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Media Create Sales: Week 12, 2015 (Mar 16 - Mar 22)

Nirolak

Mrgrgr
I don't know how much this might impact sales. I mean, it's a direct sequel but also has new characters, new jobs, new towns in the world-map and they also implied the Moon might be an element of the story. This is perhaps how people would like a direct sequel to be, instead of a complete revamp of everything, scared they might not like the final product.

So I'd rule out the similarity with BD, honestly. Probably SQEX greenlited the sequel without caring about it too much, but Western sales were pointed out as a proof that gamers still like traditional jRPGs, therefore it might be more advertised in the West. It'd be hilarious if the game would sell better in the West and less in Japan.

I feel there's a difference between something coming off as an expansion pack and something coming off as a full sequel, even when we're talking direct sequels.

I'll use two Western examples since it's a bit rarer for this kind of thing to be done in Japan at the same frequency.

So first up, Arkham Asylum to Arkham City. This I feel is a good example of something that feels like a full sequel. The game starred the same main character, many of the same villains, and also had a similar combat system. However, you were presented with a map that was entirely new and five times larger than the original. The combat system had a whole bunch of new options added along with giving you a bunch more options at the start. There were lots of new villains and a new character you could play as with a new playstyle. The game's structure was much more open and added in a lot of sidequests that generally had solid effort. While it had the same art direction, the visuals had a fair upgrade over the original. Returning characters often had updated character designs. There were a bunch of new enemy types to contend with and the boss battles had new paradigms. While the game would be instantly familiar to anyone who had played the first, everything about it would still feel like it was really trying to take the series to the next level. Now, some people didn't like these changes, but the game was incredibly well received both critically and financially.

On the other side, let's take Saints Row 3 to Saints Row 4. Now, from Saints Row 2 to Saints Row 3, there was a pretty substantial upgrade that was not too dissimilar from what I just talked about with Batman. However, for 3 to 4, the game used the exact same city, looked incredibly similar visually, and basically layered superpowers and some new enemies on to Saints Row 3 (along with a few other, smaller things) and called it a day. Obviously there was a new plot, but for the most part, this could almost be seen as a large expansion pack for the previous game. The game reviewed okay and sold all right, but it was down from Saints Row 3 in both respects, because people who looked at it (or reviewed it) could tell that it was a low budget sequel meant to give people who were okay with more of the same something to do since they didn't have the resources to make a full fledged sequel due to THQ's impending bankruptcy.

To me, Bravely Second comes off a lot more like Saints Row 3 -> than Arkham Asylum -> Arkham City. As someone who liked the game a lot, it still interests me, but I'm not going in with any impression that we're talking about a notably impressive upgrade to the series.

You even mention that it seemed to have a long development cycle of 2.5 years. However, here's a quote from an interview with Silicon Studios:

Q. How long have you been working on Bravely Second?

A. We started in September [2013], so about six months.


Q. Do you have a release window for Bravely Second?

A. Square Enix will decide when, but we don't have a date yet. Of course the development timeline is decided, but that doesn't mean it will be released right after development.
Source: http://web.archive.org/web/20140326...what-lies-ahead-for-the-bravely-default-team/

(I have to use the wayback machine since CVG got shut down and all their links are broken/pointing to the wrong articles.)

The game will only be in development for around 18-20 months total since they weren't even interested in starting the sequel right away after its initial performance. I think that says a lot about Square Enix's excitement level.
 

hiska-kun

Member
EDIT: hiska-kun, good work as always with pics from shops, especially today...i.e. one of the most crowded days in recent memory. But where's our Famitsu monthly charts ;_;

Sorry, today my brother came to visit me in Tokyo and I'm quite busy. I took the photos before picking him up.
I have the Famitsu, but very tired to translate now. I'm sorry -.-

Btw, when I went to the shop (opening time), there was a line of people waiting :eek:

7070539E-7D1A-4930-95DB-2314F41DB952_zpsmrkkdr4j.jpg
 

Mpl90

Two copies sold? That's not a bomb guys, stop trolling!!!
Sorry, today my brother came to visit me in Tokyo and I'm quite busy. I took the photos before picking him up.
I have the Famitsu, but very tired to translate now. I'm sorry -.-

Btw, when I went to the shop (opening time), there was a line of people waiting :eek:

Since your brother came to visit your, it's comprehensible, don't worry. Post them when you can, and enjoy your time with him.

P.S. Hopefully it's a line filled with Souls fans :p
 
Is really 1m not enough for a new IP in the jRPG genre worldwide, and of course not a big investment? It's basically the best-selling new IP on dedicated devices by SQEX since... KH? Or probably Drakengard sold more than 600k worldwide?

If there's no growth and they believe the resources can be better used elsewhere then I can see why they would abandon it.
 

LOCK

Member
Famitsu's hardware numbers seem off compared to MC and Dengeki.

I expected more for RE and FF, but I guess they are ok.
 
If there's no growth and they believe the resources can be better used elsewhere then I can see why they would abandon it.

Even if ROI might increase? I mean, as already stated here, BS seems recycling a lot of assets from the first one, so development costs might be quite low even compared to the first one. If it sells the same, but costed less than SQEX might gain more.

I feel there's a difference between something coming off as an expansion pack and something coming off as a full sequel, even when we're talking direct sequels.

I'll use two Western examples since it's a bit rarer for this kind of thing to be done in Japan at the same frequency.

So first up, Arkham Asylum to Arkham City. This I feel is a good example of something that feels like a full sequel. The game starred the same main character, many of the same villains, and also had a similar combat system. However, you were presented with a map that was entirely new and five times larger than the original. The combat system had a whole bunch of new options added along with giving you a bunch more options at the start. There were lots of new villains and a new character you could play as with a new playstyle. The game's structure was much more open and added in a lot of sidequests that generally had solid effort. While it had the same art direction, the visuals had a fair upgrade over the original. Returning characters often had updated character designs. There were a bunch of new enemy types to contend with and the boss battles had new paradigms. While the game would be instantly familiar to anyone who had played the first, everything about it would still feel like it was really trying to take the series to the next level. Now, some people didn't like these changes, but the game was incredibly well received both critically and financially.

On the other side, let's take Saints Row 3 to Saints Row 4. Now, from Saints Row 2 to Saints Row 3, there was a pretty substantial upgrade that was not too dissimilar from what I just talked about with Batman. However, for 3 to 4, the game used the exact same city, looked incredibly similar visually, and basically layered superpowers and some new enemies on to Saints Row 3 (along with a few other, smaller things) and called it a day. Obviously there was a new plot, but for the most part, this could almost be seen as a large expansion pack for the previous game. The game reviewed okay and sold all right, but it was down from Saints Row 3 in both respects, because people who looked at it (or reviewed it) could tell that it was a low budget sequel meant to give people who were okay with more of the same something to do since they didn't have the resources to make a full fledged sequel due to THQ's impending bankruptcy.

To me, Bravely Second comes off a lot more like Saints Row 3 -> than Arkham Asylum -> Arkham City. As someone who liked the game a lot, it still interests me, but I'm not going in with any impression that we're talking about a notably impressive upgrade to the series.

You even mention that it seemed to have a long development cycle of 2.5 years. However, here's a quote from an interview with Silicon Studios:

(I have to use the wayback machine since CVG got shut down and all their links are broken/pointing to the wrong articles.)

The game will only be in development for around 18-20 months total since they weren't even interested in starting the sequel right away after its initial performance. I think that says a lot about Square Enix's excitement level.

From what we've known so far, we cannot say whether BS is more like Batman or more like Saints Row. The map might be larger than the first one (e.g. you can explore the Moon from which Magnolia comes from, on top of Luxendarc); returning characters have been re-designed, and many bosses of the first one seem they won't be enemies this time. Lot of new characters and enemies will be introduced. Of course, more jobs and options in the battle system. Being a traditional jRPG, the gameplay won't change much but in Japan BS will be a step ahead from BD in term of gameplay, that is most of the players of the original will find new the options introduced by For the Sequel. Also, SR4 sold less because of a variety of reasons, primarily because the release timeframe.

It'd be nice to compare BS with other sequel in the jRPG genre, such as Disgaea 2 or Xillia 2.

Also, I didn't imply the development cycle was that long. I followed the development team Twitter and it was clear the game went into production not much time ago.
 

hiska-kun

Member
GamesMaya's report

Very busy day today since the morning. Special mention to Bloodborne, that moved a lot of hardware (black color). Popular among young 20 years old guys.

First Day Top 10:

1. [PS4] Bloodborne
2. [3DS] Theatrhythm Dragon Quest
3. [PSV] Sword Art Online: Lost Song (limited version)
4. [PSV] Sword Art Online: Lost Song (standard version)
5. [PS3] One Piece Pirates Warriors 3
6. [PS4] One Piece Pirates Warriors 3
7. [PS3] Pro Baseball Spirits 2015
8. [PSV] One Piece Pirates Warriors 3
9. [PSV] Kagero
10. [PSV] Pro Baseball Spirits 2015
 
GamesMaya's report

Very busy day today since the morning. Special mention to Bloodborne, that moved a lot of hardware (black color). Popular among young 20 years old guys.

First Day Top 10:

1. [PS4] Bloodborne
2. [3DS] Theatrhythm Dragon Quest
3. [PSV] Sword Art Online: Lost Song (limited version)
4. [PSV] Sword Art Online: Lost Song (standard version)
5. [PS3] One Piece Pirates Warriors 3
6. [PS4] One Piece Pirates Warriors 3
7. [PS3] Pro Baseball Spirits 2015
8. [PSV] One Piece Pirates Warriors 3
9. [PSV] Kagero
10. [PSV] Pro Baseball Spirits 2015

This might sell well in the weekend.
 

Hexa

Member
GamesMaya's report

Very busy day today since the morning. Special mention to Bloodborne, that moved a lot of hardware (black color). Popular among young 20 years old guys.

First Day Top 10:

1. [PS4] Bloodborne
2. [3DS] Theatrhythm Dragon Quest
3. [PSV] Sword Art Online: Lost Song (limited version)
4. [PSV] Sword Art Online: Lost Song (standard version)
5. [PS3] One Piece Pirates Warriors 3
6. [PS4] One Piece Pirates Warriors 3
7. [PS3] Pro Baseball Spirits 2015
8. [PSV] One Piece Pirates Warriors 3
9. [PSV] Kagero
10. [PSV] Pro Baseball Spirits 2015

Woot Bloodborne!
SAO PS3 didn't even rank. That's somewhat surprising.
Did Disgaea an SK already launch?
 

Eolz

Member
GamesMaya's report

Very busy day today since the morning. Special mention to Bloodborne, that moved a lot of hardware (black color). Popular among young 20 years old guys.

Nice!

Edit: Completely forgot about Theatrhythm Dragon Quest. Came out a bit out of nowhere.
 

Nirolak

Mrgrgr
It'd be nice to compare BS with other sequel in the jRPG genre, such as Disgaea 2 or Xillia 2.

Xillia:

Xillia: 512,544 / 670,182
Xillia 2: 331,533 / 453,597

For Disgaea, I'm assuming you mean Disgaea D2 as that one's the direct sequel, right?

Disgaea: 46,883 / 124,316
Disgaea D2: 53,814 / 75,734

Averaging that to about 64% of the original sales (Xillia is 67, Disgaea is 60), we'd get an LTD of 295,841 * 0.64 = 189,338 for Bravely Second.

That doesn't seem wholly unreasonable.
 

Prelude.

Member
It's kinda baffling to see one single sku of Deception IV+ in the top 10 but not Disgaea 5 or SK.
They really chose a bad day, especially SK which is pushed back on both ends.

Ripperino SK, welcomino Valkyrie Drive.
 

casiopao

Member
GamesMaya's report

Very busy day today since the morning. Special mention to Bloodborne, that moved a lot of hardware (black color). Popular among young 20 years old guys.

First Day Top 10:

1. [PS4] Bloodborne
2. [3DS] Theatrhythm Dragon Quest
3. [PSV] Sword Art Online: Lost Song (limited version)
4. [PSV] Sword Art Online: Lost Song (standard version)
5. [PS3] One Piece Pirates Warriors 3
6. [PS4] One Piece Pirates Warriors 3
7. [PS3] Pro Baseball Spirits 2015
8. [PSV] One Piece Pirates Warriors 3
9. [PSV] Kagero
10. [PSV] Pro Baseball Spirits 2015

The Dead of Senran Kagura and Disgaea i see.T_T
 
Xillia:

Xillia: 512,544 / 670,182
Xillia 2: 331,533 / 453,597

For Disgaea, I'm assuming you mean Disgaea D2 as that one's the direct sequel, right?

Disgaea: 46,883 / 124,316
Disgaea D2: 53,814 / 75,734

Averaging that to about 64% of the original sales (Xillia is 67, Disgaea is 60), we'd get an LTD of 295,841 * 0.64 = 189,338 for Bravely Second.

That doesn't seem wholly unreasonable.

I haven't played D2 so I don't know, but I thought it was a direct sequel just with different characters? As far as I know, gameplay was basically unchanged. D2 sold better than D.
 

u_neek

Junior Member
GamesMaya's reportFirst Day Top 10:

1. [PS4] Bloodborne
2. [3DS] Theatrhythm Dragon Quest
3. [PSV] Sword Art Online: Lost Song (limited version)
4. [PSV] Sword Art Online: Lost Song (standard version)
5. [PS3] One Piece Pirates Warriors 3
6. [PS4] One Piece Pirates Warriors 3
7. [PS3] Pro Baseball Spirits 2015
8. [PSV] One Piece Pirates Warriors 3
9. [PSV] Kagero
10. [PSV] Pro Baseball Spirits 2015

Yeah, they shouldn't have released D5 this week.
 

Oemenia

Banned
GamesMaya's report

Very busy day today since the morning. Special mention to Bloodborne, that moved a lot of hardware (black color). Popular among young 20 years old guys.

First Day Top 10:

1. [PS4] Bloodborne
2. [3DS] Theatrhythm Dragon Quest
3. [PSV] Sword Art Online: Lost Song (limited version)
4. [PSV] Sword Art Online: Lost Song (standard version)
5. [PS3] One Piece Pirates Warriors 3
6. [PS4] One Piece Pirates Warriors 3
7. [PS3] Pro Baseball Spirits 2015
8. [PSV] One Piece Pirates Warriors 3
9. [PSV] Kagero
10. [PSV] Pro Baseball Spirits 2015
What's with the One Piece decline, wasn't the first game one of the best selling titles on PS3?
 
I think every third party publisher will pull XB1 support in Japan. Any game this week on XB1 sold below 2.2K.

End of this year you will not see any XB1 third party titles, unless Microsoft gives stores and publishers an incentive.
What did you not see that 15% increase over last week in xbone hardware sales!

Those hardline numbers are crazy
 
Kagero doin' work.

Deception IV was my first foray into the series, and I had a great time with the game.
Such a great balance of absurdity and hilarity.
 

Jigorath

Banned
It's going to be interesting to see how fast it collapses with the major release drought that's going to make even the WiiU blush.

Unless you're seeing something I'm not, I don't think the WiiU has any sort of advantage with it's upcoming lineup. I'm not saying the PS4 has a killer lineup in the next couple of months but the WiiU isn't exactly doing too hot in that regard either.

PS4:

03/26
Bloodborne (First Print Limited Edition)
Kagero: Mou Hitori no Princess
Makai Senki Disgaea 5
One Piece: Kaizoku Musou 3
Sengoku Hime 5: Senkatatsu Haoh no Keifu
Senran Kagura: Estival Versus - Shoujotachi no Sentaku
04/02
Chikyuu Boueigun 4.1: The Shadow of New Despair
LEGO Batman 3: The Game - Gotham Kara Uchuu e
04/08
How to Survive: Zombie Island - Storm Warning Edition
04/09
Dark Souls II: Scholar of the First Sin
04/16
Dying Light
Saints Row IV: Re-Elected
04/23
BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma Extend
Shin Jigen Game Neptune V II
Toukiden: Kiwami
Tropico 5
05/14
Borderlands: Double Deluxe Collection
Final Fantasy X / X-2 HD Remaster
05/21
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
05/28
Wolfenstein: The Old Blood

WiiU:

04/02
LEGO Batman 3: The Game - Gotham Kara Uchuu e
Rodea the Sky Soldier
04/15
Monster Hunter Frontier G7 (Premium Pack)
04/29
Xenoblade Cross
04/30
Dragon Quest X: Inishie no Ryuu no Denshou Online
05/21
Susume! Kinopio Taichou (amiibo Set)
 
Even if ROI might increase? I mean, as already stated here, BS seems recycling a lot of assets from the first one, so development costs might be quite low even compared to the first one. If it sells the same, but costed less than SQEX might gain more.

Yes because like I said they might percieve there is more money to made elsewhere using those resources. Of course this is just one scenario and may not even be what SE wants.
 

Oregano

Member
Even if ROI might increase? I mean, as already stated here, BS seems recycling a lot of assets from the first one, so development costs might be quite low even compared to the first one. If it sells the same, but costed less than SQEX might gain more.



From what we've known so far, we cannot say whether BS is more like Batman or more like Saints Row. The map might be larger than the first one (e.g. you can explore the Moon from which Magnolia comes from, on top of Luxendarc); returning characters have been re-designed, and many bosses of the first one seem they won't be enemies this time. Lot of new characters and enemies will be introduced. Of course, more jobs and options in the battle system. Being a traditional jRPG, the gameplay won't change much but in Japan BS will be a step ahead from BD in term of gameplay, that is most of the players of the original will find new the options introduced by For the Sequel. Also, SR4 sold less because of a variety of reasons, primarily because the release timeframe.

It'd be nice to compare BS with other sequel in the jRPG genre, such as Disgaea 2 or Xillia 2.

Also, I didn't imply the development cycle was that long. I followed the development team Twitter and it was clear the game went into production not much time ago.

To be fair even if Second is greatly expanded from Default they haven't really communicated that well enough. Actually I think the Barter system defalted hype a bit.

For the record I thought Second would be bigger than Default and balked at the idea that SE's lack of support would hurt it.

Yes because like I said they might percieve there is more money to made elsewhere using those resources. Of course this is just one scenario and may not even be what SE wants.

There is very little SE resources being pumped into the series though, the majority of the development team is external. Even Yoshida is an external contractor now.
 
It's going to be interesting to see how fast it collapses with the major release drought that's going to make even the WiiU blush.

I doubt it even with the drought the baseline will remain somewhat of 25k+ because the PS4 will have enough games out by then to suffice till May games drop. WiiU sadly will stay in below de 10k range, no need for blush.
 

KoopaTheCasual

Junior Member
I doubt it even with the drought the baseline will remain somewhat of 25k+ because the PS4 will have enough games out by then to suffice till May games drop. WiiU sadly will stay in below de 10k range, no need for blush.
I think 25k is really really optimistic. I think it'll stay around 15k, when it stops falling in a couple weeks, but if it can maintain that and then come back September onwards with MGSV, Persona 5, Hot Shots Golf, etc, then I think hitting 2 million by the end of the year is actually doable.
It was a joke.

But in terms of major releases of big titles, we're going into slim pickings.
Ahh sorry, couldn't tell.
 
Yes because like I said they might percieve there is more money to made elsewhere using those resources. Of course this is just one scenario and may not even be what SE wants.

Using which resources, specifically? Because BS is outsourced and there's very little from SQEX itself.
 
I think 25k is really really optimistic.

I wouldn't call it really really optimistic, maybe above average but PS4 has been coming in with almost 20k since the beginning of 2015 and that was with no games, I don't think the baseline would drop lower than that with it now having 10 games for people to enjoy with some partial slim pickings like DS2 and EDF coming in April and Western games in May like Witcher 3.
 

Vena

Member
I wouldn't call it really really optimistic, maybe above average but PS4 has been coming in with almost 20k since the beginning of 2015 and that was with no games, I don't think the baseline would drop lower than that with it now having 10 games for people to enjoy with some partial slim pickings like DS2 and EDF coming in April and Western games in May like Witcher 3.

You're conflating different reasons for the warm sales at the start of the year that aren't going to hold true for the entirety of the year. Moreover, we had a blitz of big "Japanese focused" releases and titles to appeal to core buyers who, even in a floundering market, would buy a console. While I was joking in my statement of a drought to make the WiiU blush, the PS4 won't have anything to write home about until MGSV/P5 and that's nigh-half a year away.

I can't see such a strong baseline, I'd say 10-15k is much more reasonable and if it collapses beyond that then writing on the wall got a coat of blood added to it.

Silicon Studio is developing the game. Not even the composer is from SQEX.

The bulk of development for both was by Silicon Studio lead by a few people from Square Enix.

Alright, so its par for the course for the series. I wonder if this mean that Nintendo will be its Western publisher again.
 
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