Due to the number of game fanatics in China, it is said that the country could become the 3rd largest console games market in a year or two. (Photo : Reuters)
Due to the number of game fanatics in China, it is said that the country could become the 3rd largest console games market in a year or two.
The Xbox One is not doing fairly well in Japan. As of the last count, the system only sold 1,314 units last week, yielding a total of around 31,116 units since its launch. That's kind of depressing, but probably you owe that to nationalism. The country always favored homegrown systems; however, the systems found in Japan aren't fairly doing well too. They are merely selling fewer than 10,000 systems in the last week.
It's a scenario that has made Microsoft unhappy. According to Xbox Japan's boss Takashi Sensui, the company is not satisfied with the current sales state. They are seeking user's feedback just to improve the Xbox One, and also to offer quality content that can make users enjoy the gaming experience. It is also crucial to reach out to let other people know about Microsoft's VCR.
This doesn't mean that Asia has neglected the opportunities that this VCR can bring. In 14 years, it is the very first console to be available in China. Government initiated a ban a decade and half ago, to prevent Chinese gamers from getting addicted to the games. Instead, they are sent to Internet cafes and get entertained by MMOs. The ban has relaxed a bit, and Chinese gamers are choosing some little console gaming actions. Xbox One has sold more than 100,000 units on the first day of availability, despite the selling price of $600, with games restricted by DRM.
Many say it's a novelty factor, but despite the ban, these consoles have never really been available. The consoles were available through grey distribution. They find Chinese gamers worth the effort of launching consoles and games, despite all sorts of rules and regulations taking place. This has certainly made Microsoft a bit happier.
With this type of success, you can observe that Nintendo and Sony are toughly competing with Microsoft despite tensions between Japan and China. Perhaps in a year or two, China will take over Japan's position as the third most valuable market for gaming. In fact, with the country's number of people, it can grab the number two spot.
(Disclaimer: Views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of Yibada.)
