We already know how much Hatsune Miku Project Diva F sold. But is this enough for a sequel? Not according to Nakanohito, spokesperson for Hatsune Miku, who stated on his twitter that seeing the current sales trend it will be difficult to make a sequel.
Also interesting is that the download version of the game only accounted for 10% of sales, 90% was the box version. Nakanohito has stated that his team at SEGA want Hatsune Miku Project Diva F to be the best selling Playstation Vita title of 2012 and will work hard achieving this.
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I’m not surprised that the retail versions of console/handheld games almost overwhelmingly outsell their digital counterparts. For basically the same price, you have a physical copy of the game (which you can then trade in for credit when you’re done with it, something you can’t do with digital) and why would anyone refuse that?
Anyone who bought New Super Mario Bros 2 digitally….well, anyone who bought that game for $40 to begin with is getting ripped off, lol. but anyone who bought the game Digitally especially….like, why would anyone do that?
Anyway, surprised that development costs are so high, this being a handheld title, but that’s the problem with a “HD handheld console.” Not necessary a good thing.
who gives a fuck
^lol. wow.
Game sells really well.
SEGA doesn’t like this idea so they don’t make a sequel to take advantage of this.
Keep classy SEGA!
In all seriousness…SEGA FINALLY find something they can sell very well with but decide to not do it due to the costs?
Erm…okay? So you like wasting money SEGA when you pretty much do on other, less successful projects? I am not a fan of Miku myself, but when you find something that makes a profit…guess what? YOU CARRY IT ON AND USE THAT MONEY TO FUND YOURSELF WITH! Geez SEGA….
I guess what they’re saying is that with the money they spent on developing this game, it’s unlikely to profit, even with good sales.
The problem with this franchise is that it’s basically Japan-only…so the sales it gets there are IT.
That’s going to be a major problem with the Vita going forward, since HD development of *actual games* is expensive (whether on a handheld or not) and the Vita has basically no chance at success in the West.
This may have sold better than the 3DS Miku game but I wouldn’t be surprised if the 3DS game is more profitable.
Since the Vita is region free, there are sales from importers but I doubt that factors into the sales as a whole. As for the boxed version, perks such as pre-order and special edition items make that far more appealing than just downloading the game by itself along with the idea of having a physical copy in your hand.
Marketing plays a major role in the life of a company and it’s products. When they have countless promotions and advertisements in many other countries for games and systems it’s usually why they tend to last longer then in the West. I think back on all the PSP commercials in the US and can barely remember them, we never did much in the way of viral advertising. Most of it was either web-based or word of mouth with some slight specific spots in magazines mixed with poor television ads.
One idea SEGA had back in E3 for this game was to test out the waters by having a partially translated demo, leading people to think of there being plans for international release. While no word has been touted around about such a thing yet, apparently it’s still being considered however who knows if it will ever happen. Just take a look at Phantasy Star Portable II Infinity along with many others for an example. I hate to say it but I don’t think that even with an international release you’d see more sales. You stated before it’s more of a Japan-oriented franchise, which does play a factor but also the idea of the familiarity for the franchise itself. In other words without releasing the other games of the series along with this one internationally, how do people begin to familiarize with it enough to keep buying future releases?
Take Halo for example, even if you haven’t played it at least you know of it’s existence and what kind of game-play to expect of it and of course what platform it’s on. But who’s to say that’s the same mentality in other countries?
Same can be said for the Vocoloids themselves, yes they are gaining popularity more in the US than before but it’s only a start and is it enough to support the merchandise if it were to be delivered here? I am a Vocoloid fan but even I think in logistics.
Another down side is losing different features within the localized versions, when a company gains approval to localize a game there can be many issues with advertisers and licensing with promotional articles such as DLC. That can effect the sales of a game in other countries if they don’t have access to the same materials as another.
Personally I would suggest they leave in the option to select the original Japanese vocals for the songs if we do have a localized version because it’s the original charm of how the song was made that makes it more of a unique experience then if it’s just adjusted for others to understand. It’s like taking a fast song and slowing it down, yeah it’s different but is it really better? Not to mention create some way to obtain the original songs from the other games because otherwise, what’s the point?
At this point, one of the best things they could do is develop the PS3 version either by making it a stand alone game or continue with the Dreamy Theatre route. And perhaps think about investing in more PS3 exclusive titles considering that system is more active than the Vita at this point. I know it would break the familiarity of the franchise seeing as the portable aspect makes it more enjoyable but economic survival is crucial for future planning.
Now on the whole HD console issue, whenever a new format of media or advancement in technology comes about there is always many issues along with some of the plus effects. Most of which have to do with cost and development, however if a company like Sony makes a request for a game based on the popularity of it’s predecessors then it’s more than likely that it will happen even if it takes longer than expected, sometimes not even the way it was originally intended.
In other words, I doubt this will be the very last Project Diva game as a whole. It’s more a matter of how they want to press forward in the future with development of the next games in a way that they can profit. So if the Vita is not the way to go, where would be the best outlet for survival.
Personally I hope they develop at least the PS3 version, I have no plans to buy a Vita anytime soon.
The fact that the game is Japan (and Asia) only is their own fault too, so they can’t blame that either.