January 5, 2007 -
The controversial Left Behind Eternal Forces may not be a very good game (GameSpot gave it a 3.4), but a leading financial analyst expects it to turn a profit and generate a sequel.Michael Pachter, Managing Director of Research for Wedbush Morgan Securities, told GamePolitics that it's tougher than normal to track Left Behind's numbers due to its unusual sales channel:
Tough to answer on Left Behind (sales figures), since the developers relied heavily on distribution through Christian bookstores, and my guess is that most of them don't report to the NPD Group.
I'd venture a guess that the game sold quite well (at least 200,000 units), and that it will continue to sell well, particularly overseas. I don't think that the controversy had any impact on consumers who frequent Christian bookstores...
And I think that there will be a sequel if the developers broke even or generated a profit (they should have been profitable at 200,000 units), since the book series is so deep.
Comments
He's right about both Bully and this. Bully cost a bunch to make and according to the numbers isn't selling well despite being a good game in many peoples opinion, and because of this, it probably won't get a sequel. Left Behind here didn't cost that much to make and to break even needs a lot less to sell, plus these guys are more likely to make another one if they only break even. In addition, just because it's crappy doesn't mean another won't be made, have you seen all the crappy Christian movies and music, while some are good (Veggietales, Third Day, etc.) the vast majority is crap by mainstream standards yet still sells.
How did he come across these figures? "I'm guessing the game sold really well and made lots of money, because that's what I think and I'm right because this is the case. I know it because it happened, and I'm certain of that. I think." o0?
Remember, there is no such thing as bad press. Controversy = Sales, it's an old formula.
They're sitting on a goldmine!
Successfull books, it's the new cheap-ass movie-to-game crossover.
I love how he thinks a terrible Christian game has a higher chance of getting a sequel than a great satire about school life from Rockstar.
I should get into that business, since it's obvious you don't need actual prediction skills in order to succeed.
It's not like the reviews are going to hurt the sales for this game because most of the gamers who would buy it don't visit or trust those reviewing sites. Especially those with an agenda - like Game Reveolution. Anyone who starts off their review of a game with "if you beleive in any religion you're an idiot" is not going to have any credibility.
Well, maybe with a 15 year old, but the audience buying this game is much older and eductated.