Uncharted 2 Shows Improved Strength in Key Tracking Metrics Compared to Predecessor

An examination of data from Nielsen’s weekly Video Game Tracking service finds that Uncharted 2 garners more robust numbers throughout the measurement periods listed across metrics such as aided awareness, Pre-Order/Buy First Week and Definite and Definite/Probable Purchase Interest compared to the original Uncharted. The data table compares both titles across the aforementioned metrics at different points prior to their respective release dates*.

Comparison of Awareness and Purchase Interest

The sequel enjoys more than double the aided awareness of its predecessor across all points in the comparison period, with more than 40 percent of all PS3 gamers interviewed one week prior to the release of Uncharted 2 recognizing the title, compared to 17 percent for the original game same during the same time period.

The proportion of PS3 gamers who indicated high purchase urgency for Uncharted 2 – those who would pre-order the game or buy it during its first week of release – is three times higher for Uncharted 2 one week prior to its release than for the original title (9% vs. 3%., respectively).

Overall, 30 percent of PS3 gamers note positive purchase interest for Uncharted 2 one week prior to its release (14% definite), double the number who indicated interest in Uncharted during the same time period (14% positive purchase interest, 7% definite interest).

Comparison of Sources of Awareness

Online reviews/previews are the single greatest source of awareness for both Uncharted 2 and the original game among PS3 gamers one week prior to retail release. However, such reviews/previews are substantially higher for Uncharted 2, with 42 percent of PS3 gamers who are aware of the game noting that they have seen such online articles compared to 29 percent for the original Uncharted.

BuzzMetrics

Examining the three months leading up to their respective release dates, online chatter for Uncharted 2 was consistently higher than for the original game. Approximately four weeks before the launch of Uncharted 2, a spike in buzz occurred around the time the demo was released on PlayStation Network, indicating potential heightened awareness of the game within the online PlayStation community.

BuzzMetrics Comparison of Uncharted 2 with the original Uncharted

E3, Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony Buzz, May 24 – June 6, 2009

Microsoft kicked-off the excitement with a pre-expo press conference on Monday, announcing the new Project Natal, a hands-free motion sensing device for Xbox 360, and the upcoming The Beatles: Rock Band game. Even with an on-stage appearance by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr to endorse the new Rock Band title, Project Natal overshadowed all other announcements, generating 12% of E3 discussion.

Not to be outdone, Nintendo and Sony each held press conferences on the first official day of E3, revealing major upcoming products of their own. Nintendo unveiled a new Vitality Sensor for Wii, but consumers more heavily discuss two upcoming games for the ever-popular Mario franchise, New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Mario Galaxy 2. In fact, New Super Mario Bros. Wii beats out other highly anticipated titles like God of War III for PS3 and Metal Gear Solid for Xbox 360 in buzz volume. Consumers also heavily discuss the PSP Go!, the new handheld gaming device officially unveiled by Sony on Tuesday. The new device makes up 11% of all E3 buzz, coming a close second behind the heavily discussed Project Natal in hardware-related discussion.

With a bevy of announcements expected from press conferences of the major players in the gaming industry, what are gaming enthusiasts discussing prior to the show? Even though most gamers agree that new developments for existing hardware is cool, console enthusiasts are more focused on what the future holds for upcoming games. One week before the conference, upcoming titles were mentioned in just over half of all E3 discussion, while the new PSP Go! and anticipated Xbox 360 motion sensor each garner less than 10% of E3 buzz. Unveilings are expected to occur for a long list of titles, but prior to the expo, games generating the most buzz include Gran Turismo 5 for PS3, Mass Effect 2 and Metal Gear Solid 4 + Oxide for Xbox 360, and Legend of Zelda: Spirit Track for Nintendo DS.