EA: 'Far Too Many' Games Released During the Holiday Season

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Following a glutted holiday gaming market that lead to some disappointing sales for new Electronic Arts franchises, the publisher has admitted that its strategy of releasing many of its larger titles during the same season was a mistake.

"The one big thing we learned was, we came out with a bunch of new IP, actually with a bunch of new games at the same time," said EA Redwood Shores general manager Glen Schofield to GamesIndustry.

"I think that we traditionally thought that people only buy games at Christmas or around holiday time," he continued. "And now we're looking back and going, 'You know what, GTA launched in May; Resident Evil comes out in March.'"

Weak sales of new IP such as Dead Space and Mirror's Edge contributed to third quarter losses of $641 million at EA. The publisher quickly moved to cut 11% of its workforce in response.

"I think the industry has finally gone, 'Wow, we could probably just come out just like the movies do,'" concluded Schofield. "Movies launch on Christmas day, they launch blockbusters during the summer, and we're now learning that we could probably launch a game at any time, and if it's a good game it will be well received."

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From The Chatty
  • reply
    February 25, 2009 5:41 PM

    News at 11!

    • reply
      February 25, 2009 5:47 PM

      Make up your mind EA, first you say you lost money because of pirating now it's because you put out too many games.

      Good games sell well no matter what month they are released

      Dead space was good mirrors edge on the other hand was repetitive shit.

      • reply
        February 25, 2009 6:10 PM

        Did EA blame piracy on these? Both Mirrors Edge and Dead Space were predominantly console titles. I dont think anybody expected them to light up on the PC.

      • reply
        February 25, 2009 9:15 PM

        I'm pretty sure that EA has ever flat-out said that they lost money or had an unprofitable game due to piracy.

    • reply
      February 25, 2009 6:05 PM

      ... says the guy an October 28 release date. ;)

      • reply
        February 25, 2009 6:29 PM

        Oh trust me, I realize we're part of the problem and I really wish that we weren't part of Game Season like that. It's a ridiculous thing that seems to have only gotten worse. Or maybe I just buy more games. Either way. :)

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