Post by leunas on Jan 23, 2007 3:42:28 GMT -5
Improbable as it may be, Uncle Gamer reports that, after launching this past Thursday in Japan, Gears of War is sold out across the country (other sources have clarified that the sell-outs are isolated). Earlier this month, Gears earned a cumulative 37/40 score in Famitsu, but most predicted slow sales upon its release in Japan. Initial reports suggest otherwise, but fail to illuminate the entire picture. For one, we do not know how many copies of Gears were shipped to (let alone sold in) Japan. If Microsoft was anticipating a mild reception, the publisher could have under-shipped the title to increase demand.
Japan is notorious for its ill-reception of Western titles, especially FPS games. But having pulled the camera back over the player's shoulder, Epic has used a formula more conducive to a worldwide hit. Is muscly Marcus the next global gaming icon?
[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy]
feeds.joystiq.com/~r/weblogsinc/joystiq/~3/80004347/