Bethesda: Dishonored clearly a new franchise
Marketing boss says sales are far exceeding expectations
Bethesda has been singing the praises of its latest hit, Dishonored, reporting better than expected sales and a bright future for the steampunk stealth title.
"I can tell you that Dishonored is far exceeding our sales expectations, which is especially cool considering it's new IP facing a host of well-established franchises this quarter," Bethesda's VP of PR and marketing Pete Hines told Destructoid
"We did terrific numbers again this past weekend, both in stores and on Steam, where Dishonored was listed as the #1 selling title over the holiday weekend. And Dishonored has really sold well overseas. So, we're very pleased and appreciate all the fans that have supported Dishonored and Arkane. We clearly have a new franchise."
The game scored well with critics, and in August Arkane's Harvey Smith spoke to GamesIndustry International about launching the new IP.
"I haven't always been successful with the types of games I want to make...but Bethesda has had great success with following the creative vision of teams. It's the right combination at the right time. It could have turned out every differently."
Word of mouth seems to have been at least partly responsible for its continued sales success. It wasn't on my radar at all until a few colleagues recommended it.
I really hope by that he isn't thinking "now we've got an excuse to churn out the same IP over and over every year". Why is Dishonored doing so well? Because it's NEW (and very good) IP that gamers are desperate for. I only bought it the other day and I'm liking it a lot so far, but I don't want to see it rehashed over and over. I don't mind sequels, but only if there's some breathing space between them.
How is this a franchise when the story has nowhere to go?
Done right they will keep the fans of Dishonoured on board while doing new things.
/* SPOILER ALERT */
Daud descendants and disciples, they're also a brotherhood-like and would be interesting to know what would happen to them.
/* END SPOILER */
I just hope Bethesda don't make things like Activision with its anuals CODs and take 2K's or Ubisoft's way instead (AFAIK, AC IP is not launched every year).
Then again, Rat Swarms versus Tallboys, anyone? Just kidding...
Which is a Zenimax subsidiary.
Edited 1 times. Last edit by David Radd on 29th November 2012 3:59pm
You look at the game chart and like 90% of the games are just "something 2/3/4" or "something: the new subtitle". Its nice that a different type of first person game can be released without involving the good ol U.S of A going to some middle eastern country in the name of democracy.But another franchise? Why not just let this one age gracefully or stop while its hot rather than being milked further into blandness and boredom year after year. The obviously have a good team, let them do something original again! Come back to it in a few years time (5/6) and it'll feel fresh again.
This game isso much about decision making.
I buyd this game on steam during the sale week. As many i was misguided by ther marketing: just another killing spree game..
Is it so hard to sell games with emotions and decidions? The story and charakters are strong in this game.. And non of this is announced in the trailer..