Demon's Souls sales are 'impressive'

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Home Atlus

8:00 PM on 11.14.2009, Jim Sterling

48 comments

Demon's Souls sales are 'impressive' photo

#Atlus #NPD data #PS3 #Role Playing Games

Games like Demon's Souls aren't supposed to sell well. A super hardcore, obscure RPG published by Atlus? Yeah, those games don't sell well. Except the game actually is selling well, at least by its own standards. With a little over 150,000 copies shifted in October, Demon's Souls actually made it to number eleven in the US cross-platform sales chart.

NPD gave the numbers to Gamasutra, where Demon's Souls is listed above Brutal Legend. While not in the top ten, and while the numbers aren't exactly indicative of a blockbuster, it's an amazing success for a game as humble as Demon's Souls. The fact it's anywhere on the chart is surprising and very encouraging.

We've not reviewed Demon's Souls, but if one of us ever finds the balls and time to beat it, we will do such a thing. We've certainly produced plenty of articles and videos on it though, so check out the coverage. It really is one of the best PS3 games ever made. You owe it to yourself to experience it.

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46 comments | showing # 1 to 46

Kraid

"Games like Demon's Souls aren't supposed to sell well. A super hardcore, obscure RPG published by Atlus?"

It's a PSTriples exclusive , of course it will sell. And it's good son!

Skribble

Still haven't got enough money to import this :(

Seriously do want.

BGFUSAB

I'm glad to see it's doing well. It's great for Atlus, and I'm happy for every bit of success they have. Furthermore, I hope this helps spawn a sequel. I've really enjoyed the game and my gripes with it are few, but I'm hoping that in a sequel a lot of my little complaints will get rectified.

At any rate, for those who haven't checked it out yet, you really should. Don't be put off by all the articles talking about it's difficulty. It is a very beatable game and like most RPGs, there's a built in way to make the game easier if you're in a tough spot, level up. I'm not saying you won't be challenged, I'm just saying that the game is by no means impossible.

pl0x kthanxbai

first persona 4, now demon's souls

is atlus finally being recognized as the superb RPG devs that they are?

i hope so, they wont be overthrowing square anytime soon (in sales), however, i heard they were a bit reluctant to fully enter into the next gen (atleast on the xbox360/ps3 front) so these news are definitively inspiring

BGFUSAB

@plox kthanxbai:
Only, Atlus didn't develop Demon Souls, they just localized it for the US (and actually, it's my understanding they didn't change up the translation from the Asian English version too much. From Software were the developers.

They've brought a couple games to the 360 (not their own work) and they were all slammed in the press. Atlus Japan put our a hiring call for next gen developers recently so it looks like their headed that way. They really have to, it doesn't matter how good P5 is, if it's on the PS2, it isn't going to sell like it could. (I'd buy it though).

Ruben Hanssen

Hope I'll get to pick this up eventually...

RaunchyBulbasaur

@pl0x

Demon's Souls was developed by From Software. Atlus just published it in the U.S.

funran

Yeah I really enjoy this game, I havent beat it yet though..

RaunchyBulbasaur

And apparently I don't type fast enough.

necrozen

Man I am really hoping they make another one of these! This game really hit a sweet spot with me.

pl0x kthanxbai

BGFUSAB and RaunchyBulbasaur

yes i know that, even that, they were the ones that went foward and published it overseas

also BGFUSAB, most of those games werent even RPGs

btw p4 sold half million units, youd be surprised of how powerful is the word of mouth

Qraze

thats pretty good. the ps3 is finally getting the rpg's and most have been good.

World Eater

If Atlus and Nippon Ichi had a baby, it would be the most beautiful child ever conceived.

Mushman

Very good news, I do hope they release some sort of demo on PSN, even though my ps3 YLOD'd knowing when it works again a demo of a great game will be waiting would be excellent.

Now fingers crossed they are working on P5 for the ps3. ;)

Wedge

Don't count on a demo for the game... there was never one for Japan so I don't imagine they'll be making one here. If you like action RPG's, just get the damn thing, it's EASILY the best one made in years. Makes a lot of other games look like bad jokes, since how you set up your stat build is a big deal and knowing how to make use of your equipment is a matter of life and death. Instead of the usual crap where you can run around and smash everything to pieces with any weapon like some ubergod.

CelicaCrazed

I still need to get this game. End of semester present to myself maybe??

Sexualchocolate

Maybe this can nudge a european publisher to pick it up? Seriously can't believe you can't buy this in europe!

Still, i imported from asia and fucking love it.

deadline

I looked forward to Brutal Legend and Dragon's age for years. I pre-ordered both of them, as well as Demon's Souls. Unfortunately I've barely made a dent in Brutal Legend and haven't even put the Dragon Age disc in all because I can't tear myself away from Demon's Souls.

The game is really not that difficult, you just have to be careful and cautious. When I find myself rushing through a level or otherwise being careless then I die. I've fought against 7 bosses and only 3 of them have been able to kill me.

Demon's Souls is one of those rare games I just can't stop thinking about. When I'm not playing it I'm thinking about it, reading about it, or talking about it. It's good to hear it is getting the sales it deserves.

Mushman

@wedge Unfortunately, living in the UK, this game has no release date set, and I don't know if and when it will be released over here. Importing is out of the question as it will be quite expensive. Hence the hope for the demo!

dwolfwood

"We've not reviewed Demon's Souls, but if one of us ever finds the balls and time to beat it, we will do such a thing."

I think you're hyping the game up too much here. It's a hard game no doubt and probably the most incredible game I've played this entire generation, but it's not super long.

I beat the game at level 60 in about 2 weeks while only playing on weekends. What it does offer however is an enormous amount of replay value since you can level to a ludicrous number, like 1000 or something as well as play a new game+, and there's multiple routes and endings in the game.

pascuz46

Great for the Devs and for the RPG fans. It seems the PS3 audience has spoken, lets hope that Demon Souls gets a sequel and becomes a great franchise like Persona. I really wish I could like RPG's, but for some reason I just can't stand them. And when I hear of great RPG's like Demon Souls, I really want to play and like them but I know I just wont. :(

Arttemis

I just got this game today... I'm getting my ass handed to me in the 90 minutes I put into it so far. The backstabs and counter attacks are incredibly satisfying, and the depth to combat (ripostes with thrusting weapons, etc, etc) is shocking!

It's nice to see it doing well!

GohanGVO

@MkShiranui

While it is difficult to know whether the game has been a profitable venture for From Software and Atlus, this game is perceived as a success because of how little attention these types of games usually receive from consumers.

Electrium

For being an RPG (sort-of) on a single console, that's really impressive. I'm glad the game got a lot of attention, it deserved it.

I still haven't played it, though, since I'm not a PS3 owner...*sigh*.

Wedge

Considering both Atlus and From/Sony had to rush to print more copies after they sold out of their respective launches, I think it's clear it's doing well. I assume they wouldn't have printed less copies than they need to make the game at least break even initially. While the game does have some pretty nice production values, the game is really not that big if you looked objectively at the amount of content, certainly compared to other games in the genre. It's all put together so well and makes such great use of what it has that this isn't a big issue however.

dwolfwood

@MkShiranui

What Wedge says. And also, I'm arguing that a developers' success depends on how their game measured up to their sales expectations. Given that Demon's Souls experienced shortages nearly everywhere in the US, resulting in more shipments to meet demand, I'd say they made a bit of money.

the7k

It's kinda amazing how many customers ask about Demon's Souls at GameStop. The only thing holding back most of them, really, is that they need a PS3 to play it.

Maybe after the holidays, that problem will be fixed.

runtheplacered

@MkShiranui,

Saying a game sold X number of units really isn't a good determination for its profitability, when you don't know about things like development and advertisement costs, for instance. So, I have no idea where you heard that automatically makes it a commercial failure, but you heard wrong.

runtheplacered

@MkShiranui,

Just for instance.. around 2000 Lambourgini's sold in 2008 and that is definitely not a commercial failure. Just 2000. In fact, that was about a 5% growth.

Jon B

This is one of the reasons I want a PS3. Looks friggin' awesome.

Cowboy TTop

Good for From Software. For too long they've been wasting their talent on those average Armoured Core mecha games, so its so nice to see them break out of that cycle. I've been largely losing faith in jrpgs (even with new FF games in the pipe), but Demons Souls, Persona 3 and 4 and Valkyria 1 and 2, are restoring some of that faith, and to be honest, bodes well for some japanese devs.

As for Atlus, its clear that they are very good at picking titles for translation. I hope to god Demon's Souls does come to U.K/EU, because even though Atlus released Operation Darkness and Spectral Force 3 on 360 in Japan and U.S ages ago, they were never released over here.

Next time, From, spread the sequel across formats for much more money. Guess I'll have to add this to my PS3 list, along with a PS3, if there's no chance of a 360 version.

fundando

WTF Jim you haven't beat this?

tgammet

I think it's silly that despite all the time and effort you've put into the game so far you still don't feel confident enough in your own opinions to actually review it. Beating a game isn't necessary to review it.

reindall

If it wasn't for Dragon Age, Demon's Soul would be the RPG of the year.

Wolfmweh

'If it wasn't for Demon's Souls, Dragon Age would be the RPG of the year.'

Fixed, seriously ;)

Grawly

Release it in Europe already

Cyber Altair

I found one copy at my gam,e store but picked Smackdown VS Raw 2010. Don't judge me buying that game is a family ritual =[

ParticleSt0rm

Don't underestimate the power or reviews.

Minamu

I'd love to experience it, but alas, there's no EU release date announced. And I don't have the patience to import it & spend all my energy in beating this game at this time ^^

TheJesusNinja26

For the review just have Magnalon write one. He basically the resident expert here on Dtoid about the game.

Demtor

So glad Destructoid and other sites gave this game so much love. I think it really helped move sales by creating a credible buzz. Demon's Souls deserves it too. Can't wait for the sequel.

Paul Rodenburg

So cool, I want it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyeemtS1jII

killerpickles

Awesome stuff.
I never have so much fun dying so much in a game before...

Starrynight

I want this game, I just can't buy it right now =(
but I will once I get the chance

texasgoldrush

"'If it wasn't for Demon's Souls, Dragon Age would be the RPG of the year.'

Fixed, seriously ;)"

Sorry but Dragon Age is superior to Demon's Souls. Its got a great naarative, great characters, and is actually a true RPG, unlike Demon's Souls.

Demon's Souls is good, but it is overrated.

Senger

It really doesn't take all that long to beat it the first time through, It really depends how well you adapt to the game and what class you play. Even thought all the classes are different at first, they pretty much are equal in the end depending how you allocated your points. The game is very enjoyable, and literally everyone who has a ps3 should buy this game. Yes its hard but that what makes it so addicting.

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