Games

Sega Points Finger at Mario Wonder for Sonic Superstars' Sales Woes

Executives at Sega suggest that Sonic Superstars' underwhelming sales performance can be attributed to the competition from Mario Wonder.
Sega Points Finger at Mario Wonder for Sonic Superstars' Sales Woes

Highlights

  • Sonic Superstars struggled to compete with the success of Mario Wonder, impacting its sales and overshadowing its launch.
  • Sega executives imply that sales for Sonic suffered due to competing in the same genre as the highly acclaimed and successful Mario Wonder game.
  • Despite initial setbacks, Sega remains dedicated to Sonic Superstars, continuously releasing new content in hopes of achieving long-term success.

Sega executives have implied that the lackluster sales of Sonic Superstars were partially due to the competition with Super Mario Bros. Wonder during its initial release. The game, which features the iconic speedy hedgehog in a new 2D adventure, received average reviews and struggled to attract significant sales. While Sonic Superstars aimed to capture the essence of the classic series, it failed to impress critics and fans alike, resulting in disappointing sales figures.

Following its launch last year, it became evident that Sonic Superstars did not meet Sega's sales projections. Despite initial optimism from Sega, who hoped for a sales boost during the holiday season, the game continued to underperform. Executives at Sega have now shed light on the possible reasons behind this setback.

During a recent Q&A session with investors, Sega executives Makoto Takashi and Nobuaki Yoshii discussed Sonic Superstars' sales performance and hinted at the impact of competing with Super Mario Bros. Wonder. While not explicitly naming the rival game, one executive acknowledged that launching alongside a similar genre title had a negative effect on sales.

Sonic Superstars Fails to Shine Against Mario Wonder

In stark contrast to Sonic Superstars, Super Mario Bros. Wonder received high praise in 2023 and achieved remarkable sales figures. With both games offering 2D platforming gameplay and featuring beloved characters, Mario Wonder's release in the same week as Sonic Superstars likely drew attention away from the latter, as indicated by Sega executives.

It's essential to consider other contributing factors that Sega may have overlooked. The overall poor holiday sales for Sega suggest broader issues for the developer beyond the competition with Mario Wonder. Additionally, while Sonic Superstars was available on multiple platforms, Mario Wonder was exclusive to the Switch, raising questions about its impact on Sonic's sales on other consoles.

Despite the setbacks, Sega remains resolute in its support for Sonic Superstars, evident through ongoing content updates and the recent release of a free DLC costume for the game. The publisher is determined to revitalize interest in Sonic and his companions, striving for sustained sales growth in the foreseeable future.

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