How would you change the way system launches are handled?

[Apossum]

Seeing as how the current system of "drop out of society for a week for a Ps3 system because sony only shipped 10 of them" is a complete mess, how would you guys change the way stores and corporations handle system launches?

I would require corps to have at least a million systems out on launch day. I think this would kill the ebay market and make people a lot more confident in being able to secure a system without needing to camp for days.

[RedvsBlue]

Well, there doesn't seem to be much of a problem with the Wii launch and long lines. Perhaps companies should wait until they have a decent amount of consoles available for launch. That might solve the problem.

[captainfrizo]

More units available at launch. Period.

[javeryh]

Free tacos for everyone!!!!!

[happy]

Waiting for more units just makes the launch later. Anyone who doesnt mind waiting the extra time can wait anyway. Nobody is holding back units.

Also, having fewer launch systems means fewer buggy systems, because lets face it no company is going to find all the problems until they put a few hundred thousand out into massive use and see everything that goes wrong.

[Apossum]

Free tacos for everyone!!!!!

Your thoughts are intriguing to me and I wish to write you in on the presidential ballot :D

Waiting for more units just makes the launch later. Anyone who doesnt mind waiting the extra time can wait anyway. Nobody is holding back units.

Also, having fewer launch systems means fewer buggy systems, because lets face it no company is going to find all the problems until they put a few hundred thousand out into massive use and see everything that goes wrong.


A later launch would be in order...but I wonder why the logistics for system launches are so screwed up that they only get out a few? Is it the R+D time?

[Ikohn4ever]

dont let people line up until 12 hrs before store opening

[MidnightRain]

More consoles available at launch, no camping outside of stores allowed for more than 24 hours, don't take pre-orders unless you know for sure how many consoles your store is getting.

And don't let the stupid drunk guy camping out at Best Buy talk to the reporter. Please. It just makes the rest of us look bad.

[gorgonzola238]

More units available at launch. Period.

More Units at launch indeed, but more importantly, better launch titles. There isn't a killer game for the PS3 launch. At least Nintendo has Zelda.

[Genocidal]

Free tacos for everyone!!!!!Are we talking authentic tacos or Taco Bell tacos?

[-GoodFella-]

Enough units for launch. I think a minimum of 1 million would be a good start...then continue stocking the systems on a weekly basis to keep up with demand, eliminate pre-order programs since retailers don't know how to manage them in an organized way and the lower than expected initial shipment just pisses consumers off. A better selection of lauch titles...preferably exclusives that can justify the purchase of a new system.

[ITDEFX]

company's should have a release date until a million or so units are tested and primed and ready to go. Having stupid press releases saying oh only 400,000 units (or whatever) at launch or "there will be a shortage" is fucken stupid to say to the general public. Already there has been acts of violence because of this. Nintendo, Sony and MS knew this was going to happen based on the last system launch, but do they care? NOPE.

[RegalSin2020]

Well what I would do is have the systems ready a couple years early. Like maybe Five years. Then I would create a model of the system that is in full functioning working order and see how exactly will my system run.

Will I need a devkit, a couple of dev cards, or just a program or two.

Afterwards in the case of the release I would lie to the game companies and tell them we have only two years before release. this way they wil chuck out all kinds of games at once while slowmos will make that game that will be released when the system is dying like Beyond Good and Evil.

I would start selling the console on my webpage with some games. I would NOT supply people like the suppliers or funcoland with anything at all until two years of the orginal release has passed by.

Then I would only supply to the small businesses like the Scumbag Radio Shack or some other small place.

Then when the five years have passed I will release it as new. Thus having various games alraeady made for the console.

I would keep it out of sight of places like Gamestop and Circutecity.

Okay let me stop

[FriskyTanuki]

I wouldn't change anything at all. As long as systems are released and systems are shipped in a relatively timely manner after that, it's fine. Neither launch is perfect.

[Quackzilla]

The only thing I would change is have them mail a playstation 3 to me, for free, with a couple games.

pfft... I have not enough money, I think I will download my PS3 off bittorrent!

[daroga]

Well what I would do is have the systems ready a couple years early. Like maybe Five years. Then I would create a model of the system that is in full functioning working order and see how exactly will my system run.

Will I need a devkit, a couple of dev cards, or just a program or two.

Afterwards in the case of the release I would lie to the game companies and tell them we have only two years before release. this way they wil chuck out all kinds of games at once while slowmos will make that game that will be released when the system is dying like Beyond Good and Evil.

I would start selling the console on my webpage with some games. I would NOT supply people like the suppliers or funcoland with anything at all until two years of the orginal release has passed by.

Then I would only supply to the small businesses like the Scumbag Radio Shack or some other small place.

Then when the five years have passed I will release it as new. Thus having various games alraeady made for the console.

I would keep it out of sight of places like Gamestop and Circutecity.

Okay let me stopWait... what?

[Fatesealer]

Simple: I know this sounds impossible, but if your ad says minimum of XX per store, then you damn sure better have at least that many. Nothing like Target printing minimum of 20 per store then go LOLZ WE ONLY GOTZ 4 SORRY DUDEZ.

[Graystone]

Have more consoles before launch. There are millions of gamers, yet they only release 500,000-a million at launch.

However, I personally think that they (game console companies) do if on purpose. Its there way of testing the water. They can learn of any bugs while the next batch is being manufactured. Also it creates more demand. It makes a console the in thing to have.

[Thongsy]

Even if they had one million systems ready for launch, Sony would still probably only release like 500,000 on day one. If I was a store I would allow all those who want one to like put their info in a drawing of some sort, and just call those up who want one, and if they can't buy it within like 24 hours they just pick another name.

[daphatty]

Pre-orders only. No more camping, period. And you don't show up to the store to pick it up until called for.

[Plinko]

Simple: You want to reduce the threat of violence? NO E-BAY SELLING FOR 3 MONTHS. My guess is that eliminates 85-90% of the violence/shoving/chaos.

Also, each store should have police outside.

[BlaqRenaissance]

Even if they had one million systems ready for launch, Sony would still probably only release like 500,000 on day one. If I was a store I would allow all those who want one to like put their info in a drawing of some sort, and just call those up who want one, and if they can't buy it within like 24 hours they just pick another name.

Good idea. That way only the store knows how many units they have. This is how a lot of colleges provide football and basketball tickets to the students.

[mikeohara]

Pre-orders only. No more camping, period. And you don't show up to the store to pick it up until called for.

Daphatty, I agree with that, and I sincerely hope that the launch of the PS3 will seriously change store policies about camping out for a console.

[umcthomas]

[quote=Plinko;2378416]Simple: You want to reduce the threat of violence? NO E-BAY SELLING FOR 3 MONTHS. My guess is that eliminates 85-90% of the violence/shoving/chaos.
/quote]

I take the opposite stance. I have always said new consoles should all go on Ebay. Let Sony make all the fat cash off the first wave of sales. They lose money on those systems, let the people willing to pay 2000 a pop help subsidize the price for the rest of us when the supply increases.

My plan stops camping and dishonest Ebay selling b/c you won't be able to sell a console for a much different price than you bought one it Ebay. Plus, why would buy from a random user when you could buy direct from Sony on Ebay?

[pop311]

MORE fuckING WII COMPONENT CABLES!!!!. PERIOD

[Loge18]

Like Dap said, no more camping. I'm surprised they allow this at all, seems like a huge liability to the store. You either do preorders or have people show up when the store opens and draw a number. If your numbers falls within the number of consoles that they have then you can buy one. If not, you didn't invest that much time to start.

I also like the idea of Sony selling them all directly via ebay or even their own online auction site just for releases. Instead of losing money per console Sony would be profiting from the hardware, which would hopefully speed up any price reduction plan....meaning i would get one sooner.

[RegalSin2020]

Well camping is good and bad. It means how stupid some people are thinking they are fans but really gamers nerds and implus buyers. Also think about the original people who started there company like nintendo and there shanty pad.

[Plinko]

I like the both ideas of "no camping--lottery system determines who gets it" OR Sony selling the systems originally online ONLY."

My theory is that if you take EBay out of the equation, this magnitude of violence that is currently happening does not happen. Sure, you'll get the occasional loser, but nothing like what is going on today.

[Demontooth]

Let the manufacturer sell the 1st million units on ebay.

[Deefuzz]

Have at least enough supply to closely meet demand.

4 million systems at launch...should be ok

200,000-500,000...not so much

[furyk]

A couple of great ideas guys. Either doing only E-Bay bidding or no E-Baying at all solves a lot of the supply/demand issues. I also agree that a company should not launch in the US with less then 500,000 real units, not estimated nor proposed.

[Plinko]

A couple of great ideas guys. Either doing only E-Bay bidding or no E-Baying at all solves a lot of the supply/demand issues. I also agree that a company should not launch in the US with less then 500,000 real units, not estimated nor proposed.

I would have to imagine that Ebaying every system would draw some sort of government intervention. They'd be going for WAY above retail price--is there anyone else with business law knowledge who has something to say about this?

I like the combination of no Ebaying AND selling every system online.

[lordxixor101]

I would have to imagine that Ebaying every system would draw some sort of government intervention. They'd be going for WAY above retail price--is there anyone else with business law knowledge who has something to say about this?

I like the combination of no Ebaying AND selling every system online.

Why would ebaying cause Govt intervention? Honestly, it's the fairest way to go, no one is forced to buy one, so everyone bids what they think the system is worth to them. The people with the deepest pockets get it. Sounds like fair capitalism to me.

Not that I'm buying either system at launch, but from the outside, this is what I would change:

1) No line waiting. You do a lottery at the store, everyone gets a number, they draw, lucky people get to buy.

2) Preorders: Stores can take preorders, but there should be a penalty on them for taking preorders they can't fulfill at launch. I would like to see a store forced to give a 1% discount (cash) or 3% in merchandise for each day after launch they can't deliver a system. Also, all preorders must be paid 100% in advance.

These are both doable. Here is something I'd love to see done, but logistically can't:

No ebaying systems for 1 month after launch.

I think this would be fair. So many people are preordering systems with no intention of keeping them, but just selling them. This is clogging the market with "non customers" purchasing the system. If you couldn't ebay the systems for a month, only gamers would be interested in buying the system at launch.
Can't happen, but I think it would make stuff better.

[lordwow]

I am basically the biggest pro-capitialism person you'll ever find.

That being said, the eBaying and limited, limited numbers at launch is disgusting to me.

[trip1eX]

Yeah more units at launch.

The companies just need to more conservative with planning a launch date. Unfortunately competition tends to make 'em launch quicker than they want to.

On the other hand individuals can just make their launch day 3 months later. And they do. So I also see that if you're worried about then don't show up at launches. Wait 3-6 months.

Oh yeah and illegal to scalp launch consoles. Maybe. I guess it's like tickets to an event. That's probably why scalpingtickets is illegal in many areas. Launch consoles really are 'tickets.'

[Quackzilla]

If they delayed it and had a million units at launch it would still be just as crazy.

This is probably the most anticipated console release so far.

They need to sell them online only.

[KaneRobot]

No "on the shelf" consoles at B&M stores AT ALL on launch day. Any campers are informed of the situation below and told to leave immediately. EVERY SINGLE CONSOLE is ONLY sold through either:

1. Preorder (FIFO approach - first one to order is the first person to get it...second one to order is the second one to get it, etc. First in, first out)

OR

2. Pre-obtained raffle ticket. After registering for your desired store (limit one raffle ticket per household), you are mailed a ticket in advance. The day prior to launch, the winning numbers are posted on the store's website and/or as a notice on the store's front door. A second drawing is held for replacements (in case anyone does not pay) and second shipments. Further drawings dictate new tiers of people based on how many consoles they will be getting in the next shipment. If the number coming in is not known until they arrive in the store, a very conservative number (say, 4) will be drawn in advance, with further numbers being drawn as necessary when the consoles arrive. Anyone not picking up their console within 48 hours LOSES their spot and it goes to a replacement. The person picking up the console MUST be the same person who registered for the raffle ticket.


They need to get this shit on lockdown right now. Nintendo has a fairly decent number of consoles ready to go so it likely won't be as bad, but when the next XBox arrives it's only going to get worse.

[YoshiFan1]

I would require something like a 1.5 million system minimum for major system launches (anything from Sony, Nintendo or Microsoft).

[jollydwarf]

Online preorders as is, and lottery-based preorders for B&M purchases. Have stores give out up to, oh, 500 tickets over a given weekend, ending when the tickets run out or the store closes on Sunday. It's really the only way to end this that I can think of.

Except...

...except the console manufacturers (particularly Sony and Microsoft) probably don't want the change. They don't care about a few gamers getting shanked/mugged/pole-smashed/hypothermia. They want the headlines to get thousands of people 'off the fence' to drive sales well past the 'launch window'. It's why I will maintain until the day I pass from this realm (and then some) that at least to a degree launch shortages are manufactured. Sure, Sony was having legitimate trouble with the Blu-Ray hardware and so on, but this was already out of control before the '11th hour' reductions.

EDIT: The lottery would put a huge damper on the eBay hoarder fucks, and keep the winos in the homeless shelter, you know?

[Dogpatch]

No "on the shelf" consoles at B&M stores AT ALL on launch day. Any campers are informed of the situation below and told to leave immediately. EVERY SINGLE CONSOLE is ONLY sold through either:

1. Preorder (FIFO approach - first one to order is the first person to get it...second one to order is the second one to get it, etc. First in, first out)

OR

2. Pre-obtained raffle ticket. After registering for your desired store (limit one raffle ticket per household), you are mailed a ticket in advance. The day prior to launch, the winning numbers are posted on the store's website and/or as a notice on the store's front door. A second drawing is held for replacements (in case anyone does not pay) and second shipments. Further drawings dictate new tiers of people based on how many consoles they will be getting in the next shipment. If the number coming in is not known until they arrive in the store, a very conservative number (say, 4) will be drawn in advance, with further numbers being drawn as necessary when the consoles arrive. Anyone not picking up their console within 48 hours LOSES their spot and it goes to a replacement. The person picking up the console MUST be the same person who registered for the raffle ticket.


They need to get this shit on lockdown right now. Nintendo has a fairly decent number of consoles ready to go so it likely won't be as bad, but when the next XBox arrives it's only going to get worse.

Works for me.

Though the console companies do need as many systems out there as they can. 400,000 is no way enough systems.

[Duo_Maxwell]

Online sales only. Nothing else, simply eliminate the roll of the B&M store and you eliminate all those problems as well. The corprate suits always think they'll make tons of money of this garbage, but they don't realize most everyone is dumping it onto ebay so they have little reason to buy anything but the system itself which makes like a total of $2 for the store.

If not online sales only then online pre-orders only. Just have the manufactuer give retailers actual SOLID allotment numbers 3-4 weeks in advance, and then let them sale pre-orders for that number and that number only about 2 weeks in advance. Also you have to pay in full at the time of the pre-order. They can pick them up instore for all I care, but at least that will discourage the mass hoardes that build up outside places and ruin everything for everyone.

[Circa2113]

Well what I would do is have the systems ready a couple years early. Like maybe Five years. Then I would create a model of the system that is in full functioning working order and see how exactly will my system run.

Will I need a devkit, a couple of dev cards, or just a program or two.

Afterwards in the case of the release I would lie to the game companies and tell them we have only two years before release. this way they wil chuck out all kinds of games at once while slowmos will make that game that will be released when the system is dying like Beyond Good and Evil.

I would start selling the console on my webpage with some games. I would NOT supply people like the suppliers or funcoland with anything at all until two years of the orginal release has passed by.

Then I would only supply to the small businesses like the Scumbag Radio Shack or some other small place.

Then when the five years have passed I will release it as new. Thus having various games alraeady made for the console.

I would keep it out of sight of places like Gamestop and Circutecity.

Okay let me stop

Why didn't we all think of this sooner? Get this man a beer!

[jollydwarf]

I think we need to be real here. There will NEVER be an elimination of a unified release date for all retail on a console, and they will NEVER have a system "ready" more than a few months in advance. There are going to be shortages forever and ever, amen, so the key is deterring civil unrest, crime, and minimizing eBay hoarding. A lottery goes a long way towards those goals. That's it.

Again, I really have to question if Sony or anyone else is going to look at the events that transpired over the last couple days and go "Hmm...maybe we need to be more responsible about this." Kaz Harai was probably rubbing one out to the YouTube near-riot videos. "Oooh...it's launch riot! Launnnnch riiiiiot!"

Sorry for that.

[Apossum]

Kaz Harai was probably rubbing one out to the YouTube near-riot videos. "Oooh...it's launch riot! Launnnnch riiiiiot!"




:lol:

it's even funnier if you imagine that kid in your avatar saying it on national TV.

[Roufuss]

How would I change the way system launches are handled?

Fights to the death. Kinda like Thunderdome.

TWO MEN ENTER, ONE MAN LEAVES (with a console)

http://www.conflictdivine.com/bm2002/pics/thunderdome.jpg

This is the only solution.

[Inferno-X]

Put everyones name into a hat, random drawing. No camping out for a week.

[jimbodan]

Best way is just have a lottery either well in advance or day of maybe 1-2 hours early. Everyone there at the announced time gets a ticket, then the store draws as many tickets as they have systems. If you don't have a winning ticket you have to leave, then the winners get their consoles. I would also require stores to provide security both inside the store and the parking lot.

All that camping crap is just plain B.S. No way we should be rewarding people for wasting 2-3 days of their lives sitting outside the store.

Online only launches wouldn't be a terrible idea either, but any site doing so should be required to make sure they handle all the traffic.

[Kendal]

5 million units at launch for each region. Region free coding across the board. Anyone selling their pre-order on eBay before the console comes out gets the system pre-order revoked and kicked in the nuts(or ovaries). Have a second wave of systems ready for the next week-month of at least 500k units. Campers should be treated like campers in FPS games. Berated and killed on spot without question.