Microsoft expects Xbox sale to reach sky-high in 09
By siliconindia   |   Wednesday, 17 December 2008, 20:38 IST
Printer Print Email Email
Bangalore: At a time, when consumers' spending is on a declining note, IT bellwether Microsoft expects its Xbox sales to cross every possible limit. "What is really driving our growth momentum right now is how we are broadening our consumer base to include not only hardcore gamers but also individuals who would have previously not thought about buying a game console," said Alan Bowman, Asia General Manager of Xbox operations. Although the global economic slowdown has hit consumer demand, the company expects the overall video game industry to continue growing next year as more people choose to stay at home. Infact, as per findings of the Germany based market research firm GfK, the Xbox shipments in October has grown by 53 percent compared to September after the company slashed the prices of the console to $200. Moreover, the sale of the console has outdone the sales of the rival Sony's PlayStation 3 in Japan. Hence, the reduction in cost does not bear much impact on the profits which is covered by the higher sales. There were no concrete cost-cutting measures being implemented to deal with the current economic downturn, but the company is constantly evaluating the options. Commenting on the great expectations from the coming year Bowman said, "I am confident that the Xbox's current growth momentum would continue into the Chinese New Year shopping season on the back of its lower price." Chinese New Year, which takes place in late January 2009, is the peak shopping season for most countries in the greater China region and many retailers in east Asia typically chalk up their best sales during that period.

siliconindia