3D Dot Game Heroes, Demon's Souls Smash Sales Expectations

When you make great games, you shouldn't be surprised at great sales.

But Atlus always seems to be conservative when it comes to sales estimates for their games, which usually prove to be more popular than anticipated. Two of the publisher's most recent games have greatly exceeded expectations: as reported by Siliconera, Atlus expected to sell only 25,000 copies of 3D Dot Game Heroes in the US...and to date, it has sold over 160,000 units. Demon's Souls is Atlus USA's best-selling title, coming in at 380,000 copies so far; the original expectation was only 150,000. If you're wondering, their new project - Catherine - is expected to sell 150,000 as well but if history is any guide, that should outperform, too. They really thought 3D Dot Game Heroes would sell 25,000 copies in the US? Really? ...sometimes I think the Japanese forget that we were playing games in the '80s and '90s, too. A throwback to the good ol' days, Atlus' charming homage really resonated with a lot of veteran hardcore gamers; how could it not? As for Demon's Souls, well, it's just a fantastic, unique game, and it deserves its reward.

Heck, I own both. Okay, so they sent them to me...but I kept them, didn't I? What about you? Are you rewarding Atlus?

Tags: 3d dot game heroes, demons souls, atlus game sales

10/21/2010 9:05:01 PM Ben Dutka

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Comments (51 posts)

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Neo_Aeon666
Thursday, October 21, 2010 @ 9:33:50 PM
Reply

Love Atlus and bought both games.

I would have liked Demon's Souls to have a bigger marketing budget here in NA because SO many customers have never heard of it when I show them the box and it is such an amazing game...

I am pretty sure it could've reached the million here if the general mass actually knew it existed lol

3 up, 0 down

Nickjcal
Thursday, October 21, 2010 @ 9:38:11 PM
Reply

im thinkin about rebuying demons souls i want some challenge haha although i wish they had some extra add ons for it for more replayability

Last edited by Nickjcal on 10/21/2010 9:38:39 PM

0 up, 0 down

Geobaldi
Thursday, October 21, 2010 @ 9:53:05 PM
Reply

I preordered Heroes long before release. It looked like Zelda. It played like Zelda. Heck it was Zelda. Just with updated visuals. And it's been one of the most enjoyable games this year.

Demon's Souls I bought as well months after release, but have yet to really get into it. Think I've played maybe 20 minutes total so far. I need to stop just buying all the games and actually playing and finishing them instead of playing them until the next new one comes along.

2 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Thursday, October 21, 2010 @ 11:19:10 PM

Heh, I've got that problem too. I just wish that they would stop releasing must-have games for four months. I might be able to catch up then. Or I could just take more days off work...

On second thought no, I need the money.
Peace.

1 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Thursday, October 21, 2010 @ 11:33:52 PM

Geo,

You'd be a smart gamer if you bought one game, beat it, then moved onto the next game. You'd save a lot of money. It's a win/win for you. You get to complete the game you're currently playing and the next game that interests you will most likely be cheaper.

7 up, 0 down

Geobaldi
Thursday, October 21, 2010 @ 11:37:56 PM

I've been this way since the Atari 2600 days so most likely there's no hope for me at this stage lol. Once in a while a game comes out that'll keep me captivated enough to beat all the way through before I move on to the next. 3D Dot Game Heroes was one of those in fact.

2 up, 0 down

Alienange
Thursday, October 21, 2010 @ 10:00:55 PM
Reply

That is some crazy low expectations but good for them. They need a wakeup call like this. Bring on Persona.

2 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Thursday, October 21, 2010 @ 10:08:23 PM
Reply

With such low estimates I think they forgot the size/population of the USA. Hell even a crappy game like Too Human sold nearly 700k.

1 up, 0 down

Scarecrow
Thursday, October 21, 2010 @ 10:19:23 PM
Reply

Low development costs is a great thing. This is what allowed From Software and ATLUS to be so successful with Demon's Souls. They didn't go expending more than they should so they didn't need to sell millions to make it all back. They're just being smart, that's all.

Good for ATLUS, both games are very fun.

0 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Thursday, October 21, 2010 @ 10:23:59 PM
Reply

LV: Takes me about 4 seconds to get rid of a bot and all its posts. Nice little addition by our tech guy.

Maybe you can do something else for the buck. ;)

1 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Thursday, October 21, 2010 @ 10:38:04 PM

Haha, glad to hear your tech guy is making things easier dealing with the bots. Besides we both know the things I'd do for a dollar are pretty detrimental to everyone's health.

1 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Thursday, October 21, 2010 @ 11:21:32 PM

Can you do that with a real user too? That's kinda scary. And LV, I don't even want to think about the things you'd do for a dollar... Let's just never mention that topic again.
Peace.

3 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 12:02:00 AM

I can do it with anyone (or anything) who/that signs up to post.

...that's right. Be careful. ;)

Last edited by Ben Dutka PSXE on 10/22/2010 12:02:21 AM

2 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 12:24:02 AM

I'd say I'm pretty safe. I'd be gone a long time ago if you had a problem with my way of doing things.

2 up, 0 down

Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 12:44:33 AM

LOL You're immune. Wouldn't quite be PSXE without you.

4 up, 0 down

BikerSaint
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 12:45:44 AM

Hmmm, seems I missed all the fun with that bots post.

And I'm usually on top of them with the spam button too

0 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Thursday, October 21, 2010 @ 10:32:46 PM
Reply

Good news for Atlus. I think it goes to show that if you budget your production values right you can still be profitable even if you didn't spend a truck-load to get it there. Ninja Theory should take notes. In their case, 1.5million sales wasn't enough for Heavenly Sword.

Sometimes I wonder if big budget hollywood-style cinematics that chew up tons of development dollars are drowning out the breadth of true gaming ingenuity. With so many games coming out these days that clock in around 5-7hours, yet promise big explosions and cinematic dramatics that charm over critics that net it good reviews may be diminishing the real value of what makes gaming entertainment so special to those who've been part of gaming since the days of Atari 2600.
Anyway, I can go on forever so I'll cut it short there.

4 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Thursday, October 21, 2010 @ 10:40:21 PM

The biggest pain I have as a gamer is the trend now to go BIG so were left with long development times, inflated hype that can't possibly meet expectations, and games have amazing production values but no better gameplay than a game with half the budget.

If a game is taking place in Chicago I don't need a certain bridge perfectly duplicated to enjoy the game.

Last edited by LimitedVertigo on 10/21/2010 10:40:32 PM

3 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Thursday, October 21, 2010 @ 11:28:56 PM

You're right. I'd like to see more games clock in at 10 hours+ with a single play through, and not rely on spectacle. If you can do both of those things, that's fine by me, if not I'll take the longer experience. I like simple complexity... if that makes sense.
Peace.

1 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Thursday, October 21, 2010 @ 11:32:01 PM

Does anyone here have SaintsRow2? I recently bought it and I realized it has Co-op. I want to Co-op!!!!!

0 up, 0 down

Geobaldi
Thursday, October 21, 2010 @ 11:47:28 PM

I have the PC version on Steam so not sure if that'll help you not.

Last edited by Geobaldi on 10/21/2010 11:47:44 PM

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 12:26:25 AM

It doesn't help me but I'm glad to hear you got it from Steam.

0 up, 0 down

Kiryu
Thursday, October 21, 2010 @ 11:12:47 PM
Reply

Then y did they make From Dark Multiplatform!

0 up, 0 down

Orvisman
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 8:16:47 AM

They didn't do that, From Software did. From Software published DS in Japan.

0 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Thursday, October 21, 2010 @ 11:23:47 PM
Reply

Okay, either they have zero confidence in their dev teams and games, or they intentionally keep their estimates low in order to not be surprised if they don't sell. Anyway, good to know that people are still supporting such brilliant titles as these. I must beat Demon's Souls, but I can't find the time... But I don't know if 3D Dot Game Heroes is for me. Either way, can't wait for Catherine.
Peace.

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Thursday, October 21, 2010 @ 11:31:19 PM

Do you like:

-old school game mechanics
-witty humor
-challenging boss battles
-towns
-world maps
-tons of bad ass swords that can take up the entire screen
-games that cost under $25 brand new

?

1 up, 0 down

Geobaldi
Thursday, October 21, 2010 @ 11:33:57 PM

If you loved the very first Zelda, then you'll love Dot Heroes. I sure hope this one gets a sequel at some point down the line, if possible.

1 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Thursday, October 21, 2010 @ 11:40:28 PM

LV,
Quite. But I think that a lot of the nostalgia that seems to be the basis of the game will be lost on me, which lead me to...

Geobaldi,
I only really got back into gaming this gen, and the closest thing that I've played to this was I believe Ultima V on the Sega Mega Drive, which I hated with a burning passion. Never played any Zelda title.
Peace.

0 up, 0 down

LimitedVertigo
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 12:25:29 AM

Lawless,

Nostalgia aside the game offers far more to anyone unfamiliar with 8bit gaming. I strongly urge you to give the game a try. If you avoid all the side quests you can easily beat the game in under 15hrs.

1 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 12:46:44 AM

Alright, I'll give it a look sooner or later.

0 up, 1 down

LimitedVertigo
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 12:54:36 AM

If you don't I'm coming for you. I don't care if it's an 18hr flight.

2 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 1:01:03 AM

Well that's frightening. And that's based just off what I've read you saying on here.

1 up, 0 down

Havoc
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 5:09:47 AM

You realize Atlus is only the publisher. So those games could be very different. Im pretty sure From Software isnt invovled with Catherine.

0 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 6:05:36 AM

Yeah Havoc, I know. But Atlus made the estimates and Catherine is sounding sick as, so it's relevant.
Peace.

0 up, 0 down

Shams
Thursday, October 21, 2010 @ 11:43:35 PM
Reply

Titles like Demon's Souls and 3D Dot Heroes are the ones that are particularly hurt by used sales in the long run. They don't yield the first day/week/month sales that other higher-profile games do, and the trickle of new customers over the remaining months and years is negated by the trickle of trade-ins and buybacks.

Here's to From Software's success going multiplatform with Project Dark. You can't blame them, and they deserve to be rewarded for the quality they produce. I don't think it will yield a massive increase in sales, nor even double it (as i'm sure there will still be more ps3 customer purchases), but it will give them even more exposure which they need and deserve.

0 up, 0 down

Gordo
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 1:15:29 AM
Reply

Demon's Souls is amazing. I'm starting to really like what is coming from Atlus and Platinum Games. Some real originality and good back to basics gameplay...

Kudos well deserved...

1 up, 1 down

BTNwarrior
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 1:24:52 AM
Reply

I just really hope that some day they will release a demon's souls 2, or at the very least release a dlc expantion pack for demons souls where the 6th arch stone is fixed

1 up, 0 down

Shams
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 1:45:05 AM

Project Dark is allegedly the spiritual successor to Demon's Souls, which From Software is currently developing for both HD consoles.

But i hear ya about the 6th arch stone. The DLC may not even be a bad idea, considering how just about every DS customer would eat it up, so it might even be worth it to FS.

0 up, 0 down

bigrailer19
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 1:25:17 AM
Reply

My roomate bought demons souls whennit camemout we beat it! Whicheans although I did playbit, it didn't end up in my library and I didn't contribute, but good gamete sure!

A for 3d dot game heroes its on my Christmas list. Along with heavy rain and fallaout: new Vegas! Hmm that's a good list! But I've really wanted to try 3d dot game heroes since I heard bout it! Can't wait to play it!

0 up, 0 down

bigrailer19
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 1:26:38 AM

Wow I really can't get used to the iPhone so i apologize for that mess! I'm not even gonna borer fixing it lol!

1 up, 0 down

___________
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 1:51:35 AM
Reply

would done allot better if they released the former here, and the latter a lot earlier!
still waiting for 3D dot game heroes, was really looking forward to it because its the closest thing to zelda you can get without owning a wii.
oh well, i guess its time to get the dust buster out.
hope i dont find too many spiders.

0 up, 3 down

Lawless SXE
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 3:12:02 AM

3D Dot Game Heroes was released here. I've seen it in stores a couple of times at least. Just googled it and it was released in May, so I don't know what you're on about mate.
Peace.

1 up, 0 down

___________
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 8:36:53 AM

WHAT!
ive been to EB a few times asking for it and each time been told it has not released yet.

0 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 9:47:51 AM

Apparently it has. Have you tried in JB Hi-Fi. Because I think that's where I saw it.
Peace.

0 up, 0 down

Lawless SXE
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 9:56:49 AM

Even the PS AU home site says it was released on May 13. Rip into those useless pricks at EB next time you go in there mate, cos they need some incentive to research beaten into them.

http://au.playstation.com/ps3/games/detail/item265598/3D-Dot-Game-Heroes/

Peace.

0 up, 0 down

Gordo
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 5:44:39 PM

3D Dot Heroes only $49AU new at JB HiFi. Has been out for ages...

0 up, 0 down

Deleted User
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 6:24:17 AM
Reply

well i played both games and didn't really care for both although i liked the addiction of sackboy in 3d dot game heros but still wasn't my cup of tea

2 up, 2 down

Wissam
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 7:12:02 AM
Reply

That's why they like to back stab the people
how supported their games by going multi platform. project dark anyone.it look exactly like DS but with anther name.do they think xbots
really cares for such games. nevertheless demon's souls was a fantastic game.

Last edited by Wissam on 10/22/2010 7:12:40 AM

1 up, 0 down

nilos95
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 7:13:36 AM
Reply

i got both and will get catherine. and of course i will buy 2 copies for Persona 5 when it comes, one for use and one for collection

2 up, 0 down

JPBooch
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 8:44:16 AM
Reply

I own the CE of Demon's Souls for north America and the regular edition for Asia. I will eventually buy the UK version too. It is simply a cult classic. As witnessed by the speed run, there are myriads of people that play the crap out of that game. What's funny is that if you talk to the real HC Demon's Souls people, that speed run was no big deal. A woman on my friends list has beat the game 4 times only leveling up to 19.

The real beauty in DS is the online BP inflitration. It is so wonderfully done.

As for 3D Dot, I platinumed it and returned it on a rental. It was good from a nostalgic perspective but the mini-game difficulty really left a sour taste in my mouth. My thumbs were raw for two weeks after doing the dash games.

Last edited by JPBooch on 10/22/2010 8:44:34 AM

1 up, 1 down

hehateme
Friday, October 22, 2010 @ 5:52:56 PM
Reply

i still have to get both these games , ive had my eye on 3d dot game heroes for awhile now

0 up, 0 down

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