New hardware is needed to replenish the game’s industry, according to the CEO of UK retailer GAME.
Ian Shepard claims the industry, with its consumers, is “ready for more innovation,” following a 17.6% slump in sales for the retailer over the Christmas period.
“The weakness in the overall numbers was partly driven by the economy and consumer confidence issues. It was also driven by where we are in the hardware cycle,” he told MCV.
“The hardware market was much more negative than the software market. That tells you the industry and the consumer is ready for more innovation there.
“Whether it is in the handheld space with 3DS and Vita or in the home space with Wii U – all of that will excite the consumer in coming back to the games market again.”
Sony is of course launching its latest handheld, the PlayStation Vita, across North America and Europe next month, and has been rumoured to be gearing up for the unveiling of its next home console in the coming months – something the firm has denied.
“Ian Shepard claims the industry, with its consumers, is “ready for more innovation,” following a 17.6% slump in sales for the retailer over the Christmas period.”
Of course, that would have nothing at all to do with GAME charging full retail price for everything, even on their website, and being significantly under-cut by other e-tailers such as Amazon, ShopTo, Play and many others.
No, of course not… must be the need for new hardware.