The dataset was cleaned and standardized: column names were harmonized, data types corrected, and missing values addressed (e.g., “TBD” critic scores). Total global sales per game were calculated, forming the foundation for comparative analyses.

Exploratory data analysis revealed that while the number of games released increased yearly, sales did not always follow the same trend. Visualizations of genre and platform performance highlighted clear patterns: PlayStation 4 and Xbox One were rising, while older consoles declined. Critic reviews correlated moderately with sales, while user reviews showed little predictive power. Regional EDA revealed that North America and Europe favored Action and Shooter genres, whereas Japan leaned toward Platform and RPG games.

From the analysis, several actionable strategies emerged:

• North America and Europe: Focus on home console titles, particularly Shooter games, which have a historical success rate of 35% for titles exceeding 1 million sales. This approach minimizes risk while maximizing potential revenue.
• Japan: Prioritize mobile and handheld platforms, with emphasis on Platform and RPG games, which consistently achieve strong sales and high demand.
• Review scores vs. actual performance: Scores alone are not reliable for acquisition decisions. ICE should rely on observed sales trends and genre performance, as user ratings are similar across platforms but vary significantly by genre.
• Marketing alignment: Regional insights support targeted marketing campaigns, tailored promotions, and optimized stock selection to maximize profitability and customer satisfaction.