Diversions
Since going outside these days will result in you either drowning in a deluge of water or being shot by police officers, what else is there to do but sit on your couch and beat bloody the lifeless bodies of digital hookers?
Even with products priced at $50 and up, video-game marketers are finding the recession more friend than foe.
The $18 billion industry is on a tear, with sales up 31% over 2007 through April, according to NPD Group. And that's barely counting the April 29 release of "Grand Theft Auto IV," which shattered records with a $500 million opening week. That's five times what "Iron Man" made in its opening weekend.
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Take a look at what's in the theatres! It's no wonder people aren't wasting thier money. I wish B movies got more exposure in places other than New York.
This is a very short sighted view. Sure, GTA made 500 Mil opening weekend (as it were). But how much did it make in week 2? With video gamers, you only get one weekend of intake. Iron Man is now up to 225 mil, domestically, with virtually that same amount abroad, meaning that Iron has made approximately the same as GTA. But, Iron man has rentals, PPV, and DVD sales to look forward to. This says nothing of lucrative merchandising agreements. Iron Man will bring in billions by the time it is all accounted for.
Video games are in trouble. There is real market saturation, and no end in sight. GTA is one of a very, very few reliable franchises. Sure it did well. So will the next GTA, next Halo, next Zelda, Next Supermario whatever. But what else is huge. A lot of game titles barely break even.
And now is an iffy time to judge them. Video games offer more bang for your buck compared to a 2 hr movie. With Gas prices (something you lucky Mass Transit having city dwellers aren't getting drilled by) and a down economy, movies will get crushed this summer.
But VGs are not going to take the crown either.
That image is so fucking disturbing.