With the release today of Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, PS3 fans are getting their hands on the second iteration of the highly acclaimed series of adventure games from developer Naughty Dog Software. Key data from Nielsen’s Video Game Tracking and BuzzMetrics services indicate that awareness, purchase intent and online chatter for Uncharted 2 are all higher compared to the release of the original title Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune.
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).
| Select Video Game Tracking Metrics for Uncharted | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #Of Weeks orMonths Prior toRelease | Aided Awareness | Pre-Order/Buy First Wk. | Def Interest in Purchasing Game | Def./Prob.Interest in Purchasing Game |
| 1 Week Pre-Release | 17% | 3% | 7% | 14% |
| 2 Weeks Pre-Release | 15% | 3% | 5% | 13% |
| 4 Weeks Pre-Release | 19% | 3% | 5% | 16% |
| 8 Weeks Pre-Release | 17% | 2% | 5% | 14% |
| 3 Months Pre-Release | 19% | 2% | 6% | 15% |
| Source: The Nielsen Company |
| Select Video Game Tracking Metrics for Uncharted 2 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #Of Weeks orMonths Prior toRelease | Aided Awareness | Pre-Order/Buy First Wk. | Def Interest in Purchasing Game | Def./Prob.Interest in Purchasing Game |
| 1 Week Pre-Release | 42% | 9% | 14% | 30% |
| 2 Weeks Pre-Release | 32% | 6% | 11% | 27% |
| 4 Weeks Pre-Release | 39% | 7% | 15% | 29% |
| 8 Weeks Pre-Release | 35% | 5% | 12% | 27% |
| 3 Months Pre-Release | 34% | 9% | 15% | 28% |
| Source: The Nielsen Company |
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.
| Uncharted Across Sources of Awareness 1 Week to Pre-Release | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TV Ads | Online reviews or previews | Magazine ads | In-store posters or signs | Review in a magazine or newspaper | Newspaper inserts, or store mailers or circulars | Friends, relatives, or coworkers | Online retailer websites | Internet banner or pop-up ads | Demo of the game |
| 19% | 29% | 20% | 2% | 14% | 8% | 13% | 7% | 8% | 10% |
| Source: The Nielsen Company |
| Uncharted 2 Across Sources of Awareness 1 Week to Pre-Release | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TV Ads | Online reviews or previews | Magazine ads | In-store posters or signs | Review in a magazine or newspaper | Newspaper inserts, or store mailers or circulars | Friends, relatives, or coworkers | Online retailer websites | Internet banner or pop-up ads | Demo of the game |
| 15% | 42% | 10% | 17% | 13% | 6% | 20% | 16% | 10% | 5% |
| Source: The Nielsen Company |
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
