bhcompy wrote on Aug 13, 2011, 16:01:

finga wrote on Aug 13, 2011, 15:40:
The next console generation is nearly as risky for the publishers as it is for the manufacturers. Think about launch titles - who wants to publish a game on a system that, heading up to the game's release date, only has a guaranteed install base consisting, at maximum, of the number of pre-ordered consoles?

It's only a problem if the publisher doesn't take a long view on it. Konami knew that MGS4 would sell regardless of initial installbase. They invested a shitload of time and money into that game, and I'm sure they've made a pretty profit on it by now. The problem is the American game companies take a short view on profit, but that's fine, because Japanese ones don't seem to care about that.