14 DAY TRIAL // The PC video-game chart often gets overlooked when the NPD Group numbers for hardware and software sales are announced each month. After all, the big battle between the Xbox 360, the PlayStation 3 and the Nintendo Wii is much more interesting than the supposedly moribund market for PC titles. But a quick look at the figures for September shows some interesting developments.
Aion, the new MMO from NCsoft, has debuted at number one, being finally released in the United States and allowing players to experience its unique flying mechanics. The Collector's Edition of the same game sits at number five, which shows that players are willing to pay extra to get more content and in-game advantages. The second spot in the chart goes to The Sims 3 from Electronic Arts, which shows its staying power in anticipation of the release of its first expansion pack, called World Adventures, which is set for November. The third spot goes to Champions Online, another MMO from Atari and Cryptic.
Wrath of the Lich King, the second expansion pack for World of Warcraft, sits at number four, while Mumbo Jumbo Assortment is at number six and The Sims 2 Deluxe Edition manages to still get into the chart at number seven. World Of Warcraft: Battle Chest is on the eighth position, with Reel Deal Slots Treasures Of The Far East on the ninth and World Of Warcraft on the tenth.
Aion, the game that currently tops the chart, has also posted good performances on Steam and on Direct 2 Drive, with pre-orders also better than expected. Official comments from NCsoft are saying that Aion could be the second most successful MMO worldwide after World of Warcraft. And NCsoft badly needs a successful video-game, considering that Tabula Rasa, one of the MMOs in which it invested a lot resources, has recently closed down because of the limited number of subscribers that it managed to attract.