NEWS - Thursday, March 28, 2002
Xbox Meeting Strong Demand In Europe
LONDON, 28th March 2002 – Microsoft today announced that weekly replenishments are ensuring that strong demand for the Xbox video game system is met, benefiting retail, third-party publishers and gamers. Microsoft’s replenishment strategy, which enables weekly shipments to retail from the Xbox factory, has ensured that Xbox systems are on sale with no stock shortages. This helps retail by enabling them to meet demand for Xbox, and helps third-party publishers by swiftly ramping up the Xbox installed base. “We’re more than pleased with the success of Xbox so far,” said Toys R Us Divisional Director of Merchandise, Richard Barry. “Sales have been great, especially considering it’s March and not November. There has been a high software and accessories attach rate, which is also very encouraging. We’re receiving steady supplies of Xbox from Microsoft and expect them to continue to fly off the shelves, especially around the Easter holiday.” Microsoft’s replenishment strategy means that a steady supply of Xbox systems will be hitting retail on a weekly basis, ensuring there is enough product to cope with current demand. Xbox is the only console manufacturer with a European factory (in Sárvár, Hungary), which means stock can reach any retail outlet in Europe in under three days. “We are very pleased with the success of Xbox in Europe to date,” said Sandy Duncan, Vice President, Xbox Europe. “We’re happy with the strength of Xbox sales, and especially happy with the software and peripheral attach rate which we believe will set a record level for the launch of a console in Europe. When you consider that we didn’t launch before Christmas, the feedback we are getting from retailers is even more encouraging. We’re off to an incredibly strong start in Europe and gamers are obviously liking what they see –feedback from new Xbox owners has been fantastic.” It’s All About The Games Word-of-mouth recommendations and stellar reviews are driving gamers to the great games available on Xbox, including “Halo,” which earned a perfect 10 score from the influential European gaming bible Edge. Based on anecdotal evidence from retail, “Halo” is the highest-selling first-party game in the launch portfolio. Third-party games selling well include “Max Payne” from Take-Two Interactive and “Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions” from Activision. Scott Dodkins, Senior VP, Activision Europe, said: "Sales of our launch titles Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and Wreckless: The Yakuza Missions have exceeded our expectations, and we're looking forward to upcoming releases like Spiderman: The Movie. Microsoft has been an excellent partner for us and we're happy to be part of a launch of this magnitude." More than 25 Xbox titles are now on sale, with more being lined up in the next weeks such as “Championship Manager: Season 1/2” (Eidos), and “Shrek” (TDK Mediactive). And, a steady stream of titles will support Xbox up to June 2002, including “FIFA World Cup 2002” (Electronic Arts), “Moto GP” (THQ), “Spiderman: The Movie” (Activision), “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” (Electronic Arts) and “Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex” (Universal Interactive).Source: http://www.xbox.com/
