NBA 2K9 Dominates Basketball Sales

by pastapadre
Posted November 14th, 2008 at 8:15 pm

The full Top 20 in sales for October has been released by NPD. NBA 2K9 placed at #9 with the 360 version selling 202,000 copies while the PS3 version came in at #17. Not even the 360 version of NBA Live 09 was able to reach the Top 20.

This is a huge increase year over year for the NBA 2K series. 2K8 didn’t make the Top 10 last year meaning it sold less than 117,000 copies on the 360. While many sports titles haven’t seemed to grow much with increased user base clearly this isn’t the case here. 2K9 has practically doubled 2K8′s first month results.

For the sake of comparison with another 2K Sports title, MLB 2K8 (360) sold 237,000 in it’s first month. However that was as a console exclusive. If NBA 2K9 had been the only basketball title available on the 360 it probably would’ve sold more in the area of 300,000+.

While it is no surprise that 2K9 would outsell Live on the 360, I doubt many would’ve expected 2K9′s PS3 version to top Live’s 360 as well. This is generally what happens though when a game starts being widely regarded as the preferred choice. Despite 2K9 not having the flashy features or marketing push it appears to have widened the margin between the two. Next year will show whether all these new purchasers will be loyal ones or if some of the problems that have been experienced so far this year (primarily with online play) open things up for Live to regain some ground.

Tags: sales analysis

BC

This is the first year I’ve bought 2K9 over Live. Just bought it today, actually. I always thought Live was more fun, but this year I thought the demo of 2K9 was pretty damn good. One game in, and so far I like it.

But all the Live bashers 2K lovers I look toward with disdain. Just because you prefer one over the other, doesn’t make you right, and if you think so, you’re an idiot. And anybody bashing Pasta for be being biased, when I’ve seen him be nothing but fair, is an idiot as well.
ReignMan

Last thought:

Many people bought 2k9 PC version thru steam, so it has obviously decreased console sales slightly. Fan patches, cyber face updates are already coming out, like in the 90′s for LIVE. This is another aspect, why 2k have a bright future.
ReignMan

Last thought:

Many people bought 2k9 PC version thru steam, so it has obviously decreased console sales slightly. Fan patches, cyber face updates are already coming out, like in the 90′s for LIVE. This is another aspect, why 2k have a bright future.
ReignMan

Last thought:

Many people bought 2k9 PC version thru steam, so it has obviously decreased console sales slightly. Fan patches, cyber face updates are already coming out, like in the 90′s for LIVE. This is another aspect, why 2k have a bright future.
47

I think this is great. This proves that 2K can easily compete with EA and top them. This goes to show you that all those BS gimmicky features dont mean jack if your game plays like trash….well unless you are the only game in town, then you can have those BS gimmicks and trash gameplay and remain on top. Great job to all the B-Ball fans who didnt buy into the hype and actually bought the better game.
47

I think this is great. This proves that 2K can easily compete with EA and top them. This goes to show you that all those BS gimmicky features dont mean jack if your game plays like trash….well unless you are the only game in town, then you can have those BS gimmicks and trash gameplay and remain on top. Great job to all the B-Ball fans who didnt buy into the hype and actually bought the better game.
47

I think this is great. This proves that 2K can easily compete with EA and top them. This goes to show you that all those BS gimmicky features dont mean jack if your game plays like trash….well unless you are the only game in town, then you can have those BS gimmicks and trash gameplay and remain on top. Great job to all the B-Ball fans who didnt buy into the hype and actually bought the better game.
ReignMan

@ BC:
BC, stop being rightous, You are the one, who is calling others an idiot. Pasta’s got his opinion, others has a different point of view. We disagree, but its primitive to call someone idiot for that.
ReignMan

@ BC:
BC, stop being rightous, You are the one, who is calling others an idiot. Pasta’s got his opinion, others has a different point of view. We disagree, but its primitive to call someone idiot for that.
ReignMan

@ BC:
BC, stop being rightous, You are the one, who is calling others an idiot. Pasta’s got his opinion, others has a different point of view. We disagree, but its primitive to call someone idiot for that.
Justin tuck

BC are you 12? lol
Justin tuck

BC are you 12? lol
Justin tuck

BC are you 12? lol
datdude

lmao 2k did damage this year. I love it! Ea Sports is trash it hasnt been good since live 05, madden 05. All the new features they add never get better. (dunk contest, COllege legend, superstarmode,etc…) EA always puts out features but they never grow. there always the same. I mean the dunk contest hasnt changed dunks since it was introduced. Same 720,540, X2 under the leg dunks. I guarantee that next years madden (adapting to the gamer) will be pushed 2 the side. I wouldnt doubt if the 365 dna thing isnt scrapped in 2-3 years jus like the rest of the features.
datdude

lmao 2k did damage this year. I love it! Ea Sports is trash it hasnt been good since live 05, madden 05. All the new features they add never get better. (dunk contest, COllege legend, superstarmode,etc…) EA always puts out features but they never grow. there always the same. I mean the dunk contest hasnt changed dunks since it was introduced. Same 720,540, X2 under the leg dunks. I guarantee that next years madden (adapting to the gamer) will be pushed 2 the side. I wouldnt doubt if the 365 dna thing isnt scrapped in 2-3 years jus like the rest of the features.
datdude

lmao 2k did damage this year. I love it! Ea Sports is trash it hasnt been good since live 05, madden 05. All the new features they add never get better. (dunk contest, COllege legend, superstarmode,etc…) EA always puts out features but they never grow. there always the same. I mean the dunk contest hasnt changed dunks since it was introduced. Same 720,540, X2 under the leg dunks. I guarantee that next years madden (adapting to the gamer) will be pushed 2 the side. I wouldnt doubt if the 365 dna thing isnt scrapped in 2-3 years jus like the rest of the features.
DaveDQ

Somewhere…

Darth Moore (Peter Moore): You will sign an exclusive agreement with EA Sports so that we will have sole authority in producing an NBA basketball game.

The NBA: We will sign an exclusive agreement with EA Sports so that you will have sole authority in producing an NBA basketball game.

Darth Moore: You will do this immediately.

The NBA: Yes, Lord Moore.
DaveDQ

Somewhere…

Darth Moore (Peter Moore): You will sign an exclusive agreement with EA Sports so that we will have sole authority in producing an NBA basketball game.

The NBA: We will sign an exclusive agreement with EA Sports so that you will have sole authority in producing an NBA basketball game.

Darth Moore: You will do this immediately.

The NBA: Yes, Lord Moore.
DaveDQ

Somewhere…

Darth Moore (Peter Moore): You will sign an exclusive agreement with EA Sports so that we will have sole authority in producing an NBA basketball game.

The NBA: We will sign an exclusive agreement with EA Sports so that you will have sole authority in producing an NBA basketball game.

Darth Moore: You will do this immediately.

The NBA: Yes, Lord Moore.
super-fan

imagine if 2k never lost the NFL License,hummm!!! EA would be in serious trouble!!
super-fan

imagine if 2k never lost the NFL License,hummm!!! EA would be in serious trouble!!
super-fan

imagine if 2k never lost the NFL License,hummm!!! EA would be in serious trouble!!
JR (cabrillo24)

Pasta,

This mandate didn’t exist for 2K in 2005 when they released their games for $19.99 a piece?
JR (cabrillo24)

Pasta,

This mandate didn’t exist for 2K in 2005 when they released their games for $19.99 a piece?
JR (cabrillo24)

Pasta,

This mandate didn’t exist for 2K in 2005 when they released their games for $19.99 a piece?
DLane

Pasta do you know what percentage does the NBA take in for the sales of these games?
DLane

Pasta do you know what percentage does the NBA take in for the sales of these games?
DLane

Pasta do you know what percentage does the NBA take in for the sales of these games?
slamfan4life

we all knew this was gonna happen, better game play is the main thing

2k9>live09
slamfan4life

we all knew this was gonna happen, better game play is the main thing

2k9>live09
slamfan4life

we all knew this was gonna happen, better game play is the main thing

2k9>live09
DaveDQ

It is encouraging to see word of mouth working. If you went solely on the name brand, EA would get the vote, but 2K has done a great job of making an excellent game and that game has become the standard.

This is Visual Concepts. They were behind NFL 2K5, and we know what that game did. They are now behind MLB and the NHL. It goes back to the leadership of Greg and Jeff Thomas. I really believe they have been the only legitimate threat to the EA Sports powerhouse.

If they can put out a solid MLB title, they will be in great position.
DaveDQ

It is encouraging to see word of mouth working. If you went solely on the name brand, EA would get the vote, but 2K has done a great job of making an excellent game and that game has become the standard.

This is Visual Concepts. They were behind NFL 2K5, and we know what that game did. They are now behind MLB and the NHL. It goes back to the leadership of Greg and Jeff Thomas. I really believe they have been the only legitimate threat to the EA Sports powerhouse.

If they can put out a solid MLB title, they will be in great position.
DaveDQ

It is encouraging to see word of mouth working. If you went solely on the name brand, EA would get the vote, but 2K has done a great job of making an excellent game and that game has become the standard.

This is Visual Concepts. They were behind NFL 2K5, and we know what that game did. They are now behind MLB and the NHL. It goes back to the leadership of Greg and Jeff Thomas. I really believe they have been the only legitimate threat to the EA Sports powerhouse.

If they can put out a solid MLB title, they will be in great position.
swizzy

I sey it AGAN

2K=DA BITTIES

LIVE=REAL BALLAS

DA TROOF will set U FREE
swizzy

I sey it AGAN

2K=DA BITTIES

LIVE=REAL BALLAS

DA TROOF will set U FREE
swizzy

I sey it AGAN

2K=DA BITTIES

LIVE=REAL BALLAS

DA TROOF will set U FREE
pastapadre

@ JR (cabrillo24):

I believe the current license that the companies agreed to was re-upped after then, so what we have now is different than what they could do back then. There were attempts made at going for an exclusive but the NBA didn’t want that. So they put certain things in place to make it an even playing field. That included the Street & Ballers alternating years requirement, which now both EA and Midway are buying themselves out of.
pastapadre

@ JR (cabrillo24):

I believe the current license that the companies agreed to was re-upped after then, so what we have now is different than what they could do back then. There were attempts made at going for an exclusive but the NBA didn’t want that. So they put certain things in place to make it an even playing field. That included the Street & Ballers alternating years requirement, which now both EA and Midway are buying themselves out of.
pastapadre

@ JR (cabrillo24):

I believe the current license that the companies agreed to was re-upped after then, so what we have now is different than what they could do back then. There were attempts made at going for an exclusive but the NBA didn’t want that. So they put certain things in place to make it an even playing field. That included the Street & Ballers alternating years requirement, which now both EA and Midway are buying themselves out of.
Josh

Forget online play. If EA wises up & puts gameplay 1st then maybe Live will regain some ground. This kinda reminds me of the election. Americans were tired of being screwed for the past 8 years & finally did the right thing by electing Obama. Gamers were tired of being screwed by EA & did the right thing by buying 2k9. Maybe this will give EA the kick in the ass that they need & give them a wake up call. The only way to make EA improve their games is buy hitting them where it hurts them the most THEIR POCKETS! EA should take the whole year just working on gameplay, hire some better developers, & make the best Live possible. Forget features & online play for now, the gameplay is what is hurting Live. Oh yea & it’s time for new player models too.
Josh

Forget online play. If EA wises up & puts gameplay 1st then maybe Live will regain some ground. This kinda reminds me of the election. Americans were tired of being screwed for the past 8 years & finally did the right thing by electing Obama. Gamers were tired of being screwed by EA & did the right thing by buying 2k9. Maybe this will give EA the kick in the ass that they need & give them a wake up call. The only way to make EA improve their games is buy hitting them where it hurts them the most THEIR POCKETS! EA should take the whole year just working on gameplay, hire some better developers, & make the best Live possible. Forget features & online play for now, the gameplay is what is hurting Live. Oh yea & it’s time for new player models too.
Josh

Forget online play. If EA wises up & puts gameplay 1st then maybe Live will regain some ground. This kinda reminds me of the election. Americans were tired of being screwed for the past 8 years & finally did the right thing by electing Obama. Gamers were tired of being screwed by EA & did the right thing by buying 2k9. Maybe this will give EA the kick in the ass that they need & give them a wake up call. The only way to make EA improve their games is buy hitting them where it hurts them the most THEIR POCKETS! EA should take the whole year just working on gameplay, hire some better developers, & make the best Live possible. Forget features & online play for now, the gameplay is what is hurting Live. Oh yea & it’s time for new player models too.
Josh

Pasta, you say that 2k’s poor online play this year will determine if people remain loyal, well that’s assuming the most people play online. I got news for you Pasta, although you may put a lot of stock in online play, there are many others like myself who don’t. In fact, statistics show that the majority of gamers don’t even play online. So I find it somewhat discouraging that you seem to base a game’s value soley on online play. That seems to be EA’s problem as well. They put too much stock in features but lack gameplay. That tactic can only fool people for so long. If you build something on a weak foundation as EA has with Live, then it will eventually crumble. That is why 2k outsold Live this year.
Josh

Pasta, you say that 2k’s poor online play this year will determine if people remain loyal, well that’s assuming the most people play online. I got news for you Pasta, although you may put a lot of stock in online play, there are many others like myself who don’t. In fact, statistics show that the majority of gamers don’t even play online. So I find it somewhat discouraging that you seem to base a game’s value soley on online play. That seems to be EA’s problem as well. They put too much stock in features but lack gameplay. That tactic can only fool people for so long. If you build something on a weak foundation as EA has with Live, then it will eventually crumble. That is why 2k outsold Live this year.
Josh

Pasta, you say that 2k’s poor online play this year will determine if people remain loyal, well that’s assuming the most people play online. I got news for you Pasta, although you may put a lot of stock in online play, there are many others like myself who don’t. In fact, statistics show that the majority of gamers don’t even play online. So I find it somewhat discouraging that you seem to base a game’s value soley on online play. That seems to be EA’s problem as well. They put too much stock in features but lack gameplay. That tactic can only fool people for so long. If you build something on a weak foundation as EA has with Live, then it will eventually crumble. That is why 2k outsold Live this year.
ReignMan

@ Josh:
In the last 2 years, EA’s slogen was: BACK TO BASICS, but they did not do that, rather added some useless features. The reason is rebuilding the hole gane-engine is too much money and time.

Fortunatelly the NBA was smart enough (or grasping enough) not to give the license exclusively to EA, otherwise Live would have only roster updates year by year…
ReignMan

@ Josh:
In the last 2 years, EA’s slogen was: BACK TO BASICS, but they did not do that, rather added some useless features. The reason is rebuilding the hole gane-engine is too much money and time.

Fortunatelly the NBA was smart enough (or grasping enough) not to give the license exclusively to EA, otherwise Live would have only roster updates year by year…
ReignMan

@ Josh:
In the last 2 years, EA’s slogen was: BACK TO BASICS, but they did not do that, rather added some useless features. The reason is rebuilding the hole gane-engine is too much money and time.

Fortunatelly the NBA was smart enough (or grasping enough) not to give the license exclusively to EA, otherwise Live would have only roster updates year by year…
ReignMan

@ Josh:
“That is why 2k outsold Live this year.”

And that’s why 2k8 outsold live08,
that’s why 2k7 outsold live07.

They should learn from these lessons.