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DVDfever.co.uk – Press release: Xbox 360 records biggest year ever
Microsoft
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Posted: January 23rd, 2009.
XBOX 360 RECORDS BEST EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS IN ITS HISTORY, EIGHT MILLION CONSOLES SOLD TO DATE
Xbox have revealed sales data showing Christmas 2008 was the biggest sales period ever in the brands six-year European history, with sales of Xbox 360 almost double those of Christmas 2007[1]. Eight million Xbox 360 consoles have been sold in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA)[2] up to the end of 2008, widening its lead over PlayStation 3 in the region to more than one million and setting the scene for further growth in 2009.
GfK-ChartTrack data shows that Xbox 360 was the fastest-growing console of 2008, with sales in the fourth quarter of 2008 over double that of the same period in 2007, spurred on by a mix of value, great games and entertainment, and the recently-launched New Xbox Experience.
Chris Lewis, Regional Vice President, Interactive Entertainment Business EMEA, said: Christmas 2008 was a resounding success for Xbox 360. 2008 saw us grow faster than any of our competitors and we over-achieved in sales during the crucial Christmas selling period. We reduced the entry-level Xbox 360 ERP in September, understanding the need for great value, and European consumers have responded enthusiastically. With eight million consoles sold since we launched, and consistently out-selling PlayStation 3 in EMEA, were poised to build on this success in 2009. This success was only possible through our partnerships with retail and with publishers, with whom weve worked closely to build a strong ecosystem in the region and to bring value to our shared customer base. As we move into 2009 and an uncertain economic climate, we continue to be committed to offering the right blend of gaming and entertainment experiences at the right price.
Nick Gibson, Founding Analyst, Games Investor Consulting, said: Microsoft appears to have enjoyed an excellent end to 2008 in Europe. According to GFK Chart Track data, the Xbox 360 recorded in excess of 100% growth in December sales compared to 2007 across the UK, France, Italy, Germany and Spain, well ahead of any other console. It also recorded comfortably the highest rate of year-on-year growth for the final quarter of 2008 overall.
Nick Parker, Founder and Games Analyst, Parker Consulting, said: I have seen early returns for the December 2008 sales data indicating that Xbox 360 has shown a significant sales increase year on year and furthermore is ahead of its nearest rival in terms of lifetime consumer hardware sales in the EMEA region, with an installed base of over eight million units.
XBOX 360 RECORDS BIGGEST YEAR EVER
Driven by record sales at retail along with an 84 percent jump in online consumer spending; global install base lead over PlayStation 3 expands to more than 8 million units.
Despite a tough economy, the gaming industry held strong in 2008 and Microsoft Corp.s Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system recorded the biggest year in Xbox history, with more consoles, games and online entertainment experiences sold than any previous year. It was a year in which life-to-date unit sales of Xbox 360 systems climbed to 28 million consoles worldwide expanding the products lead over Sony PlayStation 3 to more than 8 million units. The Xbox LIVE community also grew to more than 17 million active members, as online consumer spending increased 84 percent from last year. Since the launch of the Xbox 360 three years ago, more than $1 billion has been spent on Xbox LIVE. This amazing growth was fuelled by the launch of the New Xbox Experience1; the broadest selection of hit games, TV shows, and movies available; and mass-market price points, starting at £129.99.
Xbox 360 is experiencing record-setting sales around the globe, particularly in Japan and Europe, nearly doubling market share in these key territories. In Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) specifically, Xbox 360 has now sold more than 8 million units, extending its lead over the PS3 by more than 1 million units.
For Xbox, 2008 will be remembered around the world as a pivotal growth year at retail and online even in the face of tough economic conditions, said Don Mattrick, senior vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. Worldwide, a record number of players flocked to our broadest games and entertainment line-up ever, while the New Xbox Experience thrilled millions of fans by making our console even more engaging. And yet, weve only provided a glimpse into the new world of interactive entertainment that were imagining. The best of Xbox 360 is yet to come.
One of the biggest trends in 2008 was consumers taking advantage of the convenience and value with digital distribution of games and entertainment content. Xbox LIVE is home to the largest library of downloadable games, game add-ons, movies and TV shows. Between Christmas and New Years Day, Xbox LIVE experienced its busiest week ever, with a record of more than 1.5 million concurrent members online. During that week, some of the most popular movies, TV shows, arcade games and game add-ons included these:
Movies: The Dark Knight, Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay (unrated), Hellboy II: The Golden Army, Iron Man, Tropic Thunder
TV Shows: South Park, Family Guy, The Office, House, Heroes
Arcade Games: A Kingdom for Keflings, Castle Crashers, Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, Puzzle Arcade, Worms
Game Add-Ons: Rock Band®, Guitar Hero®, Halo 3, Gears of War® 2, Call of Duty® 4
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Reviewer of movies, videogames and music since 1994. Aortic valve operation survivor from the same year. Running DVDfever.co.uk since 2000. Nobel Peace Prize winner 2021.