Is the October Video Game Release Schedule Overcrowded?

A number of notable games share a common thread: they were all released within a short span of four weeks in October and November 2008. This list includes Animal Crossing: City Folk, Banjo Kazooie: Nuts and Bolts, Call of Duty: World at War, and many more. Fast forward to the present, and the upcoming October release schedule has sparked concerns about overcrowding. However, it's worth noting that the gaming landscape has undergone significant changes since 2008. The rise of indie games and digital stores has dramatically altered the way games are released and consumed. In the past, games were primarily purchased in physical stores, and their lifespan was measured in weeks rather than years. Today, the digital age offers infinite shelf space, but it also means that competition for attention is fierce. The October release slate is indeed busy, with titles like Assassin's Creed Mirage, Forza Motorsport, and Spider-Man 2 vying for attention. Some of these games are designed to capitalize on the year-end sales period, while others have been delayed or need to meet financial obligations. Although the schedule is crowded, it's not without precedent, and there's still room for games to break through. The key challenge lies in grabbing people's attention in a crowded market. This is why Ubisoft and Remedy made strategic decisions to adjust the release dates of Assassin's Creed Mirage and Alan Wake 2, respectively. By doing so, they aimed to secure premium placement on digital stores and increase their visibility. In today's competitive market, having a window to oneself, even if it's just a week, can make a significant difference. This move not only benefits the games but also gives players more time to enjoy the titles that are generating buzz.