Demon's Souls Vastly Exceeds Sales Expectations In US

It's always satisfying to be part of an industry where the maxim, "quality sells" remains mostly true.

After Heavy Rain topped 1 million in sales worldwide (the original prediction was between 200,000 and 300,000), another relatively unique and potentially risky title has exceeded expectations. But firstly, let's recognize the success of the PSP's Shin Megami Tensei: Portable; Index Holdings (of which Atlus is a fully owned subsidiary) has announced that it has sold 225,000 units. This number is well above the estimated 170,000 initially anticipated and as for the modest expectations surrounding Shin Megami Tensei: Persona in North America, the game has sold 49,000 units, easily topping the predicted 35,000. And last but not least is Demon's Souls, one of 2009's best: Atlus only expected to sell around 75,000 units in North America but instead, the stellar RPG has managed to sell 280,000 copies in this region. Obviously, this is great news for both Atlus and gamers, as it proves that well-received titles worthy of recognition continue to obtain that recognition. No, Demon's Souls won't sell as much as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 but that's an unfair comparison on a number of different levels.

If you haven't yet picked up Demon's Souls and you're always on the lookout for a great RPG, we're not sure how you missed it. Fair warning, though: it's gonna be a challenge!

4/14/2010 2:56:35 PM Ben Dutka

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Comments (75 posts)

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Milonakis
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 3:09:50 PM
Reply

Congrats to Atlus. Job well done.

12 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 3:16:47 PM

And to From Software, as well to SCEI for allowing this project.

5 up, 0 down

VicTheMighty
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 8:21:44 PM

Sad that this title wasn't even sold Quebec for lack of bilingual cover... :( I can't find a copy anywhere.

That would have helped to boost the sales some more.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 9:34:34 PM

Ebay Vic?

0 up, 0 down

VicTheMighty
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 10:10:51 PM

Yeah that is going to be my last resort lol. I was hoping they translate the cover at some point so I can grab the game at staff price hahaha XD. Guess it won't be happening.

0 up, 0 down

ace_boon_coon
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 3:17:25 PM
Reply

this game is at 74,000 right now. that's very good. i still need to buy this game. i know i'm missing out. i hear you all give it high praise. it sold well cause ps3 owner want more than just shooters. *lol @ jrpg's flopping on 360*

9 up, 0 down

ace_boon_coon
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 7:21:54 PM

sorry i meant 740,000

3 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 3:20:43 PM
Reply

Still having a heck of a time with this game

Seriously, once you jump into this world it'll keep pulling you back in it

And by the way, why are people so scared to die in a game?

Are ya'll wussies or something? Seriously!
Missing one of this gen's best rpgs just because it's hard is saddening

In time they'll give us little bunnies and butterflies as enemies*

Last edited by Scarecrow on 4/14/2010 3:21:35 PM

5 up, 2 down

ace_boon_coon
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 4:01:43 PM

is this game really that hard?

2 up, 0 down

piratedrunk
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 4:12:37 PM

It really is quite hard. Especially in new game+

Personally after beating that I haven't felt compelled to jump back into the game but that isn't to say it wasn't worth it. With well over 100 hours put into the game it was a bargain.

2 up, 1 down

TEG3SH
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 4:22:11 PM

gosh darnit can't wait for october y'all will be so jealous from me it aint even funny, got all the great games starting with UC2-GoW 3 to play can't list them all way too much ..........need my ps3 pronto

1 up, 5 down

Axe99
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 5:28:56 PM

I'm not sure what's wrong with me, but I didn't find Demon's Souls hard, just clunky and tedious. I gave it 7 and a half hours of my life, and really only enjoyed the initial atmosphere. I'm not alone in this either, and have a bunch of mates who like RPGs (I've been playing RPGs since before they were on these things called computers ;)) who found the same.

That said, I think it's great that:
- such a niche title did so well; and
- gaming has got to a point where it has such variety that it can make niche RPGs :).

1 up, 5 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 5:52:14 PM

Not a wussy, but I play games to have fun, dying for 2-3 straight hours in the same spots without getting anywhere isn't fun for me.

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 4/14/2010 5:53:31 PM

6 up, 6 down

Oxvial
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 6:02:08 PM

^WUSSY!

9 up, 3 down

JofaMang
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 6:13:26 PM

It took me about 5 weeks of fairly dedicated play to get the platinum trophy. The game gets easier once you learn the worlds and hone your strategies on the bosses, figuring out each bosses weakness makes your run throughs quicker. I also purposely purposely did the bad ending as it raises the difficulty further each ng+, which also raises the xp you earn.

For extra xp everywhere, change your PS3's date to october 31st, 2009, and enjoy the halloween special event, all worlds max black!~

1 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 6:15:14 PM

Sorry but I really don't have time for all that.

3 up, 5 down

kraygen
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 6:35:24 PM

@ axe99

Its only clunky if you're wearing big heavy armor. Wear something light and you can roll like a bouncy ball.

3 up, 1 down

ace_boon_coon
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 7:03:10 PM

@ world

i see you brought back the old school ninja photo

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 7:59:40 PM

After lots of market research I think it reflects me best.

1 up, 0 down

main_event05
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 8:36:26 PM

"bunnies and butterflies as enemies"

lol, sounds like maplestory
yea i play it.
so what?

0 up, 0 down

WolfCrimson
Thursday, April 15, 2010 @ 3:53:31 AM

@mainevent

Pffft and you call yourself a gamer.
lol jk :P

0 up, 0 down

maxpontiac
Thursday, April 15, 2010 @ 2:53:14 PM

With World on this one.

I am not interested in dying repeatedly. I don't need to be frustrated by my hobby.

It's why I will never get several Platinums on my trophy list.

0 up, 0 down

main_event05
Saturday, April 17, 2010 @ 2:51:12 AM

lol, not A gamer, THE gamer, i'm not called main_event for nothing.

0 up, 0 down

Arvis
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 3:24:41 PM
Reply

The article's body text keeps disappearing after the page loads. I had to refresh the page 10 times just to read the article. :(

@Scarecrow: I feel that same way, only about Resonance of Fate.

-Arvis

1 up, 0 down

ace_boon_coon
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 4:10:50 PM

scroll back up and it should reappear. that keeps happening to me also

0 up, 0 down

FullmetalX10
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 4:12:12 PM

I had that too, but I just had to scroll down till the text was above my screen, then scroll back up and it was there like always, try it, might work.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 5:54:16 PM

I have to go through the stupid email and password verification EVERY single time I log onto this site from my laptop.

2 up, 1 down

ace_boon_coon
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 7:23:39 PM

well at least it's not an isolated incident

0 up, 0 down

Superman915
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 3:26:02 PM
Reply

great news, they deserve every sale for this excellent PS3 exclusive.

I am surprised that they didn't think Heavy Rain would do 1 million though.

2 up, 0 down

Darthvintage
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 3:27:19 PM
Reply

Im Still On The Dragon God.

Hate his one hit kill's

1 up, 0 down

mexgeo86
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 3:38:16 PM
Reply

Here's to hoping for a sequel. Even though initially they said none was on the way, some weeks/months ago the idea did rise up again.

Last edited by mexgeo86 on 4/14/2010 3:39:06 PM

4 up, 0 down

FlyingKickPunch
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 3:40:14 PM
Reply

i killed the maiden in black, but she resurrected herself, and it was hilarious! she said "i'm sorry, i cannot die" lol

persona 3 portable comes out soon too, so that should add some coinage to their coffers.

3 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 3:56:44 PM

You bastard!

How could you even think about hurting her?

She's the nicest person ever....EVER!

lol@"I cannot die"

Last edited by Scarecrow on 4/14/2010 3:57:10 PM

3 up, 0 down

FlyingKickPunch
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 4:22:10 PM

yeah this game caused some severe fits of rage :)

"touch the demon inside me" lol

3 up, 0 down

Alienange
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 4:15:45 PM
Reply

It's kinda funny how their estimates have been pretty close up until Demon's Souls. I wonder where they come up with their estimates?

Just do me one favor Atlus. Don't underestimate the sales of Persona 5. I want to be able to find a copy on day one.

4 up, 0 down

FullmetalX10
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 4:16:29 PM
Reply

Damn, still need to get this too, though I think I can get this one at a lower price now, since it's been some months, so many good games I still need to play.

They should have sold it in Europe too, sales would've spiked.

0 up, 0 down

LegendaryWolfeh
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 4:34:32 PM
Reply

Makes me think of Heavenly Sword, just what WERE their estimates if these 'recent' games had such low guesses...

0 up, 0 down

Alienange
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 4:45:22 PM

No kidding. Apparently the arrogance during the launch of the PS3 ran deep.

0 up, 0 down

telly
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 5:01:08 PM
Reply

The latest evidence that more than other consumer groups -- movie-goers, book-readers, etc. -- video game fans typically pay very close attention to what the critics say. Sure, there are some robots who just buy Madden and Call of Duty, but most of us here critics we like and respect sing the Hosannahs about some game we would have otherwise blown off, and we LISTEN TO THEM. A nice point of pride for us gamers, I say.

2 up, 0 down

Alienange
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 6:32:56 PM

Right. We don't want to be robots and just buy Madden and CoD. We want to be proud drones who do what the reviewers tell us.

Did I get that right?

2 up, 1 down

telly
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 9:26:38 PM

Yes, you totally got it

2 up, 0 down

AirplanePeanuts
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 5:37:52 PM
Reply

Game is so good.

Sometimes I think Atlus is looking out for me and me alone.

3 up, 0 down

mid10smaradoarg
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 5:47:39 PM
Reply

sup guys,sorry for the out of topic but we already need a firmware update cause i cant watch youtube videos on the ps3 browser due to the old flash software.did u notice that???? or is my ps3????

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 5:56:10 PM

dunno man, ask in the forums.

1 up, 0 down

Alienange
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 6:33:59 PM

I guess some people honestly believe they won't get an answer in the forums.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 6:44:30 PM

They be wrong.

2 up, 0 down

Alienange
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 6:54:50 PM

Indeed. The_Benny will swoop in with his unlimited knowledge and pwn your question.

1 up, 1 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 5:59:18 PM
Reply

Congrats to Atlus and FromSoft, I want Atlus especially to have plenty of money to bring me Persona 5 as a PS3 exclusive. It's true Square Enix is now dead, but that doesn't mean Atlus and Level 5 can't keep us rollin into the next decade with RPG goodness. DS was a nice wrpg from japan but the urge for committing real life suicide was too strong for me. I would have enjoyed it more if there was a difficulty setting.

Last edited by WorldEndsWithMe on 4/14/2010 5:59:38 PM

3 up, 1 down

TEG3SH
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 6:39:23 PM
Reply

Seriously why the hell was I thumbed-down for that ???

0 up, 6 down

piratedrunk
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 6:48:16 PM

Oh that was me it was because you were way off topic and the post itself didn't exactly make much sense. You need to not worry so much about the thumbs though man take it easy.

3 up, 1 down

TEG3SH
Thursday, April 15, 2010 @ 8:23:49 AM

how was that off-topic , I acknowledged that demon souls is awesome , from all the reviews I've heard , but I'm pissed off I cant play it now, because my ps3 is across the pond , I don't care that much but still .lol

0 up, 2 down

kraygen
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 6:41:46 PM
Reply

Demon's souls is awesome. Will pick it up and play it for years to come.

Its hard, but its actually got a lot of strategy to it. Figuring out how to beat certain creatures, not just bosses but everyone you encounter. It's awesome.

This is good news, hope they give us a sequel with move tech.

1 up, 0 down

FM23
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 7:18:29 PM
Reply

Since I bought this game, I have not found a game that has been able to replace it when it comes to immersion, value, and satisfication. The game is intense, (this goes for gameplay and atmosphere). And thats saying a lot when you compare it to action titles like UC2 and GOWIII. Now many will say otherwise, but its hard for me to place GOWIII next to Demons Souls, Fallout 3, and GTAIV and say it has 'true' value. GOWIII action is intense and I love the game, but $60 can be spent more 'wisely' if you consider value. Now Demons Souls is not hard like people say it is and it doesn't cheat you out of a victory because every death comes from your bad choices. People say its hard because of the limited amount of checkpoints and to those people I say "Do you die that much in a game that you can't enjoy a game that punishes you for being foolish?". I am not talking trash, just stating the obvious, so no one thumb me down because you think I am insulting you. Anyway Demons Souls is my favorite game this generation along with Fallout3. Of course MGS4, GTA IV, UC2, GOWIII, Heavy Rain, etc. are up there, but if I had to choose one game out all of these great games, the battle would be between Fallout 3 and Demons Souls and maybe GTA IV. Demons Souls deserves to be experienced because after I played it, I realized many games were lacking what we call a 'challenge' even on hard difficulty and most if not all are 'cheap' hard. Also Demons Souls is the only game that delivers a sound story without telling a story at all. I am all about a good plotline, and I think Demons Souls did a good job at creating a believable story with the few pieces it used. That is rare just like this type of game. By now you can see I love this game the way Ben loves the FF and GT series, and I believe this is definitely one of the best games offered on the PS3. Others will think otherwise and when I take into account everything, Demons Souls is on top 'personally'. But of course the experence is no GOWIII, MGS4, or UC 2, its Demons Souls...so some will hate it, some will love it. I guess people love it because it selling and I know there are many who agree that Demons Souls may be the best thing to happen to the PS3 in 2009. Its unique and plays like little to nothing else. Glad I own a PS3 because their exclusives deliver. Nothing against Xbox 360, but wow, talk about less than unique offerings. I can't believe how similiar their exclusives are on a 'macro' scale. But at least they are shaking up things with Alan Wake which I really want to play.

2 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 8:00:33 PM

*eyes bleed* I would have read your post but...

2 up, 0 down

Snaaaake
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 7:21:53 PM
Reply

Uhh.......oh man, after reading this, I'm kinda stuck now......I'm gonna get another PS3 together with GOWIII and I was thinking of getting Heavy Rain together with it, but now........

HELP!!
Heavy Rain OR Demon's Souls??

1 up, 0 down

ace_boon_coon
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 7:25:22 PM

you might have to suck it up and get both. i"ve played heavy rain several time and trust me you do not want to miss out on that one. and the way people talk about demon's souls you might not want to miss out on that one either. that's probably going to be my next purchase

2 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 8:00:51 PM

Heavy Rain

3 up, 3 down

Oxvial
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 8:08:59 PM

get both!

4 up, 1 down

T00MuchRazMataz
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 8:10:58 PM

Demon's Souls. No contest. I've said it before. Heavy Rain isn't quite as good as everyone says. I'm not saying it's bad, or that it's not worth playing through once, but on an overall assessment of quality in a game, Demon's Souls wins without a doubt. I played through Heavy Rain once, and never plan on playing again.

Rent Heavy Rain to play through it as many times as you want(if you'll want to play more than once). It's quite short. Entertaining at times, and not a total waist.

Buy Demon's Souls. I haven't beaten it, but I've already put twice as many hours into it than Heavy Rain, and it's been very rewarding on every level.

Last edited by T00MuchRazMataz on 4/14/2010 8:12:22 PM

5 up, 2 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 8:46:09 PM

Too much razzmatazz indeed.

0 up, 1 down

RebelJD
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 8:10:27 PM
Reply

Go Sony! Go Sony! Go Go Playstation!

1 up, 0 down

Naztycuts
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 8:15:54 PM
Reply

Does this mean we might get a DS2? I remember hearing a rumor about it. I would love mic support and full time co op, since they would most likely want to expand on the things that made the 1st fun for those of us that enjoyed it.

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 9:35:20 PM

it is likely

1 up, 1 down

Robochic
Wednesday, April 14, 2010 @ 11:44:54 PM
Reply

I bought this game for my husband even though he finds it frustrating he says its' really good and the challenge is well worth it. I haven't played it myself but like I have always said once school is done and I win the LOTTO I'll have plenty of time LOL ok still have time once school is done.. Winning the Lotto is a dream ;)

2 up, 0 down

FM23
Thursday, April 15, 2010 @ 12:03:09 AM
Reply

@Snaaaake

I would choose Demons Souls because it is actually a game, while Heavy Rain is not so much. It is definitely a must play, its in my collection, but if you have to decide on a budget, Demons Souls is the way to go because it has more value. Heavy Rain does have replay value and the story is good (not great), but I woulnd't call it a top 5 ps3 exclusive, but it is definitely a top 10 ps3 exclusive.

0 up, 0 down

___________
Thursday, April 15, 2010 @ 2:40:35 AM
Reply

yeah, and it would of sold even better if they released it here!

0 up, 0 down

slimey
Thursday, April 15, 2010 @ 4:01:37 AM
Reply

Perhaps this will convince them to release Demon's Souls here in Europe

Afterall, we have half the number of Wussy's per head compared to the US, and many of us Euro dwellers would feel quite cosy and at home in a demonic medieval netherworld

1 up, 0 down

camaro300zx
Thursday, April 15, 2010 @ 10:12:28 AM

Namco Bandai picked it up and is going to release it soon over there....good luck!!!

1 up, 0 down

OriginalSin
Thursday, April 15, 2010 @ 6:52:16 AM
Reply

^ I agree with a lot of you guys.... Bring it over here to SA as well and you will see your sales go way higher.... I mean I can't find the game anywhere....

I hope they will bring it over to the places they haven't thought of yet. Especially now that they see there are a bigger market for the game than what they though.

I am buying a new controller soon seeing my old one is really F**** and it is my original 60GB launch one.... BUT I will keep that one for when I finally get to play Demon's Soul as I heard many a folk has broken some controllers playing it.... I will even put a Plexiglas wall infront of my TV just in case.

0 up, 0 down

Tim Speed24
Thursday, April 15, 2010 @ 7:34:51 AM
Reply

Do you have to play Demons Souls online or can you play offline and finish the story?

I heard that other players leave you clues online....does that mean you can't get by if you play it without that help?

Just wondering.....

0 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Thursday, April 15, 2010 @ 11:30:27 AM

You can play it completely offline

Though, it MIGHT be harder that way (depends)

1 up, 0 down

Darthvintage
Thursday, April 15, 2010 @ 4:31:13 PM

it is not mandatory to be online, but i and as well as other will agree that if you have an active internet connection. use it.

Others will leave clues that will help And hinder you at the same time.

you are able to summon others to help you if you think the area might be too hard for you.

Regarding the clues thing. i've noticed if you die a couple of times near the archstone of a level the next time you come back, the game, not other users, will drop a hint to get you started and thats it. If you buy the game and have questions feel free to ask me.

Add me on psn

G-Wade

1 up, 0 down

ryandon69
Thursday, April 15, 2010 @ 12:01:27 PM
Reply

i love this game, so glad that i bought it, i love how it gives me a challenge.... i never thought i would enjoy it this much

1 up, 0 down

BigBoss4ever
Thursday, April 15, 2010 @ 1:20:10 PM
Reply

this is PS3's best, I had incredible fun with it, spent 180+ hours, 5 run through, soul level 182, and platinum it in 2 months. nothing is more addictive and satisfying by playing Demon's Souls in this gen. hope the profit generated by this game can help From Software and Atlus to produce the next gem soon.

Last edited by BigBoss4ever on 4/15/2010 1:20:27 PM

1 up, 0 down

Mounce
Saturday, April 17, 2010 @ 11:08:05 AM
Reply

Yes....now...MAKE DEMON'S SOULS 2, OR DLC FOR THE BROKEN PORTAL IN DS's!

0 up, 0 down

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