The market for the MBTAS consists of two segments: the military and the civilian. Nils Hinrichsen, eSim Games marketing director, addresses market numbers.

"We expect Steel Beasts 2 to sell at least 60,000 copies worldwide. Given that 5% of all these customers would be interested in a premium segment handle replica, the consumer market could absorb at least 3000 copies. I would expect the world wide demand of armies for a handle replica to be another 2000 or 3000 pieces - provided that the handle button layout is close enough to the Leopard MBT's handles to be accepted by the various NATO armies who have fielded the Leopard MBT in large numbers.

Steel Beasts consumer customers have proven that they have a long term relationship with our simulation game. There are many fans who have been around us since day one of the demo release two years ago, and are still playing it enthusiastically. Someone who is playing the same game for two years in succession is not only likely to buy a sequel software with countless improvements, he is also likely to pay some serious money for a decent handle replica that will increase immersion to a previously unknown new level."

Additionally, requests have been made for a low cost unit from CONUS based Army units.

1st Infantry Division is getting ready to buy a bunch of copies of SB to take to KFOR (Kosovo Force). Having a realistic set of cadillacs would make for a extremely effective, cheap, portable UCOFT. I know 1st Armored Division is also deep into the SB experience and they definitely would be interested.

1st Armored has negotiated the purchase of several hundred copies of SB, which we will also buy into (about 300 initial copies).

Not that it's really a significant amount, but between the two divisions, we are talking about 300-400 MBTAS systems. Of course with all the copies of SB running around here, you would sell another 1000 for the guys who are playing at home.

Thanks for any info you have.

Sincerely,
David W. Darnall
DAC, GS-12
1st Infantry Division G3 Exercises
DSN: 350-6445/6628
Mobile: 0170-161-7608

From July 2001 to January 2002, the online simulation communities took part in a marketing survey to gauge the reaction to the MBTAS. Those results can be found on the next page.