Gamasutra’s weekly sales column shows Ghostbusters the Video Game putting on a strong show for its release week – Ghostbusters took the top spot on the Xbox 360, and top five positions on PS3, PS2, and PC. Surprisingly, the game made no impact on either the Nintendo Wii or the DS. That the game didn’t crack the top five in those consoles, typically considered more for kid gamers, suggests nostalgia is the main driving force behind sales. Thanks to Hayden for the link!
Glad to see that (at the moment) sales are strong on Ghostbusters. I want it to do well for three reasons: 1) It deserves it. 2) So sequels may someday arrive later down the line. 3) To rub Activision’s nose in it.
I hope the trend keeps up at least for a little while…
With regard to the Wii and DS versions, I have both, and somehow managed a second copy for Wii. (I had ordered the Amazon.com Slimer Edition and purchased the game on release day.) I was, however, surprised, when I went to my local Best Buy, to see only about 4 or 5 copies of the game available for Wii, versus every other console. I think that part of it is severely low orders on the part of retailers. I do agree with the nostalgia factor, though. I think you’re correct there.
I work at the local Best Buy here and we only received 8 copies of the game for the Wii and the same number for the DS and PS2, versus the 30+ copies for the Xbox 360 and the PS3. I talked to many people and they all shared the same opinion that the Wii/DS versions just didn’t look that appealing. And I honestly have to agree. Graphically, I’ll stick to the Xbox/PS3 version.
i bought it for wii being that my ps3 copy was already provided and i love the wii version…it has the same exact script and the controls are awsome. i own all 3 systems and the wii is the one i play less than any other…its really good on wii
@Senji – Thanks for the confirmation. It is my belief that this is the reason for Ghostbusters not making the top 5 on the Wii.
I have both 360 and Wii, and the game on both. I’ve played through the whole game on 360, and the first mission on Wii. I’ve loved both equally, though. I do think that the 360 one captures the scary feel of the first film very well, and the Wii version captures the light-hearted scare of GB2.
Firstly, if the Wii is more of a kid’s thing, it makes sense that GB wouldn’t sell that well on the Wii; I mean, a lot of young people don’t watch old movies and when they do, they don’t take them seriously; they consider them artifacts from the past. I mean, there’s just no reason kids would all be rushing to the store to buy what is basically a video game sequel to a movie that’s at least double their age…
Calling the Wii more of a kid’s thing is on the ignorant side. Wii is for everyone. But this is about Ghostbusters, and I agree with you about kids not buying the game. If GB3 hits, it’ll open up new avenues for future games, I’m sure.
I personally think the other platforms outselling the Wii/DS versions has more to do with people wanting the game that looks more realistic. At least from my perspective, the more realistic a game appears, the more fun I have playing it, unless it’s something that isn’t meant to be in the “real” world.
I think this will be supported by by comparing the upcoming Battlefield games against each other(BF Heroes vs BF1943, the first being cartoony, the latter being a higher res update to an older game).
These are great numbers. I hope enough units sell to warrent another, longer gaming adventure. Ghostbusters deserves it and is fruitfull for gaming. Over the weekend…my local Target was sold out,on the floor of the GB Blu-Ray. I asked and the gent had to get more copies from the back. He did mention they only had two copies of the video game (Xbox-360)-left. Tonight I was at Walmart doing groceries and they were sold out of the game for 360 and PS2. But had some DS and PS3. Neato!
…oh, and Wii…lol!
Yeah, I think the other platforms look more appealing too, but Castewar mentioned the Wii being more of a kid’s thing, which I was not aware of, since I’m not a gamer and don’t chat a lot amongst the gamer-community, so I thought I’d throw in my 2 cents regarding that.
I know in Raleigh the Wii version was sold out of all of the Wal Marts in my area save one where I finally found it, and we have like 80 Wal Marts lol.
Outstanding. That’s really good news to see.