EA Disappointed In Madden Sales, But Remain Optimistic

Madden NFL 10

EA gave us another quality Madden installment this year, but it seems the gamers haven't responded the way they typically do.

According to Edge Online, EA CEO John Riccitiello says he's "disappointed" in the early sales numbers for Madden NFL 10, although he remains confident in the company's ability to be successful this holiday season. In a memo obtained by the Wall Street Journal, Riccitiello had this to say:

"This week, market research for August will show that year-over-year, the industry was down in North America – and that August sales of Madden NFL 10 are down with that trend. It is discouraging that one of our highest-rated and best-marketed Madden titles in years is facing strong headwinds."

Even so, it's not like the sales are dismal. The game in question sold nearly 2 million copies in August (it launched on August 14) and the different versions took three of the top ten spots on the monthly software chart. Riccitiello certainly thinks the game itself is well worth owning, saying the game is an example of "outstanding teamwork and deep commitment to excellence." But he remains undaunted and is looking forward to a solid holiday rush; he reminds us of EA's determination to raise the quality of its products back in 2006, and thus far, they have delivered. He notes that already in 2009, EA is responsible for 11 titles with average Metacritic ratings of 80 or higher.

That much, we have to admit: EA was in the doghouse of many a gamer (especially PlayStation 3 owners) back in '06 and '07 and since then, they've really come through with their sparkling sports simulators. Our personal favorites are Mirror's Edge and Dead Space. Give us those sequels!

Related Game(s): Madden NFL 10

9/14/2009 9:43:08 PM Ben Dutka

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