PlayStation Bigger Than Hollywood

Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) announced on Thursday that its PlayStation business surpassed movie box office receipts during the month of October. In addition, the company announced that it expects PlayStation-branded products (hardware, software, and peripherals) to top US$1 billion in sales for the 1999 holiday season.

"As anticipated, sales have increased significantly this year, and, moving into the holidays, the PlayStation momentum has exceeded even our own expectations as the demand for hardware may outstrip supply this season," said Jack Tretton, vice president of sales for SCEA. "With the PlayStation, we have been able to break down the conventional barriers in entertainment by bringing together interactive games, music, and cinematic visuals in a variety of games. This mix of entertainment has opened the door for our industry to a host of consumers who traditionally were not interested in games."

Currently, more than one out of every five homes in the US own a PlayStation console - Sony states more than 22 million units are now installed in the US market.