Core Gamers Buoy Industry, say Analysts
Post by StarKiller , 2008-12-20 05:23:29 Source： Gamedaily Editor：ShirleyTags： Core Gamers
An AP story reported today that during this recessionary period, core gamers are crucial for maintaining the gaming industry. Wedbush Morgan's Michael Pachter estimates that core gamers may buy as much as half of all software entertainment titles. "They may be wealthy, they may be poor, but they have no clue we are in a recession," said Pachter.
The recession has caused GameStop Corp. to alter its Q4 earnings forecast. However, GameStop CEO Daniel DeMatteo doesn't blame core gamers, rather the unpredictable market climate in general. In fact, core titles like Call of Duty: World at War, Gears of War 2 and World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King have boosted GameStop's fortunes over the holidays.
"If the core gamers and the avid gamers are with us through these very unpredictable times, that's a very, very good sign for us," said R. Richard Fontaine, GameStop's chairman, during the call.
The NPD expects that the U.S. gaming industry will post sales of $22 billion in 2008, a substantial increase on the already record setting $18 billion in 2007. "As long as hardcore gamers have a job, they will continue to buy games," said IDC gaming industry analyst Billy Pidgeon.
