UK retail: Watch Dogs loss won’t slow next-gen launch

The delays to Watch Dogs and DriveClub will not derail the launch of PS4 and Xbox One, UK High Street stores have said.

Retailers told MCV that although these delays are disappointing, they have not seen mass cancellations of pre-orders. And they expect both next-gen consoles to be sold out on day one.

Watch Dogs was one of the most anticipated games set to launch alongside the next-gen this November. But it is now due spring 2014.

”Whilst we’re disappointed that these have slipped, we understand that publishers want to bring their best product to market so they’ll be worth the wait,” said HMV games boss Phil Browes. ”We don’t think this will have an adverse effect on next-gen, there’s a huge buzz around both consoles.”

Head of games for The Hut Paul Cannings added: ”I still foresee a complete next-gen sell out. It is unfortunate that these titles have slipped, but it will still be a very strong launch for each platform and we will have some very exciting games to look forward to next year.”

Green Man Gaming’s Darren Cairns says the firm hasn’t seen a big impact from the high profile delays, and points to the strong launch line-up that is still in place: ”We shouldn’t forget that there are still some big titles coming down the track at launch.”

Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Asda all admitted that they will miss the sales from Watch Dogs. But that the demand for PS4 and Xbox One remains high. Tesco’s buyer Jonathan Ferdenzi said the delays?”won’t affect sales of the hardware.”

Meanwhile, Sainsbury’s games chief Gurdeep Hunjan added: ”The delay to Watch Dogs and DriveClub isn’t ideal, however I’m confident we should be okay, with other strong titles coming.”