Analyst: Don't Neglect The Power Of A Console Exclusive

Online traffic analysis group Compete has released the latest in its reports, this time covering the power of a console exclusive by noting the triple demand for Halo 3 a year from launch compared to Gears of War. Though, Compete says, Gears of War fits every definition of a "staple in any gamer's library," with nearly 3 million copies sold worldwide (a figure which it equates to 1 for every 3 Xbox 360s), the "true killer app should drive people to buy the console." Not to belittle its own success, Compete points out that even a year from launch Halo 3 has been "driving significant Xbox 360 purchase consideration." To illustrate the point, Compete looked at online traffic for the number of online shoppers who considered various games when also considering the purchase of an Xbox 360. Surprisingly, with Gears of War already on the market from November to January, as much as 12 percent, compared to Gears' average four, also considered purchasing Halo 3. "This metric begins to explain the relationship between exclusive games and their impact on console demand," says Compete, adding, "Gears of War may have sold a lot of copies but it was only marginally effective at driving 360 adoption (calling its “killer app” status into question); promoting Halo 3 during the Wii and PS3 launches probably swayed a large group of neutral shoppers towards the 360." "Its probably not a bad idea," Compete concludes, "to pre-order Halo 3 if you want it before next February."