Lack of FIFA and PES won't harm PS3 sales, say retail

Sony may have been left with a sporting injury after Microsoft's announcement of a 12-month exclusivity deal on next-gen FIFA and PES for Xbox 360, but it won't hinder sales of the PlayStation 3, according to UK retailers.

Speaking exclusively to GamesIndustry.biz, leading retail figures have reaffirmed their commitment, and that of their customers, to Sony's next-gen console.

"Microsoft is really pulling out the big guns, but it won't change sale predictions for the PS3 due to the hearts and minds that Sony had already won over," commented Don McCabe, MD of retail franchise Chips.

"PlayStation 3 should still easily sell-through on the back of anticipated demand, which remains substantial, andon the general strength and appeal of its brand," offered Lee Botham, games buyer for entertainment specialist HMV.

Other retailers also believe that the Sony name is enough to guarantee sales for its first year, regardless of content. "PS3 could sell all it's entire allocation - whatever that might be - three times over without a single killer game over the next twelve months," agreed Steve O'Brien of respected independent stores Action Replay and Gameshop.

Peter Sleeman, MD of leading distributor Pinnacle Software, also doubts it's a deal that will affect Sony in the long run. "Sony will come up with something to retaliate," he said. "No one format is dependent on one style or genre of game."

"The market for PS3 is going to be relatively immature for its first year, so EA will be able to release FIFA in 2008 into a more mature market with higher penetration".

"FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer are still going to be on PS2 this Christmas and that's where the money is going to be for publishers in December, not on PS3," added Sleeman.

However, retail did concede that from a marketing and sales angle, Microsoft had scored a beauty. "It's obviously great news for Microsoft and without a doubt makes for a more keenly and closely contested console war - which in turn could mean greater returns not only for the consumer but the industry as a whole over the next few years," stated O'Brien.

"It should definitely act as a major boost to sales of Xbox 360 and underline its current position in the market," offered HMV's Botham. "But there will be sufficient demand for PS3 for it to sell-through in the foreseeable future"

"It's a hell of a coup for Microsoft, extremely well done, and by the time PS3 does get a FIFA title it'll be FIFA '08. But it won't change our predictions for the PlayStation 3 one iota," offered McCabe.