Rayman Origins is an excellent game. In fact, it’s one of the best games we’ve seen this year – and there’s a lot of contenders. And whilst games like Call of Duty sells millions in a matter of days, Rayman has sold just 50,000 copies across all three platforms since its release four weeks ago – in the US at least.
Origins didn’t even reach the Top 40 chart here in the UK in release week.
So, what’s the reason for the poor sales? Could it be the crowded November release window pushing sales elsewhere, the lack of advertising, or just that disc-based 2D platformers have gone well and truly out of style?
It’s not easy to judge that, but there’s little reason to expect another Rayman game like Origins – at least not a retail game – after this harsh blow.
We reviewed Rayman Origins and thought extremely highly of it – giving it a 9/10, describing it as “ultimately a step forward from the genre” and saying that it “puts Sonic in his place”. However, Sonic did much better, managing to chart in the top 10 in the UK chart.
Source: Eurogamer
Adiemus
I can only speak for myself on this!
But to me it looks more like a game I’d enjoy more on vita so decided to wait for its release there!
jbni
I thought this was a PSN release at the start. I’m guessing that many people now equate 2D platformers with cheap mobile phone/flash games, so when something like that comes out at full retail price it doesn’t seem worth it.
Sympozium
Such a shame, what the hell is everyone doing?
DrNate86
I also thought it was a PSN title originally. I think that’s the main reason it hasn’t sold well. At first glance it looks like all the other downloadable 2D cartoon games that sell for under a quarter of the price. A real shame, but not surprising in my opinion when held up against the ‘AAA’ blockbusters released at the same time.
freezebug2
I can’t believe with all the effort that has gone into developing the game to such a high standard, that they’ve let it fall at the last hurdle with absolutely no advertising whatsoever other than that ridiculously priced download on the PSN store. Feckin catastrophe!
Rocket_345
It was released during a month with assassins creed, modern warfare 3, uncharted 3 and skyrim. It was never going to get the huge sales with those surrounding its release and pretty much no advertising whatsoever didnt help.
Me personally im getting it after xmas and even then it’ll be a few months after because of all the games im /hopefully/ getting for xmas.
Kite
I boght it.
But I boght it 50 euros! (the digital PSN version costed 60)
ron_mcphatty
It’s gotta be the price pitch combined with the perception of 2D platformers value. Maybe 29.99 would have been better? Depending on a few eBay sales I’ve got going I would love to get it!
BG
Thought the demo was pretty boring tbh. Much prefered rayman 2 to the original 2d game back in the day too.
R1MJAW
Pre-ordered immediately after playing the demo. Awesome platform game. Really disappointed it hasn’t sold very much.
jonny_bolton
Rayman’s a crap character compared to the likes of Sonic. I never played them growing up for that reason so I have no affinity with him whatsoever.
Deathbrin
It’s extremely beautiful but i’d rather watch it than play it. Besides, what can you say, it’s Ubisoft.