Less Than 10 000 Gp2x ?

[EvilDragon]

I know this kind of news/interviews, etc. is not always welcome on a board of fans and that sellers won't admit that their product is not doing very well, but Game Park Holdings needs to be strongly shaken. If you guys won't do this, nobody will do it for you...

Whether welcome or not, but each factory run for the gp2x is AT LEAST 3000 devices, as they won't make smaller batches.

So we have First Editions, MK1, MK2 (and I've seen quite a lot of different MK2 versions already), etc.

Craig sold over 10.000 already, I sold about 1500 only in Germany while the spanish scene is as big as the UK one... so 10.000 is simply plain wrong, I don't care about the sources, as we distributors do know how many we sold

 

[craigix]

We all went over and shook them up, it made no difference.

I know the GP2X market is healthy in the UK, let's just wait and see, gph are bringing out some new accessories in may.

 

[EvilDragon]

The interview is with FX Man, you know him too.
The 2 people mentioned in the first article are corean.

Errrmmm... taken from the interview:

"Among the various ideas suggested, my greater success was the presence in Game Convention in Germany (it took me time to convince them to make displacement). I even found the organization to them Korean which helped them! But, there still, large failure: they were limited to the professional section (thus without visibility near general public) and, once more, they did not want to make of press release! "

Jesus, what's that all about?

GamePark only had a booth in the business area, yes. GamePark Holdings had a booth at the games convention - they had a booth with me together, actually. 20m² big, and it was a success, as quite a few press releases and interviews in German magazines followed - and sales rose.
They paid for the space and I did organize and manage the give-aways, the booth itself, etc.

I shared the appartment with some guys from GPH, they're weird, but they can talk English pretty well.
Haven't seen FX-Man there... or I didn't know him.

So, this is all pretty weird... isn't it?

If you haven't seen the booth, you can find the pictures here.

 

[pocket]

I know this kind of news/interviews, etc. is not always welcome on a board of fans and that sellers won't admit that their product is not doing very well, but Game Park Holdings needs to be strongly shaken. If you guys won't do this, nobody will do it for you...

Whether welcome or not, but each factory run for the gp2x is AT LEAST 3000 devices, as they won't make smaller batches.

So we have First Editions, MK1, MK2 (and I've seen quite a lot of different MK2 versions already), etc.

Craig sold over 10.000 already, I sold about 1500 only in Germany while the spanish scene is as big as the UK one... so 10.000 is simply plain wrong, I don't care about the sources, as we distributors do know how many we sold

You know, I'm not trying to have an argument about the numbers, but I trust better people who are leaving GPH because things are not looking good, than sellers who want to... sell their stuff (and that's normal, I'm not criticising this).

You say you are happy with the 1500 sales in Germany, but is it really that good ? For the second videogames market in Europe ? After the Games Convention in Leipzig and the press you are talking about in your next post ?

(in his interview, FX Man does not say he helped them at the GPH booth, but that he spent one week with them in Corea before, and that he convinced them that the show would be good for them, at the begining they didn't want to go to Germany)

 

[bagmouse7]

I like the comments about why the Gizmondo failed in the article.

For the people who can't trust this, here is a little interview (november), from someone else who worked for GPH : it explains very well how things work inside.

http://translate.google.com/translate?u=ht...Flanguage_tools

(Google translation, not very good, but better than nothing)

 

[EvilDragon]

You know, I'm not trying to have an argument about the numbers, but I trust better people who are leaving GPH because things are not looking good, than sellers who want to... sell their stuff (and that's normal, I'm not criticising this).

Well, actually, I never really TOTALLY believe people who LEAVE a company for any reason, because they might be angry at the company. Especially if he's talking about that there's no public GC booth which I organized myself
I've met GPH quite a few times, and as I do say, yes, they're not pretty clever regarding anything they do, I know the interest there is, at least here in Germany.

You say you are happy with the 1500 sales in Germany, but is it really that good ? For the second videogames market in Europe ? After the Games Convention in Leipzig and the press you are talking about in your next post ?

Yes, it is.
You know why? Because I started everything here with 0 Euro. No help from GPH at all (except for the paid booth at the GC).
Another problem were cheap imports from LikSang and PlayAsia, you could buy the gp2x for 30 Euro cheaper without any problems. This was a MAJOR problem for me.
With EACH magazine review, sales went up. But those reviews weren't many, because some of them wanted money for it which I simply didn't have.
With some money for actual marketing, the sales would've been MUCH better. But looking at the great German community which derived from NOTHING, I'm fine with that.
Also keep in mind that I don't have any company, so any risks I have when trying to use money I don't have I have to PERSONALLY pay for if it doesn't work out. I'm not interested in ruining my life, so I only invested what I actually EARNED from gp2x sales.

Don't forget that the gp2x is an article for geeks - the standard user needs a device which automatically installs software, etc.
So for an unknown, geek device without any money for marketing and a very crappy start thanks to GPH not really betatesting it, I'm quite happy with what I achieved here in Germany.

We tried to talk to GPH last year what they should improve to get more sales - they mostly ignored it and only part of our ideas were used (thus the value pack derived, but not at very good quality).

GPH asked me to talk to MediaMarkt for distribution (I have good contacts with them), however, I didn't do it yet because I don't think the gp2x is ready for the wide public yet.
People expect a charger, an SD Card, an easy way to install games, etc.
The risk of getting hundreds and thousands of gp2x back is NOT what I want... as it would ruin my life.

So, yeah, I'm pretty happy, except for GPH being crappy.
Nevertheless, we geeks here have fun with the device

 

[pocket]

You know, I'm not trying to have an argument about the numbers, but I trust better people who are leaving GPH because things are not looking good, than sellers who want to... sell their stuff (and that's normal, I'm not criticising this).

Well, actually, I never really TOTALLY believe people who LEAVE a company for any reason, because they might be angry at the company. Especially if he's talking about that there's no public GC booth which I organized myself
I've met GPH quite a few times, and as I do say, yes, they're not pretty clever regarding anything they do, I know the interest there is, at least here in Germany.

You say you are happy with the 1500 sales in Germany, but is it really that good ? For the second videogames market in Europe ? After the Games Convention in Leipzig and the press you are talking about in your next post ?

Yes, it is.
You know why? Because I started everything here with 0 Euro. No help from GPH at all (except for the paid booth at the GC).
Another problem were cheap imports from LikSang and PlayAsia, you could buy the gp2x for 30 Euro cheaper without any problems. This was a MAJOR problem for me.
With EACH magazine review, sales went up. But those reviews weren't many, because some of them wanted money for it which I simply didn't have.
With some money for actual marketing, the sales would've been MUCH better. But looking at the great German community which derived from NOTHING, I'm fine with that.
Also keep in mind that I don't have any company, so any risks I have when trying to use money I don't have I have to PERSONALLY pay for if it doesn't work out. I'm not interested in ruining my life, so I only invested what I actually EARNED from gp2x sales.

Don't forget that the gp2x is an article for geeks - the standard user needs a device which automatically installs software, etc.
So for an unknown, geek device without any money for marketing and a very crappy start thanks to GPH not really betatesting it, I'm quite happy with what I achieved here in Germany.

We tried to talk to GPH last year what they should improve to get more sales - they mostly ignored it and only part of our ideas were used (thus the value pack derived, but not at very good quality).

GPH asked me to talk to MediaMarkt for distribution (I have good contacts with them), however, I didn't do it yet because I don't think the gp2x is ready for the wide public yet.
People expect a charger, an SD Card, an easy way to install games, etc.
The risk of getting hundreds and thousands of gp2x back is NOT what I want... as it would ruin my life.

So, yeah, I'm pretty happy, except for GPH being crappy.
Nevertheless, we geeks here have fun with the device

Thanks for your long answer, it's always interesting to have another point of view.

(you are mixing the ex-employees, FX Man is not the one who left the company in the first article, the ones who talked about the 10000 numbers here didn't talk about the GC. And you are right, it seems that the people who left the company these past months are angry...)

About Germany I'm not saying you have done a bad job. Considering the fact you started from zero is always impressive and I don't doubt you did it with energy and heart. But, I know Germany is a huge market and 1500 for me is not much. I've seen the device at TV, in magazines (I live near the boarder, in Alsace, and I buy your magazines every month), on webistes...

 

[Orkie]

If GPH goes bankrupt too

I'm reasonably confident the bankrucpy of GP was predicted a long time ago. Why else would the company split then try and release the same product with only the new company succeeding? Sounds a bit fishy - I reckon it was a scam to get rid of some debts or something

 

[EvilDragon]

Thanks for your long answer, it's always interesting to have another point of view.

You know, I started as a basic GP32 user... and never planned of becoming a distributor. It kinda happened.
But I'm still a user

(you are mixing the ex-employees, FX Man is not the one who left the company in the first article, the ones who talked about the 10000 numbers here didn't talk about the GC. And you are right, it seems that the people who left the company these past months are angry...)

Ah, I see. Sorry for the mixing, with all the google translations, it's kinda hard to follow.
Sorry for any misunderstandings.

I can understand people who left GPH getting angry - we distributors also get angry at GPH quite a lot (as said, GPH is crap.. but the gp2x is good).
However, this should be no reason to make any false announcements (which happens kinda often, sadly).

About Germany I'm not saying you have done a bad job. Considering the fact you started from zero is always impressive and I don't doubt you did it with energy and heart. But, I know Germany is a huge market and 1500 for me is not much. I've seen the device at TV, in magazines (I live near the boarder, in Alsace, and I buy your magazines every month), on webistes...

Basically, you're right, 1500 is not much compared to the PSP or DS. But to make people buy the device, you have to SHOW the capabilities of the device - and you have to tell them, it exists.
As there is nigh no money for marketing, nobody tells them. And the reviews in the magazine were okay - but you can only show the true potential of the gp2x by letting the guys USE it for a while in my opinion.
Some say it's a video player. Some say it's an MP3 player, Some say it's a Linux device. Some say it's a gaming device. Well, yes, it's all that. But depending on the author of an article, he doesn't care about one or another part and only shows what HE did.
Also, you can't easily show off emulation in Germany. It's a grey area.
A last big problem is: The DS is easy. It's mostly for gamers from 8 - 18. The PSP has some more adult players. But what about the gp2x? I know 13 year old guys loving it. I know 50 year old guys loving it.
Most love it to replay the games they play when they were kids - which you can't tell them that it is possible because you shouldn't mention emulation.

So, what would be a good marketing strategy for the gp2x...?

 

[J201605]

We all went over and shook them up, it made no difference.

I know the GP2X market is healthy in the UK, let's just wait and see, gph are bringing out some new accessories in may.

I hope you really mean that and it wont be another COMMERCIAL BOB BY CHRISTMAS!

 

[fusion_power]

You know, I started as a basic GP32 user... and never planned of becoming a distributor. It kinda happened.
But I'm still a user

And without ED I wouldn't own a GP2X. :lol: It was my first Console from the Internet and a very good Deal.

Also, you can't easily show off emulation in Germany. It's a grey area.

Yes, thats the BIG Problem of the GP2X. The most of his Skills can't be shown in public. So on the GC 2006 the people haven't seen the best things what the Gp2X could do. Even legal Ports (original Program needed) cant be shown here because the most of the ported Games are on our "beloved" Index in Germany. ^^""
I bet, the GP2X would sell 3 times as much when the gamers here would know, that they can play their old PC Games like Quake, Doom, Duke3d... But it's not even allowed to mention the Names of these bad bad bad games in german public. h34r:

 

[Julius]

Well look at it from this side of things:
There are distributors who actually think it is worthwhile to sell the GP2X, so they must be making money from it, and there are plenty of developers and a active community using it. So does it matter how many units are sold?
Sure if you are a commercial developer it matters, but the GP2X has done well so far with out them, so who cares?

So what if GPH has to downsize because they are to stupid to properly run the company? All it takes to run a production in some Korean factory are the orders from the distributor and one guy who owns the rights to the design giving the OK.
Sure there wouldn't be any BOB or other official addons, but maybe 3rd party addons are better anyways, given the history of GPH products so far

 

[pocket]

Thanks for your long answer, it's always interesting to have another point of view.

You know, I started as a basic GP32 user... and never planned of becoming a distributor. It kinda happened.
But I'm still a user

(you are mixing the ex-employees, FX Man is not the one who left the company in the first article, the ones who talked about the 10000 numbers here didn't talk about the GC. And you are right, it seems that the people who left the company these past months are angry...)

Ah, I see. Sorry for the mixing, with all the google translations, it's kinda hard to follow.
Sorry for any misunderstandings.

I can understand people who left GPH getting angry - we distributors also get angry at GPH quite a lot (as said, GPH is crap.. but the gp2x is good).
However, this should be no reason to make any false announcements (which happens kinda often, sadly).

About Germany I'm not saying you have done a bad job. Considering the fact you started from zero is always impressive and I don't doubt you did it with energy and heart. But, I know Germany is a huge market and 1500 for me is not much. I've seen the device at TV, in magazines (I live near the boarder, in Alsace, and I buy your magazines every month), on webistes...

Basically, you're right, 1500 is not much compared to the PSP or DS. But to make people buy the device, you have to SHOW the capabilities of the device - and you have to tell them, it exists.
As there is nigh no money for marketing, nobody tells them. And the reviews in the magazine were okay - but you can only show the true potential of the gp2x by letting the guys USE it for a while in my opinion.
Some say it's a video player. Some say it's an MP3 player, Some say it's a Linux device. Some say it's a gaming device. Well, yes, it's all that. But depending on the author of an article, he doesn't care about one or another part and only shows what HE did.
Also, you can't easily show off emulation in Germany. It's a grey area.
A last big problem is: The DS is easy. It's mostly for gamers from 8 - 18. The PSP has some more adult players. But what about the gp2x? I know 13 year old guys loving it. I know 50 year old guys loving it.
Most love it to replay the games they play when they were kids - which you can't tell them that it is possible because you shouldn't mention emulation.

So, what would be a good marketing strategy for the gp2x...?

I know where your are coming from... look at my date of registration on this website
(I was one of the first GP32 owner and I have followed very, very closely everything what happened)

This article is not a "false announcement", it's a testimony of two ex-employees. Some people will take this for the truth, others will say it's a revenge of angry employees. Now if GPH wants to tell their truth, our pages are open.

A good marketing strategy...Well I think they don't even have the essential things.

- A good official website, weekly updated, with informations about the hardware and the software, a place where you can buy and download all the stuff

- One official PR guy (english speaking), charged to recruit new developers for commercial games
There is no need of million of sales to have the interest of little developers, but you have to have a good communication.

 

[EvilDragon]

I know where your are coming from... look at my date of registration on this website
(I was one of the first GP32 owner and I have followed very, very closely everything what happened)

Heh, okay

This article is not a "false announcement", it's a testimony of two ex-employees. Some people will take this for the truth, others will say it's a revenge of angry employees. Now if GPH wants to tell their truth, our pages are open.

I'll say - they won't.

A good marketing strategy...Well I think they don't even have the essential things.

No, they don't. Totally agree with that. That is why we distributors try to do our best.
Only prob: It costs money. I have to pay for ads and marketing, and some other guy who only sells the gp2x but doesn't have to invest anything makes the profit as he can sell the gp2x much cheaper (yup, actually happened shortly after the Games Convention...)

- A good official website, weekly updated, with informations about the hardware and the software, a place where you can buy and download all the stuff

That's what we tried to do ourself as GPH won't do it...

- One official PR guy (english speaking), charged to recruit new developers for commercial games
There is no need of million of sales to have the interest of little developers, but you have to have a good communication.

Well... they had one. Kim. Met him at the Games Convention. He planned the GC together with me.
He was capable... but I have no idea what happened with him :/
Last time I asked GPH they told me he's just busy... but I don't think so, because he totally disappeared from MSN with the nick I have from him...

 

[ste_167]

Murder?

 

[yodaofborg]

The scene here in the UK is suprisingly large, I've met 2 people who own GP2X's since I got mine, and I've only had mine since October last year, I honestly thought when I got it that even my more *technically inclined* friends would ask me what the hell it is

The scene is getting bigger, not smaller, and although GPH might not be the best company in the world, the GP2X keeps me happy. Personally I'm going to take all this with a pinch of salt, sit back, relax, and play some metal slug!

 

[LordFu]

Craigx and ED's numbers proves the article is FUD. Once you know the numbers are flat-out wrong, the credibility of anything else in the article is questionable.

 

[Mudi]

^ It's really hard to tell which set of numbers are FUD, I suspect the true numbers are somewhere in between the two estimates. It'll be sorted eventually I imagine.

 

[Vollgasasi]

hmmm....
i have the strong urge to express myself on this topic:

i doesn't matter how many consoles they have sold as long as the company stays alive and is healthy enough to survive. i don't want another gp in the near future. why? because there is a gap to fill. and this gap is the gap between n64 and dreamcast (emulation wise). if there would be a slightly faster gp in 1 year (or maybe 2) we would get psx and n64 emulation (probably) but the psp can do that already. let the gp2x have 3-5 more years to sell, let it have perfect emus for systems up to gba, let the devs refine their stuff and let them make their homebrew games. the gp2x will be THE perfect 2d emulation and homebrew console in some years. and THEN let them make a new device, with a touchscreen, much ram and a nice (working) dual core cpu, with dedicated gfx and sound chip, etc etc. and this baby will emulate the ps2/gamecube and xbox. that's 5 years from now, i think that should be possible. 4.8 gigabytes won't be much (dvd's) then. we will have 32gb and up memory cards then.
i'm sorry i'm getting off-topic.

 

[MisterBrisby]

We're supposed to believe two anonymous persons who claim to have worked for GPH that they've sold less than 10,000 units?
I mean, who are these two? Maybe they were the janitor and and the cleaning lady of GPH and got fired because they drank their cleaning agents. Who knows?
I doubt their credibility, especially after the comments by craigix and EvilDragon.