Buzz
(National Gazette) - There are numerous explanations for a game's failure, and choosing the wrong release timing is not uncommon.
When a game fails, there are many reasons to explain this issue. It could be due to weak gameplay mechanics, a lackluster story, or simply failing to stand out in a fiercely competitive gaming market. However, sometimes, even high-quality games can fail miserably due to just one reason: choosing the wrong release window.
Horizon: Forbidden West
Horizon: Forbidden West is the ambitious sequel to the hit Horizon Zero Dawn. It retains its strengths with impressive visuals set in a primitive era, open-world gameplay, and deep storytelling accompanied by numerous new content. However, Horizon: Forbidden West failed to meet expectations.
The reason is that the game was released just one week before Elden Ring - the highly anticipated open-world masterpiece that became the best game of 2022. Consequently, Horizon: Forbidden West faded into obscurity. It's quite unfortunate for this brand, considering its predecessor, Horizon Zero Dawn, also launched three days before the release of the critically acclaimed The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
The Legacy of Titanfall 2
Immediately upon release, Titanfall 2 received numerous positive reviews praising its quality and innovation. With its emotional storyline and varied gameplay mechanics, Titanfall 2 was expected to set a new benchmark for its brand. However, the game's sales only amounted to half of its predecessor's.
The reason? It was released just one week after Battlefield 1 - another EA title. EA aimed to position both projects as strong competitors against Blizzard's Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare. However, this decision resulted in Titanfall 2 being caught between these two major releases and failing to achieve the expected success.
The Saga of Alan Wake
Alan Wake is still considered a classic game worthy of any gamer's attention. However, it could have achieved fame much earlier if it had chosen a different release window.
Simply put, Alan Wake launched just four days before Red Dead Redemption. While the two games shared few similarities beyond their third-person perspective and emphasis on stunning visuals and compelling storytelling, the high expectations surrounding Red Dead Redemption overshadowed Alan Wake's potential success.
