PES 2009 Sales - Not as high as previous years

[Baddar]

Here's an interesting article posted on the Winning Eleven Next-Gen Blog site, which is now back up for those wondering.

"OK first off lets get one thing clear, the sort of sales figures and revenue the PES series generates is nothing to laugh at. The findings after some extensive research show that while PES is still selling in the millions, it is most certainly a series in decline.

Now first off I have been using figures given from independent companies who provide figures for companies within the games industry. Because of my job I have access to this, but unfortunately due to certain rules within the business I can’t portray them publicly. I will say though, a good source for sales figures for the public is VG Chartz. While not 100% accurate, it gives a good indication to how things are going.

Let’s begin.

Back in 2003, the launch of PES 3 was extremely successful. Perhaps to many of us fans it was their highlight of the year, but back then it was still a relatively up and coming franchise. Critically acclaimed, it didn’t have the public attention compared to EA’s competitor. The game finished the year in 24th, with FIFA 2004 in 3rd.

The following year showed a massive improvement in sales, primarily down to being released on the Xbox. It climbed up the charts, finishing the year in 7th. FIFA 05 was only just ahead in 5th.

2005 was a huge year for PES fans, with arguebly the greatest version to date. The cover wasn’t bad either, with Henry and Terry facing off. The series continued it’s improvement in performances in the charts, with PES 5 ended the year in 5th. As ever, FIFA 06 was just ahead in 3rd.

2006 brought us PES 6. A game that still many fans hold onto, especially with what was to come in the near future. The release of the Xbox 360 gave the series that extra push, ending the year in 2nd. You guessed it, FIFA 07 was just ahead in 1st.

So to last year and the much maligned PES 2008. A huge let down to many fans, what was supposed to be the big nextgen title turned out to be an anticlimax. After aggressive price points in the run-in to Xmas, and the first PS3 release, the game ended the year in 6th with FIFA 08 in 2nd.

Now, over the last 5 years PES sales have steadily increased. That even includes PES 2008 sales, thanks to the PS3 version. But this year is very different. PES 2009 marks the first year that the series has had a dip in sales compared to previous years in the same period. After steady top 10 positions in the charts over Xmas in recent years, PES 2009 finished 2008 in 18th. And we all know where FIFA 09 finished…

I suppose there is a possibility that with the continued low price point of PES 2009 the title could surpass sales of previous versions in its lifespan, but I personally doubt it. The reason? PS2. The sole reason of low dip in sales was a massive drop off in sales in that particular format. Konami helped that dip themselves with the delayed release. It’s also evident their effort on PS2 versions in recent years haven’t been great, and the sales have started to reflect that.

Then there’s also the clear indication that fans are switching over to FIFA. The astronomical sales EA have mananged with their latest title wouldn’t not of been achieved if PES was in good shape, and FIFA 09 took it’s chance.

So, while PES 2008 was the version that carried the most disappointment it’s actually PES 2009 that had taken the first sales hit the series has suffered since it’s existence. This news, more than any other, should spring Konami into action.

And we here expect it to happen. We’ve initially heard that PES 2010 was going to be more of an evolution, but with such an outcry for a bigger improvement including poor sales I see Konami with no other choice. We’ll try and get some feedback and hopefully promising news in the coming weeks."

------

This may be a bad thing for Konami, but it can only be a good thing for avid fans of the series, I think.

Konami know they need to improve, and improve big in 2010.

Discuss.

 

[CaptainCabinet]

This will just turn into another Fifa vs Pro debate, mark my words. It's obvious the majority aren't happy, but I personally (bar online play) can't see why.

 

[Baddar]

If it does, I'll just close it.

There's nothing wrong with Fifa/Pro debates anyway, when discussed properly.

"Fifa sux, Pro is amazin"

"Fuk Pro Evo, Fifa is beta"

...are the sort of comments that make the debate a shit one.

 

[CaptainCabinet]

I completely agree, but how often does that happen?

 

[Baddar]

I see where you're going, but I'm willing to put that to the test.

 

[Top Gun]

I love the latest Pro Evo. But as CC said the online side of it is still dissapointing.

 

[Baddar]

I do think that's Pro Evo's main problem this year.

The general consensus seems to be that people are enjoying the game offline, a lot more than last year's.

But I think these days, having a strong online is massive. I know people who have bought Fifa over Pro Evo just because of the online.

I like the offline to be good, but online just has to be spot on now. Fifa has achieved that, whereas Pro Evo has not.

It's not only the online play that pulled me in to Fifa this year though. The general gameplay has improved a whole lot from last year. Team mate AI seem to know what they're doing now, and the collision system is awesome. If there's anyone reading who has played the demo and unsure of purchasing, rent it and try the full game, because it's streets ahead of the demo. Not Fifa Streets ahead because we won't go in to that game. >_>

 

[LarssonIsGhod]

I've bought every Fifa since '95 and i've bought every Fifa since the first one, bar 2008 and 2009.

My wee bother bought both games so i got to play them before i bought them. In comparison (in my hubble opinion) both were terrible in comparison to Fifa

I love Fifa, but i also love Pro Evo, the only thing is i don't want to spend my hard earned cash on Pro Evo

It may be the case that (especially in the current climate) people can only by Fifa or Pro evo

Again only in my humble opinion, Fifa is much better Value for money

I can only assume that many other people are of the same opinion!

 

[Lörd TH]

I think PES is becoming more arcadey whereas Fifa is going for more of the realism.

But this is just my own opinion.

 

[Simz2008]

I can't understand some people. I had fifa when I was little but I didn't know what pro was.

When i went to uni i discovered Pro6. The game had cult status. I didn't even hear people talk about fifa.

I think ull find people chose pro over fifa becuse of superior gameplay. Most true gamers played pro but a lot of fans of football got fifa because of the licenses it has and the graphics.

Pro 2009s only let down is the online play and that coupled with Fifa's improvements in gameplay mean fifa properly has an advantage.

But still theres nothin better than a "pro tournament" with friends, a "fifa tournament" just don't sound right!!

 

[LarssonIsGhod]

I think ull find people chose pro over fifa becuse of superior gameplay. Most true gamers played pro but a lot of fans of football got fifa because of the licenses it has and the graphics.

I would agree that used to be the argument. Fifa was for people who wanted licences and graphics and Proevo was for people who wanted gameplay. But nowadays that is just not the case.

Again in my own opinion, Fifa's gameplay is alot better than ProEvo's. The interesting thing about it is that they both have tremendous gameplay, but they are both better in different ways.

There's just something un-realistic about the animations, the movement and the touches players take in ProEvo. I feel it's the exact opposite in Fifa. I'm looking for a game that is as close to real football as possible (Fifa), not an arcadey-type game (pro-evo)

It almost seems like proevo is going back the way, where as Fifa is taking massive strides forward in the battle to make the most realistic football game

 

[Winger]

In short, I will not be buying PES 2010. I may actually spend my hard earned cash on FIFA 2010 next go around. Why? Because Konami deserve to take a massive hit in the sales department so that they wake up and actually put some hard graft into the series, again. And the only way that is going to happen is if they suffer a loss of income from the franchise. They've been coasting for a few years now, simply tweaking the game in minor areas, and not necessarily for the better.

EA on the other hand have at least made an effort with their latest offerings of FIFA. FIFA 2008 was quite good, a refreshing change, but not as good as PES 2008 (PS2). FIFA 2009 seems to have taken the evolution further, for the better. But it is still missing a little something, at least for me. But because of the fact that EA are making a real effort to improve their game, and have done so on the most recent releases, they are the company who actually deserve to reap the benefits of my hard earned dosh going their way. If this rate of improvement continues then FIFA 2010 may actually be as close to the perfect FIFA, in my eyes, that it has ever been.

PES on the other hand has nothing on the horizon, and neither anything on the previous two releases to suggest what we can expect outside of further dissappointment. If Konami do improve the series it will be an unexpected change, but at the same time a much needed one.

I own PES 2009 and for all the faults and annoyances within the game I can still enjoy single player mode, so thus PES remains my choice. Multiplayer is awful. Online is abandoned altogether. And the new feature Become A Legend is massively flawed. The AI needs a complete overhaul. The flaws (in BAL) can be played around, but that hinders the enjoyment and defeats the purpose, not to mention that it is extremely frustrating to be required to do so if one wants to experience the mode. The game survives on the Master League alone, and the fact that the gameplay of FIFA is still a little outside of what I would like. But if that changes, and it wouldn't need much to change it, then when coupled with solid multiplayer, and an online mode that works, then I'm afraid I may be making to jump back to FIFA for the first time since FIFA '99 (which was subsequently abandoned for ISS Pro Evolution).

 

[Amateur]

Here's an interesting article posted on the Winning Eleven Next-Gen Blog site, which is now back up for those wondering.

"OK first off lets get one thing clear, the sort of sales figures and revenue the PES series generates is nothing to laugh at. The findings after some extensive research show that while PES is still selling in the millions, it is most certainly a series in decline.

Now first off I have been using figures given from independent companies who provide figures for companies within the games industry. Because of my job I have access to this, but unfortunately due to certain rules within the business I can’t portray them publicly. I will say though, a good source for sales figures for the public is VG Chartz. While not 100% accurate, it gives a good indication to how things are going.

Let’s begin.

Back in 2003, the launch of PES 3 was extremely successful. Perhaps to many of us fans it was their highlight of the year, but back then it was still a relatively up and coming franchise. Critically acclaimed, it didn’t have the public attention compared to EA’s competitor. The game finished the year in 24th, with FIFA 2004 in 3rd.

The following year showed a massive improvement in sales, primarily down to being released on the Xbox. It climbed up the charts, finishing the year in 7th. FIFA 05 was only just ahead in 5th.

2005 was a huge year for PES fans, with arguebly the greatest version to date. The cover wasn’t bad either, with Henry and Terry facing off. The series continued it’s improvement in performances in the charts, with PES 5 ended the year in 5th. As ever, FIFA 06 was just ahead in 3rd.

2006 brought us PES 6. A game that still many fans hold onto, especially with what was to come in the near future. The release of the Xbox 360 gave the series that extra push, ending the year in 2nd. You guessed it, FIFA 07 was just ahead in 1st.

So to last year and the much maligned PES 2008. A huge let down to many fans, what was supposed to be the big nextgen title turned out to be an anticlimax. After aggressive price points in the run-in to Xmas, and the first PS3 release, the game ended the year in 6th with FIFA 08 in 2nd.

Now, over the last 5 years PES sales have steadily increased. That even includes PES 2008 sales, thanks to the PS3 version. But this year is very different. PES 2009 marks the first year that the series has had a dip in sales compared to previous years in the same period. After steady top 10 positions in the charts over Xmas in recent years, PES 2009 finished 2008 in 18th. And we all know where FIFA 09 finished…

I suppose there is a possibility that with the continued low price point of PES 2009 the title could surpass sales of previous versions in its lifespan, but I personally doubt it. The reason? PS2. The sole reason of low dip in sales was a massive drop off in sales in that particular format. Konami helped that dip themselves with the delayed release. It’s also evident their effort on PS2 versions in recent years haven’t been great, and the sales have started to reflect that.

Then there’s also the clear indication that fans are switching over to FIFA. The astronomical sales EA have mananged with their latest title wouldn’t not of been achieved if PES was in good shape, and FIFA 09 took it’s chance.

So, while PES 2008 was the version that carried the most disappointment it’s actually PES 2009 that had taken the first sales hit the series has suffered since it’s existence. This news, more than any other, should spring Konami into action.

And we here expect it to happen. We’ve initially heard that PES 2010 was going to be more of an evolution, but with such an outcry for a bigger improvement including poor sales I see Konami with no other choice. We’ll try and get some feedback and hopefully promising news in the coming weeks."

------

This may be a bad thing for Konami, but it can only be a good thing for avid fans of the series, I think.

Konami know they need to improve, and improve big in 2010.

Discuss.

That's great.. although I'm not expecting anything revolutionary from PES 2010.

WHY the dip in sales?? Isn't that obvious? PES 2009 is not an improvement on the PS2 versions, and that's about it. Gameplay will always surpass the graphics.

You compare it to FIFA, and the Next Gen FIFA has clearly evolved over its PS2 versions. I personally don't think FIFA09 is that great, I prefer playing PES6 or PES5, but fact remains that FIFA has improved -whereas- PES has not.

And to make matters worst, no other company dares to release a Football Sim.. In my opinion BOTH PES and FIFA are hugely outdated, that's what I think. But what else can we expect from big titles alike?

 

[LarssonIsGhod]

What do you think Fifa is missing?

 

[Amateur]

What do you think Fifa is missing?

I think FIFA is lacking a lot of essential things. One of them the Stats, the players Stats don't seem to make any difference during gameplay.. judging on FIFA08, I could not notice any difference at all between a lot of players.

That kills of the importance of TEAM Chemistry, considering Ronaldinho defends better than John Terry and probably runs as much as Gennaro Gattuso.

So if there's one thing that FIFA still hasn't nailed is the Stats.

And the Dribbling Tricks do not help either, hugely unrealistic and limiting. Cutting the ball, Step overs, Flicking the ball, Shielding the ball, etc, etc.. all this "tricks" require different abilities. I think that's limiting the development of the FIFA series.

Another thing that disappoints me are the Player Faces, they look embarrassing for a Next Gen Title.

I think FIFA needs to have more feeling, and the stats should play a significant role during gameplay. It would also help if the players actually looked like themselves.

But you know, I think that both FIFA and PES are missing loads of things. I think both series should start using new concepts, new concepts that can give a logical Reason to every action involving the AI.

Maybe having an in-game confidence level gauge for each individual player and each team, so we can have a reason for those sudden changes in momentum.

Introducing more and better Types of Movements, instead of just having 4, why not having 10 different types of movements. Maybe even have a system where we can have 5 types of Lower Body Movements -and- 5 types of Upper Body Movements.

A better system of Stats and Special Abilities, etc, etc.. Both titles (PES and FIFA) can improve in every aspect. So I think both titles are still missing a lot of things.

 

[LarssonIsGhod]

I think FIFA is lacking a lot of essential things. One of them the Stats, the players Stats don't seem to make any difference during gameplay.. judging on FIFA08, I could not notice any difference at all between a lot of players.

That kills of the importance of TEAM Chemistry, considering Ronaldinho defends better than John Terry and probably runs as much as Gennaro Gattuso.

So if there's one thing that FIFA still hasn't nailed is the Stats.

And the Dribbling Tricks do not help either, hugely unrealistic and limiting. Cutting the ball, Step overs, Flicking the ball, Shielding the ball, etc, etc.. all this "tricks" require different abilities. I think that's limiting the development of the FIFA series.

Another thing that FIFA is missing is the Player Faces, they look embarrassing for a Next Gen Title.

I think FIFA needs to have more feeling, and the stats should play a significant role during gameplay.

I'd like to keep this a debate as opposed to an argument so i'd like to keep the motto: This is just my humble opinion, but i disagree with the majority there

The stats always seem failry accurate to me. At least the basics. Speed, stamina, strength, shot power/curl/accuracy. In proevo alot of the players feel the same, in Fifa they all seem similar to their real-life counterparts

the tricks and the tricks stick are hugely fun and hugely effective....when you get used to them. Fifa isn't really a pick up and play game (unless you've played it for years and years) It take comitment. I use very few tricks, but when they come off it's very satisfying.

I would agree that the player faces could be better, but to say they are embarassing is slightly ober the top. That's one of the few complaints i would have about Fifa!

 

[Dale C.]

Yeah the one thing thats keeping me from buying fifa, is the RPG element, if you like...

 

[LarssonIsGhod]

Yeah the one thing thats keeping me from buying fifa, is the RPG element, if you like...

You mean manager mode?

 

[Dale C.]

Not necessarily, just the whole RPG feel that PES has over fifa, and always has done,

Like the amount of stats, the editing etc

And now the Become a legend has edged Fifas Be a Pro or whatever its called

I'm sounding extremely biased :\

 

[LarssonIsGhod]

Like the amount of stats, the editing etc

I would agree there, The editing in Fifa is nowhere near the quality of proevo, but the main argument to that is, why should it be?
They have the correct strips etc and as i said before i feel the stats are accurate
Fifa also have adidas live season so the stats are ever changing

The whole be a bro: be a legend thing i don't like the whole concept so i've never played either so i wont comment

Don't worry mate i think i sound totally Fifa biased, but i'm trying to back up every coment i make