Helldivers 2, launched in February, has emerged as an unexpected success, surpassing expectations and experiencing ongoing sales growth. The game, developed by Arrowhead Game Studios, has reportedly sold around 3 million copies and achieved top positions on Steam charts.
Analyst Mat Piscatella, the executive director of Circana, describes Helldivers 2 as a “rare and amazing bird” in the gaming industry. The game has defied the typical sales trend, experiencing an “inverse delay curve,” wherein sales continue to rise in its third week on the market, contrary to the usual decline seen after the initial release.
Piscatella compares Helldivers 2 to the phenomenon observed with Guitar Hero, a game that initially sold poorly but steadily gained traction through word-of-mouth, leading to sustained success. He emphasizes that Helldivers 2’s sales growth is not merely a result of temporary promotions or discounts but signifies a genuine increase in the game’s base demand.
While acknowledging that this growth won’t last indefinitely and will eventually reach a peak, Piscatella finds Helldivers 2 to be an exciting title to watch, especially in contrast to other games struggling commercially. The game’s current position as the third most popular on Steam Charts reflects its appeal and popularity among players.
Helldivers 2’s success is notable in the live service game category, standing out among well-established titles like Fortnite and Call of Duty. The game’s ability to break into this competitive space and sustain growth adds to its uniqueness in the gaming landscape.
As the industry continues to evolve, Helldivers 2’s unexpected success demonstrates the potential for games to defy conventional sales patterns and find success through engaging gameplay and positive word-of-mouth. The coming months will reveal how long the game can maintain its momentum in the market.
Source: ign.com
