As I've said, The Evil Within has an uphill battle to face, I do hope it does well, I don't think biggest bombs of the fall, but from there I am uncertain.
Three big problems for the game marketing wise is that it's one of those games that's much more fun to play than to watch, take this from my experience and other people I talke too who played the demo. Watching an playing are very different experiences here, and I think it's much more fun to play than to watch. People have been needlessly negative on the game since PAX East or so, that stigma probably won't leave the game until more people actually play it. And by design and the fact Mikami and the team want to keep a lot of secrets in te game, they've been very choosey with what they show, which is not good for hype but good for the experience.
I've talked with this with Slasher, but there were some stuff in the demo and demo trailer which I noticed I have purposely left out as I think they might ruin some surprises, but I think the TEW has a lot more surprises in it than people expect.
On the flip side, these lower expectations may help the title. People may more surprised with the game when they play it rather than disappointed by over-hype. The critical reception could push the team an Bethesda to fix and tighten things to make a better end-product. The negativity may bring more attention to people to check in to see how critics and gamers enjoy the game.
I'm still curious how this game will do with gamers, critics, and sales wise.
edit: EW avatar C-C-C-C-C-C-COMBO BREAKER
Shhh, I don't think it's a secret at this point this point that MD, Slasher, and I are really excited for The Evil Within, and the most forward about it on GAF.
Not a defense force, but horror fans who think TEW will provide something special. If the final game is terrible, we'll let other people know, but I can say for myself at least playing it has solidified that I think I'll love it.