Last August, we reported on this "insider info" pertaining to an alleged PSP-4000, which will not only phase out the PSP-3000, but will also revive the neglected UMD format. Now, even the industry's foremost analysts are saying they won't be surprised at all if this turns out to be true. You know what they say: where there's smoke, there's sure to be barbecue.

If the analysts turn out right, then we just might see the fourth consecutive sales decline in the June results of NPD, and then we'll see that price cut happen. Michael Pachter of Wedbush Morgan and Jesse Divinich of EEDAR are synonymous in saying that sales will most likely be down by around 20-23%.

A few days ago, a study conducted by EEDAR revealed that only 4% of video games ever make a profit. If you were skeptical of that number, then you are justified somewhat. Because of widespread misinterpretation at that 4% figure, EEDAR gave a follow-up explanation, clarifying on some matters.

Read more after the link.

Well no wonder you've got layoffs in the industry recently - not to mention the shutting down of certain studios and whatnot. According to research conducted by EEDAR, only 4% of the total games out in the market ever make a profit - all other 96% just either break even or lose money. Yeouch.

Sony got the worst out of economic turbulence, says EEDAR director of analytical services Jesse Divnich. Presenting his study of hardware and software trends to Gamasutra, the Sony brands were seen to be bottom-dwellers.

EEDAR reported that over 50 percent of games across most genres allow for players to select a female avatar. What does this mean? Well, for one, there are more manginas than ever before, but more importantly, it means that developers are finding it worth spending a little bit more time and money to ensure that girl gamers are taken into consideration when they designing games. See the figures in the full story.

Time for our monthly dosage of analyst guesstimates.

Ahead of the official sales numbers of the NPD Group, both analyst firms Wedbush Morgan (with posterboy Michael Pachter) and EEDAR predict that the Xbox 360 whooped the PlayStation 3 for the month of September. Surprise?

Aside from us, it appears that a couple of other known game industry analysts have gotten a whiff of NPD's sales report for last month. Jesse Divnich has recently stated his own opinions, which delves into how Metal Gear Solid 4 may give the PS3 its big break, and a possible price cut from Microsoft's camp. Further details are available in the full article.

Which game would you rather buy? The game whose trailer you watched, or the game whose demo you played? According to a new study, games that only have a trailer sell more, suggesting that developers should avoid releasing demos altogether. More details in the full article.