Hold on to your butts. Analysts are expecting a rough few next months for the video games industry. In a recent investor note, Cowen and Company analyst Doug Creutz predicted double-digital sales declines for April and beyond — at least until Madden releases later this year.
Although we had a somewhat positive March, thanks to the combined efforts of Gears of War: Judgment, God of War: Ascension, BioShock Infinite, and Tomb Raider, the industry was unable to capitalize on the momentum. Sales for a weak April, led only by the release of Injustice: Gods Among Us, are expected decline by 13% year-over-year. The DC-themed fighting game is believed to have sold around 424,000 copies, Creutz believes.
Creutz also doesn't expect a turnaround anytime soon. Though there are a few bigger titles releasing this summer — namely, The Last of Us — double-digit monthly sales declines are predicted through July. The release of EA's Madden NFL 25 is help slightly, but the anticipated releases of Grand Theft Auto 5 and Battlefield 4 in September and October, respectively, are should provide a boost.
Of course, what will really help the jump-start the sluggish industry are the launches of the PS4 and currently unannounced next Xbox which is set for a reveal on May 21st.
