IGN’s gaming website explores the lackluster sales success of FF7 Rebirth in an in-depth article, questioning the undisclosed sales figures released by Square Enix two months after its launch. Unlike previous Final Fantasy installments that boasted rapid success claims, FF7 Rebirth’s sales figures remain a mystery.
Comparing sales data from various sources, it’s evident that Rebirth falls short of Remake, selling only 34% as much in the UK and 6% less than FF16 in the opening period in the US. In Japan, where physical copies still hold sway, Rebirth sold 262,656 units at launch, while Remake and FF16 sold 702,853 and 336,027 units, respectively.
Industry experts consulted by IGN suggest that Remake’s wider player base on PS4 compared to Rebirth on PS5, alongside its launch during a lockdown-induced gaming surge, may have contributed to its success. The name of the game itself plays a role, with “Remake” being more accessible and easily understood than “Rebirth,” potentially alienating non-series fans.
Despite potentially disappointing sales predictions, Rebirth boasts a thriving player base. Monthly active users on PS5 rank it 7th in March, with the highest playtime across all console games. Players spend an average of 12 days playing in March, surpassing the likes of Helldivers 2 and Fortnite.
While Rebirth may not have met sales expectations, Square Enix has opportunities to stimulate sales with the upcoming release of Intergrade on PC and potentially PS5 Pro version.
TLDR: FF7 Rebirth’s sales lag behind Remake and previous titles, but strong player engagement and upcoming releases offer hope for a sales resurgence.
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