The Sims is officially the highest selling video game franchise of all time. Just a day ago, the expectation was that the third installment of the series would be released in the next few weeks. However, EA have announced that the game will now be held back until June 2.
Not only have they held back on this impending blockbuster, but they have also announced that the much hyped PC version of Dragon Age will be pushed back to correspond with its console release in Q3 (October – December) of 2009. The PC version was originally scheduled for release on March 27.
Dragon Age: Origins is a fantasy RPG being developed by highly respected developers Bioware who were responsible for 2007’s Mass Effect, as well as classics like Baldur’s Gate, Neverwinter Nights and Star Wars: Knights of the old republic. With pedigree like that it is easy to understand why so many people are so disappointed by the delay.
While in one statement, EA’s Vice president of Marketing, Russel Arons maintains that the delay is born of their desire to make sure the game “not only meets, but exceeds the expectations of our loyal audience of fans”, another statement made by EA’s CEO John Riccitiello sheds a different light on the matter.
“The decision to delay Dragon Age: Origins was tied to a desire for the initial PC release to “coincide” with the console releases, and maximize the game’s marketing potential.”
So basically, EA have revised their marketing plan for the game, deciding to market the console and PC versions together, rather than having to pay for two separate marketing campaigns 6 months apart. It makes financial sense from EA’s perspective, especially after the company just declared a loss of $641million over their last fiscal quarter.
In regards to The Sims 3, Russel Arons, Vice president of Marketing at EA stated “The Sims 3 will be the original IP (we aren’t sure how the Sims qualifies as original IP) summer blockbuster of 2009 as we build off the success of the best selling PC franchise of all time to create awareness with both loyal Sims fans and new players.”
This can basically be translated to EA wanting to market the game more before launch, and create as much consumer awareness as possible.
Both delays can be seen as result of EA’s recent financial backhand, and it is understandable that the company is looking to cut back on operating expenses where possible. Apart from these delays, the company has also let go of 1100 employees and closed 12 of their facilities.
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