NBA 2K10 Triumphs With October Sales

by pastapadre
Posted November 12th, 2009 at 5:14 pm

nba2k10artest1a

The official sales numbers for October were released by NPD earlier today offering the first chance to gauge the success of the NBA games that were released early in the month. As fully expected NBA 2K10 dominated though with a larger year over year increase than would have been anticipated.

Last year NBA 2K9 released and pulled in 202K on the 360 while finishing in 17th on the PS3 with approximately 110K. NBA Live 09 did not make the top 20 with either version with estimates of about 90K on the 360 and 60K on the PS3 .

NBA 2K10 sold 311K on the 360 and 213K on the PS3 in October. That represents gains of 54% and 93% respectfully. Those are huge numbers especially after making a similar jump the previous year.

For comparisons sake 2K Sports’ other major title MLB 2K9 dropped this year by 14% on the 360 alone which is even more stunning because of the console exclusivity it holds. Arguably that series has taken the most criticism for its quality and has the best competition though only facing that from the PS3 side. It just goes to show how the NBA 2K series is literally carrying the label right now on its own.

With the myriad of problems that have plagued 2K10 and the reaction from consumers the sales could be greatly impacted next year. The numbers aren’t going to take much of a hit in the current year though. The real sense of what it all means won’t come until 2K11 faces Live 11 where consumers could decide to make the switch either because of Live’s improvements or frustration over 2K’s struggles. A big shift was seen in the same mold with MLB 2K9 dropping after a poor 2K8 effort and subsequently MLB 09 The Show rising by over 37%.

As to NBA Live 10 we’ll have to wait, probably until tomorrow, for the list that includes the Top 20. It is possible the 360 version snuck in. The news is certainly discouraging though, and with Electronic Arts chopping the bottom third of games based on potential profitability the NBA Live franchise could be in some danger. If not this year than it very well could be a make-or-break year upcoming.

FIFA 10 actually made the Top 10 which is a huge accomplishment for a soccer game in the US. The game may be the highest selling worldwide but has never made much of an impact domestically. Last year it settled in at 19th on the 360 and this year came in 10th selling 156K. That can put the state of NBA Live in even better perspective though as it is even getting outsold by FIFA by a large margin.

As discussed at length in the September Sales Analysis article Madden 10 has been doing relatively well. The opening month was down 3% but good word of mouth and the boost from new console sales have offered a lift. EA has stated it is now up 5% in sales compared to last year. While that is encouraging it doesn’t even factor in the money made from downloadable content or off used sales where features like Online Franchise have to be paid for separately. Madden could see another uptick based on holiday sales and by introducing a brand new mode (Madden Ultimate Team) in early January.

Tags: sales analysis

ang'les

so heres why 2k doesnt test their shit and now they know they can get away with it. not feeling good about the future
ang'les

so heres why 2k doesnt test their shit and now they know they can get away with it. not feeling good about the future
ang'les

so heres why 2k doesnt test their shit and now they know they can get away with it. not feeling good about the future
Spade

Damn just can’t give credit where it’s due. It’s a shame. When is this guy gonna just admit that 2K is better than Live?? When? WTF

http://intensedebate.com/people/jonathanglapion jonathanglapion

would it make you feel better or something. That fact of the matter is it's a matter of opinion so why are you waiting for someone else to share your opinion?
http://intensedebate.com/people/jonathanglapion jonathanglapion

would it make you feel better or something. That fact of the matter is it's a matter of opinion so why are you waiting for someone else to share your opinion?
http://intensedebate.com/people/jonathanglapion jonathanglapion

would it make you feel better or something. That fact of the matter is it's a matter of opinion so why are you waiting for someone else to share your opinion?
http://intensedebate.com/people/jonathanglapion jonathanglapion

would it make you feel better or something. That fact of the matter is it's a matter of opinion so why are you waiting for someone else to share your opinion?

Spade

Damn just can’t give credit where it’s due. It’s a shame. When is this guy gonna just admit that 2K is better than Live?? When? WTF
Spade

Damn just can’t give credit where it’s due. It’s a shame. When is this guy gonna just admit that 2K is better than Live?? When? WTF
Spade

Damn just can’t give credit where it’s due. It’s a shame. When is this guy gonna just admit that 2K is better than Live?? When? WTF

http://intensedebate.com/people/jonathanglapion jonathanglapion

would it make you feel better or something. That fact of the matter is it's a matter of opinion so why are you waiting for someone else to share your opinion?

Guru

I want to see an article about how NBA Live is about to be canceled for good. The sales were garbage and Pasta knows this. So please Pasta…Write an article saying that the franchise is in trouble for making a garbage game eventhough you got it free and you bashed 2k for taking shots at EA and their garbage product.

http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

I dont know if you read my Twitter but I've said just as much. Look for an article tomorrow.
http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

I dont know if you read my Twitter but I've said just as much. Look for an article tomorrow.
http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

I dont know if you read my Twitter but I've said just as much. Look for an article tomorrow.

Guru

I want to see an article about how NBA Live is about to be canceled for good. The sales were garbage and Pasta knows this. So please Pasta…Write an article saying that the franchise is in trouble for making a garbage game eventhough you got it free and you bashed 2k for taking shots at EA and their garbage product.

http://intensedebate.com/people/pastapadre pastapadre

I dont know if you read my Twitter but I've said just as much. Look for an article tomorrow.

t daley

Did it ever occur to you that the state of the economy is the reason for Madden sales being down. Duh!!!!!!!!!

Sales of everything is down. Also people eventually stop buying the same game every year. Sometimes they just skip a year b/c the game hasn't improved enough. If you are not an online player then there is more likely a chance that one will skip a year of a annually released sports game.

cavs23win

No, sales of madden are down because they still have ugly catch animations.
cavs23win

No, sales of madden are down because they still have ugly catch animations.
cavs23win

No, sales of madden are down because they still have ugly catch animations.
http://intensedebate.com/people/JawnMurray JawnMurray

So let me get this right bro…Madden sold poorly because of a recession, yet 2K is selling better than last year? Get outta here.

fredortega

TRUE THAT JA
fredortega

TRUE THAT JA
fredortega

TRUE THAT JA
fredortega

TRUE THAT JA

http://intensedebate.com/people/JawnMurray JawnMurray

So let me get this right bro…Madden sold poorly because of a recession, yet 2K is selling better than last year? Get outta here.
http://intensedebate.com/people/JawnMurray JawnMurray

So let me get this right bro…Madden sold poorly because of a recession, yet 2K is selling better than last year? Get outta here.
Sportsgamer

So how did NBA2K gain almost a 60 percent increase in sales for the first month over last year? That throws a wrench into the wheel doesnt it?
Sportsgamer

So how did NBA2K gain almost a 60 percent increase in sales for the first month over last year? That throws a wrench into the wheel doesnt it?
Sportsgamer

So how did NBA2K gain almost a 60 percent increase in sales for the first month over last year? That throws a wrench into the wheel doesnt it?
Sportsgamer

So how did NBA2K gain almost a 60 percent increase in sales for the first month over last year? That throws a wrench into the wheel doesnt it?

t daley

Did it ever occur to you that the state of the economy is the reason for Madden sales being down. Duh!!!!!!!!!

Sales of everything is down. Also people eventually stop buying the same game every year. Sometimes they just skip a year b/c the game hasn't improved enough. If you are not an online player then there is more likely a chance that one will skip a year of a annually released sports game.
t daley

Did it ever occur to you that the state of the economy is the reason for Madden sales being down. Duh!!!!!!!!!

Sales of everything is down. Also people eventually stop buying the same game every year. Sometimes they just skip a year b/c the game hasn't improved enough. If you are not an online player then there is more likely a chance that one will skip a year of a annually released sports game.
t daley

Did it ever occur to you that the state of the economy is the reason for Madden sales being down. Duh!!!!!!!!!

Sales of everything is down. Also people eventually stop buying the same game every year. Sometimes they just skip a year b/c the game hasn't improved enough. If you are not an online player then there is more likely a chance that one will skip a year of a annually released sports game.

cavs23win

No, sales of madden are down because they still have ugly catch animations.
http://intensedebate.com/people/JawnMurray JawnMurray

So let me get this right bro…Madden sold poorly because of a recession, yet 2K is selling better than last year? Get outta here.

fredortega

TRUE THAT JA

Sportsgamer

So how did NBA2K gain almost a 60 percent increase in sales for the first month over last year? That throws a wrench into the wheel doesnt it?

http://strawberryfieldpark.com/ joey

Solid sales figures for Madden is the bad news here, is all but assures that Madden will remain the same, with its lousy game engine for another couple of years, more repeating animations, lousy ai, backed by a massive promotional campaign, pushing some old innovation we probably saw in 2K years ago.
http://strawberryfieldpark.com/ joey

Solid sales figures for Madden is the bad news here, is all but assures that Madden will remain the same, with its lousy game engine for another couple of years, more repeating animations, lousy ai, backed by a massive promotional campaign, pushing some old innovation we probably saw in 2K years ago.
http://strawberryfieldpark.com/ joey

Solid sales figures for Madden is the bad news here, is all but assures that Madden will remain the same, with its lousy game engine for another couple of years, more repeating animations, lousy ai, backed by a massive promotional campaign, pushing some old innovation we probably saw in 2K years ago.
http://strawberryfieldpark.com joey

Solid sales figures for Madden is the bad news here, is all but assures that Madden will remain the same, with its lousy game engine for another couple of years, more repeating animations, lousy ai, backed by a massive promotional campaign, pushing some old innovation we probably saw in 2K years ago.
ReeceTheAussie

@ xXl Boogie Xx yeah, I'm alternating between Forza 2 and NBA 2K10 right now. I'm going to try to pick up Forza 3 and COD MW2 for Christmas, it looks top notch.

Anyway, this whole debate is stupid. I got NBA 2K10. I liked it pre and post patch, it had issues but I liked it. To be honest, I don't care what you people think and you probably don't care what I think. Seriously guys, 2K did better. It may not BE better but it DID better, it won and Live lost.

http://intensedebate.com/people/jonathanglapion jonathanglapion

your post made no fucking sense at all dude.
http://intensedebate.com/people/jonathanglapion jonathanglapion

your post made no fucking sense at all dude.
http://intensedebate.com/people/jonathanglapion jonathanglapion

your post made no fucking sense at all dude.
http://intensedebate.com/people/jonathanglapion jonathanglapion

your post made no fucking sense at all dude.

ReeceTheAussie

@ xXl Boogie Xx yeah, I'm alternating between Forza 2 and NBA 2K10 right now. I'm going to try to pick up Forza 3 and COD MW2 for Christmas, it looks top notch.

Anyway, this whole debate is stupid. I got NBA 2K10. I liked it pre and post patch, it had issues but I liked it. To be honest, I don't care what you people think and you probably don't care what I think. Seriously guys, 2K did better. It may not BE better but it DID better, it won and Live lost.
ReeceTheAussie

@ xXl Boogie Xx yeah, I'm alternating between Forza 2 and NBA 2K10 right now. I'm going to try to pick up Forza 3 and COD MW2 for Christmas, it looks top notch.

Anyway, this whole debate is stupid. I got NBA 2K10. I liked it pre and post patch, it had issues but I liked it. To be honest, I don't care what you people think and you probably don't care what I think. Seriously guys, 2K did better. It may not BE better but it DID better, it won and Live lost.
ReeceTheAussie

@ xXl Boogie Xx yeah, I'm alternating between Forza 2 and NBA 2K10 right now. I'm going to try to pick up Forza 3 and COD MW2 for Christmas, it looks top notch.

Anyway, this whole debate is stupid. I got NBA 2K10. I liked it pre and post patch, it had issues but I liked it. To be honest, I don't care what you people think and you probably don't care what I think. Seriously guys, 2K did better. It may not BE better but it DID better, it won and Live lost.

http://intensedebate.com/people/jonathanglapion jonathanglapion

your post made no fucking sense at all dude.

http://intensedebate.com/people/JawnMurray JawnMurray

I truly believe they may just give up on this series. Pouring tons of cash into Synergy, DNA updates, they aren't making enough money off of the game. It has a nice little following, but more and more people are going to 2K. Live 10 not making the Top 20 is the last straw IMO.
http://intensedebate.com/people/JawnMurray JawnMurray

I truly believe they may just give up on this series. Pouring tons of cash into Synergy, DNA updates, they aren't making enough money off of the game. It has a nice little following, but more and more people are going to 2K. Live 10 not making the Top 20 is the last straw IMO.
http://intensedebate.com/people/JawnMurray JawnMurray

I truly believe they may just give up on this series. Pouring tons of cash into Synergy, DNA updates, they aren't making enough money off of the game. It has a nice little following, but more and more people are going to 2K. Live 10 not making the Top 20 is the last straw IMO.
http://intensedebate.com/people/JawnMurray JawnMurray

I truly believe they may just give up on this series. Pouring tons of cash into Synergy, DNA updates, they aren't making enough money off of the game. It has a nice little following, but more and more people are going to 2K. Live 10 not making the Top 20 is the last straw IMO.
Gene

Finally the PS3 patch is out.
Gene

Finally the PS3 patch is out.
king berry

2k10 is the best game. i 've got the pc version and the bugs and it's great even without the patch, which will eventually come.The bugs for the pc version are far less which is strange since it's a port.
Anyway, 2k10 as all games , needs official patches.
What matters is IT'S THE BEST BASKETBALL GAME EVER.
I play it with the WIRE camera and it's close to reality.It's strange how its camera gives so different gameplay experience.
This game is endless.I wonder what can they do to top that in the future….
king berry

2k10 is the best game. i 've got the pc version and the bugs and it's great even without the patch, which will eventually come.The bugs for the pc version are far less which is strange since it's a port.
Anyway, 2k10 as all games , needs official patches.
What matters is IT'S THE BEST BASKETBALL GAME EVER.
I play it with the WIRE camera and it's close to reality.It's strange how its camera gives so different gameplay experience.
This game is endless.I wonder what can they do to top that in the future….
king berry

2k10 is the best game. i 've got the pc version and the bugs and it's great even without the patch, which will eventually come.The bugs for the pc version are far less which is strange since it's a port.
Anyway, 2k10 as all games , needs official patches.
What matters is IT'S THE BEST BASKETBALL GAME EVER.
I play it with the WIRE camera and it's close to reality.It's strange how its camera gives so different gameplay experience.
This game is endless.I wonder what can they do to top that in the future….
king berry

2k10 is the best game. i 've got the pc version and the bugs and it's great even without the patch, which will eventually come.The bugs for the pc version are far less which is strange since it's a port.
Anyway, 2k10 as all games , needs official patches.
What matters is IT'S THE BEST BASKETBALL GAME EVER.
I play it with the WIRE camera and it's close to reality.It's strange how its camera gives so different gameplay experience.
This game is endless.I wonder what can they do to top that in the future….
KING BERRY

oh and another thing.STOP MOANING AND BE PATIENT…2K10 IS PERFECTLY PLAYABLE…AND IT'S GONNA GET EVEN BETTER….DON'T ACT LIKE VIRGINS IN BED….:)
KING BERRY

oh and another thing.STOP MOANING AND BE PATIENT…2K10 IS PERFECTLY PLAYABLE…AND IT'S GONNA GET EVEN BETTER….DON'T ACT LIKE VIRGINS IN BED….:)
KING BERRY

oh and another thing.STOP MOANING AND BE PATIENT…2K10 IS PERFECTLY PLAYABLE…AND IT'S GONNA GET EVEN BETTER….DON'T ACT LIKE VIRGINS IN BED….:)
KING BERRY

oh and another thing.STOP MOANING AND BE PATIENT…2K10 IS PERFECTLY PLAYABLE…AND IT'S GONNA GET EVEN BETTER….DON'T ACT LIKE VIRGINS IN BED….:)
KING BERRY

oh and another thing.STOP MOANING AND BE PATIENT…2K10 IS PERFECTLY PLAYABLE…AND IT'S GONNA GET EVEN BETTER….DON'T ACT LIKE VIRGINS IN BED….:)
king berry

2k10 is the best game. i 've got the pc version and the bugs and it's great even without the patch, which will eventually come.The bugs for the pc version are far less which is strange since it's a port.
Anyway, 2k10 as all games , needs official patches.
What matters is IT'S THE BEST BASKETBALL GAME EVER.
I play it with the WIRE camera and it's close to reality.It's strange how its camera gives so different gameplay experience.
This game is endless.I wonder what can they do to top that in the future….
king berry

2k10 is the best game. i 've got the pc version and the bugs and it's great even without the patch, which will eventually come.The bugs for the pc version are far less which is strange since it's a port.
Anyway, 2k10 as all games , needs official patches.
What matters is IT'S THE BEST BASKETBALL GAME EVER.
I play it with the WIRE camera and it's close to reality.It's strange how its camera gives so different gameplay experience.
This game is endless.I wonder what can they do to top that in the future….
xbr

because 2K had Kobe on the cover! for sure that helped in some ways to get some noobs buy the game. i have both games and i play Live more than 2K.
xbr

because 2K had Kobe on the cover! for sure that helped in some ways to get some noobs buy the game. i have both games and i play Live more than 2K.