2mcgrath
06-07-2010, 04:30 PM
The follow up to last years very successful UFC 2009 Undisputed, THQ latest version of the game, UFC Undisputed 2010, is falling “bellow expectations” for sales according to Lazard Capital Markets analyst Colin Sebastian.
In a research note released today, Sebastian said the game is “tracking below our expectations at retail,” and pointed out that online retailer Amazon discounted the game $20 to $39 after only a week on sale.
As a result, the analyst expects decreased reorders from retailers, and Lazard Capital Markets is decreasing its first fiscal quarter revenue estimates for THQ by $4 million, down to $193 million — considerably below market expectations of $203 million.
Sebastian noted that factors directly related to Undisputed don’t explain the game’s poor showing: it has a strong reputation based on the reception of UFC Undisputed 2009, which exceeded 3.5 million units; it has extremely positive reviews, with an average Metacritic score of 85; and UFC itself is doing well. Thus, he postulates that other recent releases like Rockstar San Diego’s Red Dead Redemption could be “adding some competitive pressure.”
The console game was released in North America on May 25th and is currently selling for $53.27 for the PS3, $44.99 for the XBox, and $37.99 on the PSP at Amazon.com.
source ([Only registered and activated users can see links])
In a research note released today, Sebastian said the game is “tracking below our expectations at retail,” and pointed out that online retailer Amazon discounted the game $20 to $39 after only a week on sale.
As a result, the analyst expects decreased reorders from retailers, and Lazard Capital Markets is decreasing its first fiscal quarter revenue estimates for THQ by $4 million, down to $193 million — considerably below market expectations of $203 million.
Sebastian noted that factors directly related to Undisputed don’t explain the game’s poor showing: it has a strong reputation based on the reception of UFC Undisputed 2009, which exceeded 3.5 million units; it has extremely positive reviews, with an average Metacritic score of 85; and UFC itself is doing well. Thus, he postulates that other recent releases like Rockstar San Diego’s Red Dead Redemption could be “adding some competitive pressure.”
The console game was released in North America on May 25th and is currently selling for $53.27 for the PS3, $44.99 for the XBox, and $37.99 on the PSP at Amazon.com.
source ([Only registered and activated users can see links])