Update II: Release of the Second Console
May- August 1986
Game Releases and Ratings
Astronimas- Kingdom Inc.- 8.6
Business Simulation- Zabriskie Entertainment- 6.1
City Simulation- Zabriskie Entertainment- 7.2
From Up to Down- GawShang- 7.5
Sales:
Console Sales To Date:
1) The Box 385,000 Units
2) HiGrax 250,000 Units
Games Sales:
Astronimas 250,000 Copies (Included with HiGrax)
Business Simulation 95,000 Copies
City Simulation 105,000 Copies (+1 SP)
Commie Wars 80,000 Copies (+1 SP)
From Up to Down 80,000 Copies
Silent Service 75,000 Copies
News For Each Region
North America
While half way around the world, the competition finally launched with a bang, TIRC Inc. didn't feel threatened at all in their home territory. More and more people that had been previously unsure about the stability of the game industry bought into the system. Things were looking good. Streams of good games were being released every few months, unlike in the past where tons of horrible games were released weekly. Games were continuing to sell well, instead of sitting on shelves. It genially looked like the industry might make a full recovery.
The Box continued to sell in North America, nearly selling out in some locations. Game sales continued to do well also due to the continued selling of Commie Wars and Silent Service. Silent Service continued to be the best selling game on The Box, selling well even for the fact that it been released months ago. (+1 Fan base Size for Mann Entertainment).
Mann Entertainment also attempted improve the skill of their employees by teaching them advanced processes, but only limited improvement has been seen so far.
Zabriskie Entertainment released both City Simulation and Business Simulation and both sold well. However, City Simulation outsold Business Simulation despite the fact that City Simulation was a HiGrax exclusive. This was also reflected in the review scores as well; people just had much more fun running their own city than creating a business. Many fans are hoping that eventually City Simulation will have a sequel that utilizes more graphics than plain old text boxes. (+1 Fan Support)
Kingdom Inc. released the HiGrax in North America and it sold well. Not many units were shipped though, so the total number of HiGraxes in North America only numbers around 30,000.
Not everything was good news though. Game Techs Inc. just pretty much fell apart, while Crooked Lane Studios was suffering from serious mismanagement. Many of these developers are looking at possibly trying to find jobs at other game studios.
Europe
Both The Box and the HiGrax pretty much sold out in Europe, but considering how many units were shipped thats not saying much. Many gamers are eagerly awaiting the next shipments of consoles so they can join in on the fun. Unlike North America and Japan, neither console has a great lead in Europe.
Illusion Development, however, thought that momentum would be swinging to the side of The Box, so their previously HiGrax exclusive racing game has now become a Box exclusive. They also began advertising of said game, with advertising in magazines and in stores. Many have become very hyped for the game.
Avalon Games invested in trying to improve the capabilities of their employees, and they succeeded. (+1 Employee Skill)
Japan
Japan was had been waiting for the release of the HiGrax ever since it was first announced, and now they finally got a chance to play with it. Within a week of its launch the HiGrax was completely sold out in Japan. The console was greatly helped by the fact that the system launched with five games available for it. Astronimas, which was included with every HiGrax turned out to be a big hit as well. (+1 Fan Size)
GawShang released From Up to Down, a HiGrax exclusive strategy game. It sold well, especially in Japan.
The Box's sales picked up a bit, but it was almost completely overshadowed by the HiGrax in Japan. Some Japanese are looking forward to the release of Mann Entertainment's Crystal Chronicles though.
OOC: Sorry for being a day late. Stats will be updated as soon as I get the chance
Orders are due Saturday.