@lstormy10, I also forgot to add to the confirmed release platforms for this year includes an edition for cell phones - I would guess though that the predictions do not include this edition.
@Laoldar, I agree that whoever wrote the article did not quite check their facts, but I also wonder about what they are predicting (especially since the confirmed releases this year are PC, Mac, and DS).
Off-topic: It seems as though the simExchange is becoming more well-known as it is getting referenced by a greater number of websites, blogs, etc.
I'm rather disappointed in the person who wrote this at GamesIndustry. They reference the SimExchange but call the DS version "unannounced". Um, if they wouldn't taken 1 minute of their time they could find hands-on previews of the game already (nevermind that even a Wii version has been announced).
That being said, it's nice to see that analysts are fairly confident in this title/series as well. Though it doesn't specify what they're predicting...PC sales? PC/DS sales? PC/DS/Wii sales?
Although most people seem to agree there's a healthy anticipation building around Spore, there's also some feeling that its publisher EA must manage expectation about its performance and appeal. A range of analysts provided sales estimates to the end of this year of between 3 and 5m units, and a healthy revenue target of around USD 250m. "I think Spore will do at least 3m units as a packaged product, and if it's as good as it looks, it has the potential to do twice that," said Michael Pachter.
Maxis has confirmed to Eurogamer that YouTube will form an integral part of Spore.
"YouTube will be integrated in the game - so you can film your creature dancing, for example, and export it to YouTube," the developer told us.
You're completely misreading what he said. Saying it may be the greatest franchise, or not" doesn't mean "I'm hinting it will flop". It means "it's a great game, but a creative risk". Your misleading title completely changed the context and content of what was said.
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I also forgot to add to the confirmed release platforms for this year includes an edition for cell phones - I would guess though that the predictions do not include this edition.