Microsoft responds: Gamerscore tips scales in favor of Xbox 360
- March 04, 2008 15:11 PM PST
- Email this!
In rebuttal to a GamePro editorial suggesting that PS3 port quality is on the rise, Microsoft marketing director Albert Penello says the Xbox 360 still has "the best games," especially when considering the addictive nature of Achievement points.
"For multiplatform console owners, Achievements and Gamerscore have to be listed as an influencing factor to purchase the Xbox 360 version," said Penello in an email to GamePro on Tuesday. "Their success and popularity is undeniable."
Last week, GamePro published an article challenging the conventional wisdom that Xbox 360 ports are regularly superior to PS3 versions. Penello felt that Gamerscore should have received additional weight in our analysis, even though the PS3 (not to mention the Wii) lacks a universal point system.
"We have to disagree with your conclusion that the trend of Xbox 360 versions of games being best is changing, especially when you look at the entire catalog of multiplatform titles available," added Penello. "The cold, hard truth is that Xbox 360 has the best games - and industry reviewers and consumers agree."
After being slammed for its high launch price, lack of compelling games, development complexities, and molasses-like first-year sales, Sony's PlayStation 3 has gained considerable momentum in recent months.
The console enjoyed a price drop to $399 last October, saw a string of high-profile game releases over the holidays, and overtook Xbox 360 sales for the first time in January thanks to the demise of HD DVD.
Despite this, Nintendo Wii continues to dominate the console industry at present, thanks to its attractive $250 purchase price, focus on accessible/casual games, and novel approach to controls.
According to global VG Chartz estimates, Nintendo has sold 22 million Wiis since its launch in November 2006. By comparison, Microsoft has sold 17 million Xbox 360s since November 2005 (a year head start), with Sony moving a reported 11 million PS3s since November 2006.
What say ye, GameProers? Does Microsoft have anything to worry about this year (i.e. the Wii is still trucking while the PS3 is gaining)? Speaking personally, it feels as if the ball is in Microsoft's court at the moment. Should be exciting to see what happens as the year wears on.
