Is the October Video Game Release Schedule Overcrowded?

What do the following games have in common: Animal Crossing: City Folk, Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts, Call of Duty: World at War, Fable 2, Fallout 3, Far Cry 2, Gears of War 2, Guitar Hero: World Tour, Left4Dead, LittleBigPlanet, Mirror’s Edge, Mortal Kombat vs DC Universe, Need for Speed: Undercover, Pro Evolution Soccer 2009, Resistance 2, Shaun White Snowboarding, Sonic Unleashed, Tomb Raider: Underworld, World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King, and WWE SmackDown vs Raw 2009? They all launched within a four-week period in October and November 2008, along with 70 other games. The current October release schedule may seem crowded, but it's essential to consider the context. The gaming landscape has undergone significant changes since 2008, with the rise of digital stores and the indie game boom. Today, there are only a few major digital stores, including Amazon, where games can be purchased. The digital age has brought numerous benefits, but it also means that competition for attention is fierce. The October release slate is indeed busy, with notable titles like Assassin's Creed Mirage, Forza Motorsport, Spider-Man 2, Super Mario Wonder, Cities: Skylines 2, and Alan Wake 2. Other games, such as Hot Wheels Unleashed 2, a remake of Alone in the Dark, Detective Pikachu Returns, Lords of the Fallen, and a collection of Metal Gear Solid games, will also be vying for attention. While some games are launching to capitalize on the year-end sales period, others have been delayed or need to meet financial obligations. Although the release schedule is busy, it's not unprecedented, and gamers will have to make choices. However, with many of these games having shorter playtimes, it's possible for players to enjoy multiple titles over the holiday season. The digital age has made it more challenging for games to grab attention, which is why Ubisoft and Remedy made strategic decisions to change their release dates. Assassin's Creed Mirage was moved forward to avoid launching close to Forza Motorsport, while Alan Wake 2 was pushed back to avoid competing with Spider-Man 2. These decisions were not made lightly, as both companies had already invested significant amounts in promoting their original release dates. Nevertheless, having a window to themselves, even if it's just a week, is crucial in today's competitive market. This move also gives players more time to enjoy some of the exciting games releasing this October.