors]
EA reveals Wii-exclusive game: Boogie
After several weeks of hushed rumors about Electronic Arts' rhythm-based game for the Wii, the video game giant finally pulled the curtains back on its gossiped project, Boogie. The new IP will take advantage of the Wii's unique controls, encouraging gamers to sing and sway along with the karaoke/dance game. The reports of a microphone peripheral for the Wii remote seem indisputable now, but we're puzzled as to how it will work since the nunchuck will already be attached to the controller's bottom port. Players will be able to customize their characters and even "[star] in their own music videos." We're not sure if that means Boogie will allow us to import our Miis, but it would be a criminal oversight if the game didn't. Judging by the screenshots released so far, it would pain us to hear that our character selection would be limited to SpongeBob rejects with chest hair.EA Montreal (SSX Blur) is handling development for this Wii-exclusive game, and they expect to release the title worldwide later this year. Check out the first screenshots for Boogie after the post break!
Rumor: More Arcade titles from EA?
Fanboy reader and Xbox360Achievements.org Staffer DAKing240 posted an interesting rumor. The italics are necessary because while his source is directly from EA, he was asked to be kept anonymous. So really, it's kind of confirmed yet kind of not. The rumor itself, is that aside from Boom Boom Rocket, EA has more Xbox Live Arcade titles in the works. The one he got specific information about was a Xbox Live multiplayer Asteroids knock off, that is currently in beta testing. Also gleaned from the source's statement is that there are various weapons and power ups as well as the multiplayer sounds like it supports more than 2 players. That's all we have for now but evidently EA may be releasing more information in the near future. We'll keep you posted. So, does "4 player Geometry Wars" pique your interest? Or do you expect there to be Marketplace downloads required for each weapon, power up, and life?
