OTX: Purchase Intent For PS3 Rises After Slim Announcement

Author: by Staff

According to the latest tracking study provided to Gamasutra by OTX's GamePlan Insights, the newly redesigned PlayStation 3 has struck a chord with gamers -- a good sign for Sony as the model's September launch approaches. The price cut and accompanying redesign of the PS3 is "resonating strongly with leading-edge male gamers," says OTX's Nick Williams, who adds that, on the other hand, purchase intent for the PS3 Slim has stayed flat among the general gaming audience, showing only a 2 percent increase between the weeks of 8/10 and 8/17. "That said, there was a significant uptick in purchase intent among males who don’t own a PS3 or Xbox 360 (32% increase in purchase intent), male gamers who tend to influence their friend’s decisions (25% increase), and male gamers who play at least 20 hours a week of video games (15%)," says Williams. "Perhaps the most important statistic for Sony is the increase in purchase intent among those who don’t like to spend a lot of money on video games (19%)." The data may evolve further as the news of the price reduction continues to spread to the "outer edges" of the gaming population, but it's significant that "influencers" are on board along with price-conscious gamers. "We believe that the PS3 Slim will continue to gain momentum through next week’s launch and into the holidays," says Williams. "We also expect to see a boost in interest for upcoming PlayStation 3 software. While God of War III experienced a slight drop in our purchase intent charts (mostly due to the surge of Modern Warfare 2 and Assassin’s Creed 2), other PS3 titles are already making moves." Outside of Gameplan's Top 25, which Gamasutra has published, PS3 exclusive Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is taking the 39th position, while Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time comes in 41st -- each posted "record high" purchase intent values over the month. "We expect this trend to continue as more consumers direct their attention towards the PS3," concludes Williams.