Customer Frenzy Puts Kinect and Move "In Short Supply"

[Tom Goldman]

Customer Frenzy Puts Kinect and Move "In Short Supply"

If you need Sony or Microsoft's motion gaming devices for the holidays, for goodness' sake just go buy them right now.

On a recent financial results conference call, GameStop executives told listeners that the sales environment for Microsoft's pay extra on eBay [http://www.amazon.com/Kinect-Sensor-Adventures-Xbox-360/dp/B002BSA298/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1290186199&sr=8-1], or bribe someone at a videogame store.

GameStop president Tony Bartel revealed that the retail chain is seeing a "new customer" coming into stores that has led to increased hardware sales. In particular, Kinect is helping to sell the Xbox 360. Because of the extra foot traffic, he told everyone to expect "supply constraints" over the holiday season this year.

"Not only are we excited with Kinect and Move in very short supply, but we also like the fact that they are bringing in an expanded audience," Bartel said. He also predicted that customers will soon be following around UPS trucks to get their hands on the motion gaming devices, which is exactly what happened with the Wii for years. I don't envy the videogame retail employees that have to put up with this kind of sales environment once again.

This "expanded audience" is apparently bringing their Xbox 360s "from the son's room down to the family room so they can use it as a family," according to GameStop executive chairman Dan DeMatteo. For all intents and purposes, this is exactly what Microsoft and Sony wanted to happen, though Microsoft may be having more success [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/105318-One-Million-Kinects-Sold-in-Just-Ten-Days]. The bottom line is that if you want Kinect, Move, or any videogame related item for your kids or parents this holiday season, don't be a lazy bum and wait until the last week of December to go buy it.

Source: Gamasutra [http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/31616/GameStop_Kinect_Move_In_Very_Short_Supply_WiiLike_Launch_Environment.php]

Permalink

 

[Please delete this account]

WooHoo... if this reinvigorates the market, that means NO new consoles in the near future, which can only be a GOOD thing!

 

[koops]

I know I'll be getting a Kinect for my family for Christmas. Better go out and get one. I can see why they are selling out; I tried move at a friend's house and it was a blast.

 

[RatRace123]

God, that's like that other time when a hot motion control system went in "short supply", am I sensing an intentional "short supply"?
Well played Microsoft and Sony, well played.

 

[the_pleasure_is_mine]

Yep my brothers getting Kinect for christmas... they're selling like crack coated hotcakes...

 

[Nerf Ninja]

Yay for manipulation of supply to falsely increase demand!

 

[Ravendir]

Well at least the companies won't lose money as much money from these motion technology ventures which can only be a good thing in this current economic climate. Shame that it teaches them that just releasing the same shit over and over agian gets them more cash than say... using their brains to come up with new and interesting developments...

 

[ShadowKirby]

Well at least the companies won't lose money as much money from these motion technology ventures which can only be a good thing in this current economic climate. Shame that it teaches them that just releasing the same shit over and over agian gets them more cash than say... using their brains to come up with new and interesting developments...

I'm sorry but I think Kinect qualifies as new and interesting development.

 

[Shining_Pyrelight]

I remember a few years ago how I frantically wanted a Wii because they weren't anywhere. I drove my parents crazy. A few months after Christmas they were pretty much everywhere.

The stores near me can't seem to sell the things anyway.

 

[microhive]

Well at least the companies won't lose money as much money from these motion technology ventures which can only be a good thing in this current economic climate. Shame that it teaches them that just releasing the same shit over and over agian gets them more cash than say... using their brains to come up with new and interesting developments...

Well, at least for Microsoft, it allows them to open new doors such as integration to Lync. I wouldn't be surprised if it will eventually be connected to MSN somehow.

 

[Bretty]

I remember all the Kinect haters on this site laughing when Microsoft forcasted a success.

Well played Microsoft, well played!

 

[Therumancer]

God, that's like that other time when a hot motion control system went in "short supply", am I sensing an intentional "short supply"?
Well played Microsoft and Sony, well played.

I'm having very similar thoughts.

If this is true however, it's a bad sign as it's showing that real gamers are becoming a minority in their own market. Above and beyond the impractical motion sensing gimmick itself, the launch library for these things blows chips.

Ah well, we shall see what happens. While financially good for gaming companies I suppose, I think it's bad for gamers and gaming itself.

 

[mjc0961]

So I wonder how long before people start up the "They aren't making enough on purpose" bullshit like they did for Nintendo a few years back. I mean, yeah, it makes so much sense not to make enough of a product that everyone wants to buy. Every company wants less sales on purpose. Insert me rolling my eyes here.

EDIT: Apparently they already have. *facedesk*

 

[Atmos Duality]

Nope. Still not getting one. I learned my lesson with the Wii.

If this dross actually succeeds, then we know what we're going to see for the next 3 years.
Maybe it'll be a good a excuse to leave "new gaming" behind for a few years, because flailing around in front of my TV like an idiot still doesn't appeal to me.

 

[Ravendir]

Well at least the companies won't lose money as much money from these motion technology ventures which can only be a good thing in this current economic climate. Shame that it teaches them that just releasing the same shit over and over agian gets them more cash than say... using their brains to come up with new and interesting developments...

I'm sorry but I think Kinect qualifies as new and interesting development.

I would like to direct your attention to the EyeToy seven years in the past.

 

[ShadowKirby]

Well at least the companies won't lose money as much money from these motion technology ventures which can only be a good thing in this current economic climate. Shame that it teaches them that just releasing the same shit over and over agian gets them more cash than say... using their brains to come up with new and interesting developments...

I'm sorry but I think Kinect qualifies as new and interesting development.

I would like to direct your attention to the EyeToy seven years in the past.

There's a difference between a camera and a "motion capture" device.

 

[BenzSmoke]

I'm still quite amazed they didn't tank.

Who knows, maybe Kinect/Move could offer more innovation if coupled with a traditional controller. Take a look at Fable 3 for example. If Peter Mollenux is to be believed, then Kinect would allow players to interact with the game world in new and amazing ways while still being a controller based game. Perhaps it could be a good thing, if developers see it as an addition to the console and a tool for innovation and immersion, instead of a means to peddle useless remakes and gimmicky one-trick ponies.

 

[SmokingMirrors]

I propably won't be getting either if only because I don't have the room neccesary for the Kinect and if I desire to play something that requires me to wave my controller around I do believe my Wii suits that need just fine.

Besides, the initial selection of titles made specifically for these addons hasn't exactly amazed me all that much and I somehow doubt the ones to inevidably come will do so either.