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Has Sony shared any sales data from Demon's Souls (PS5, 2020)?

Heisenberg007

Gold Journalism
Right I don't care either way and seemingly Sony doesn't either but where are you getting this info from?
I think it's pretty obvious. It's not a new game, which shaves off most of the big expenses.

Graphical overhaul, new music, and some mo-cop work wouldn't have cost more than $10-$20 million. Bluepoint didn't have to create a story, stages, work on level design, create and test new. gameplay mechanics, etc.

If Demon's Souls sells 1 million copies (which it could very well have done by now, considering unofficial gameplay stats), it would have been a profitable project with a 200%+ ROI.
 
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Kokoloko85

Member
According to their landpage PS4 sold 115.83M as of now.
Sony said that as of March 31, 2021 they shipped 115.9 million.

With Switch instead they say it sold 88.84M as of now.
Nintendo said that as of March 31 they shipped 84.59 million.

Since they started traditionally have been short in their predictions for Sony, while too optimistic for other ones. Them being accurate with Sony like with the 10M is something super rare. Shipped units get sold after a few days, and way faster now Sony had production issues due to ship shortages since a year ago or so.
At the end of the day, there not too far off.
Its a decent rough guide
 

EDMIX

Member
they seem to have given info only for 1st party titles. demons souls is from bluepoint.

Well maybe. I think Sony considers it first party as they do own the IP, but not the team.

I think they are just waiting to announce the numbers along with Bluepoints acquisition.

edit. Keep in mind, I'm not even sure myself how they see any of that as its really semantics tbh

Beer Baelly Beer Baelly Doubtful.

I'd argue what they put out is safe and cost effective enough that Sony will likely always want to have a stable of remakes. Going forward, those PS1, PS2 and PS3 titles very much can get remakes and Sony might always want that option open to gauge interest in older IP.

Sony is likely always going to want to remaster and do collections of titles in the future too. So I'd say they are one of the few teams I don't really see being shut down in a generation or 2 if their quality remains.
 
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Marty-McFly

Banned
I think it's pretty obvious. It's not a new game, which shaves off most of the big expenses.

Graphical overhaul, new music, and some mo-cop work wouldn't have cost more than $10-$20 million. Bluepoint didn't have to create a story, stages, work on level design, create and test new. gameplay mechanics, etc.

If Demon's Souls sells 1 million copies (which it could very well have done by now, considering unofficial gameplay stats), it would have been a profitable project with a 200%+ ROI.
Demon's was literally PS5's flagship launch title. Without getting into the fact that it used a live orchestra with new music and featured "next gen" visuals and complete overhaul in art design, which is very costly, consider that Sony was very likely trying to recapture the Soulsborne sales magic and word of mouth that helped push PS4 in its early years.

They definitely had lofty ambitions for this title that shouldn't be downplayed.
 

Topher

Gold Member
Demon's was literally PS5's flagship launch title. Without getting into the fact that it used a live orchestra with new music and featured "next gen" visuals and complete overhaul in art design, which is very costly, consider that Sony was very likely trying to recapture the Soulsborne sales magic and word of mouth that helped push PS4 in its early years.

They definitely had lofty ambitions for this title that shouldn't be downplayed.

Miles Morales was the flagship title. That is obvious by the fact that they game charts along with PS5 availability. And that "Soulsborne sales magic" was aided by the fact that Bloodborne arrived when PS4 already had an install base of nearly 20 million and added another 15 million by years end. There are plenty of Soulsborn fans out in the world right now who simply cannot get their hands on a PS5. What Sony's "ambitions" were for Demon Souls is anyone's guess, but suggesting that those goals either have been met or the game failed is just silly.
 

Heisenberg007

Gold Journalism
Demon's was literally PS5's flagship launch title. Without getting into the fact that it used a live orchestra with new music and featured "next gen" visuals and complete overhaul in art design, which is very costly, consider that Sony was very likely trying to recapture the Soulsborne sales magic and word of mouth that helped push PS4 in its early years.

They definitely had lofty ambitions for this title that shouldn't be downplayed.
Demon's Souls could never be the flagship title. The Souls games are still a very niche genre in gaming that is usually enjoyed by hardcore fans. Miles Morales was the flagship title for Sony.

Besides, the discussion was about the profitability of the project. Assuming Demon's Souls has sold around 900,000 to 1 million copies by now (based on game stats), it means it has earned roughly $60 to $70 million. The game wouldn't have cost more than $15 to $20 million to make.

For reference, Horizon Zero Dawn cost ~$45 million to make, and Control was developed for $30 million. Both of those were brand new IPs and games. Demon's Souls was clearly a profitable project with an ROI of likely more than 200-250%.

Moreover, the game will continue to sell as PS5s become more common. It seems to have a 10% attach rate so far, which is very good. When PS5 reaches 50 million units sold, Demon's Souls would have likely sold at least 3 million copies, which would be in line with Dark Souls 3 sales. That'd be an excellent achievement.
 

FUBARx89

Member
Regardless of how well it did or didn't sell, Demon's Souls is definitely the worst Souls game and was only "surprisingly decent" in comparison to the "HD is hard" trash coming out of Japan at the time. I have no idea how or why they chose it for a AAA remake, its fanbase has always been super niche and it was never a 10 out of 10 or greatest game of all time to anyone. The game's on a similar tier to Folklore. It's like someone meme'd it into existence by constantly tweeting Shuhei with an army of bots or something.


To be fair, Demons Souls was a prototype pretty much. Miyazaki had never been the director on a game at that point either, he had only worked on AC. He took a failed RPG game and turned it into DeS.

Granted it's easy these days, but at the time there was no 8 directional rolling, it hadn't really been done at the time and we've had multiple games from Miyazaki now.

It did well enough and had enough demand to warrant it actually releasing in the USA and EU as Sony had no intentions of releasing it in the west as Yoshida thought it was shite as he couldn't get past 1-1. So I wouldn't really say it's niche.

Yeah. The game probably sold worse than returnal.

I brought this up several times in the ot but i had a lot of trouble finding players to coop. Never had this much trouble.

To be fair, bluepoint changed the servers and at time the player base said the changes would kill co-op and invading.

If they'd left them alone it wouldn't be as bad.
 

Beer Baelly

Al Pachinko, Konami President
Did Sony buy Bluepoint?

Ejyp6SCXcAA958V.jpg
 

Yoshichan

And they made him a Lord of Cinder. Not for virtue, but for might. Such is a lord, I suppose. But here I ask. Do we have a sodding chance?
Regardless of how well it did or didn't sell, Demon's Souls is definitely the worst Souls game and was only "surprisingly decent" in comparison to the "HD is hard" trash coming out of Japan at the time. I have no idea how or why they chose it for a AAA remake, its fanbase has always been super niche and it was never a 10 out of 10 or greatest game of all time to anyone. The game's on a similar tier to Folklore. It's like someone meme'd it into existence by constantly tweeting Shuhei with an army of bots or something.
Seek help
 

Kenpachii

Member
I think it's pretty obvious. It's not a new game, which shaves off most of the big expenses.

Graphical overhaul, new music, and some mo-cop work wouldn't have cost more than $10-$20 million. Bluepoint didn't have to create a story, stages, work on level design, create and test new. gameplay mechanics, etc.

If Demon's Souls sells 1 million copies (which it could very well have done by now, considering unofficial gameplay stats), it would have been a profitable project with a 200%+ ROI.

Not sure if sony cares for 50 million when u are a 20b company in the space.

I would rather put the devs on projects that do sell.
 
people go insane about bloodborne but i heard it only sold like 2m-3m copies? dont know if its true.

also the bluepoint acquisition must have been a mikstake? surely thy would have made the announcement by now.
 
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EDMIX

Member
Demon's was literally PS5's flagship launch title. Without getting into the fact that it used a live orchestra with new music and featured "next gen" visuals and complete overhaul in art design, which is very costly, consider that Sony was very likely trying to recapture the Soulsborne sales magic and word of mouth that helped push PS4 in its early years.

They definitely had lofty ambitions for this title that shouldn't be downplayed.

I don't disagree that they are putting a lot into it based on the series fans that exist on PS, but no evdidence exist that them doing such a thing now means they are seeking the same sales.

Bloodborne did not fucking launch with the PS4.... I see ZERO EVDIENCE that Sony is looking for those types of numbers. So I believe you are exaggerating that "ambition" greatly.

"Soulsborne sales magic" was aided by the fact that Bloodborne arrived when PS4 already had an install base of nearly 20 million and added another 15 million by years end. There are plenty of Soulsborn fans out in the world right now who simply cannot get their hands on a PS5. What Sony's "ambitions" were for Demon Souls is anyone's guess, but suggesting that those goals either have been met or the game failed is just silly.

Agreed. I don't see anything that is suggest Sony expecting this to do Uncharted numbers or something. The fact that they are looking to buy this team shows they are fine with what they are getting from it.
 

GuinGuin

Banned
As a launch game I'm sure expectations were low. By the time the console has a large user base those games are "old"
 

Heisenberg007

Gold Journalism
people go insane about bloodborne but i heard it only sold like 2m-3m copies? dont know if its true.
Yeah, roughly 3 million copies in total. It's because the Soulsborne games are very niche.

Dark Souls 3, for example, was a sequel of an already successful IP. It sold roughly 10 million copies on all platforms -- so roughly 3 million copies per major platform.

This helps put into perspective how well Bloodborne did, despite being an exclusive and a new IP. That's why I see Demon's Souls as a success as well. With a 10% attach rate, Demon's Souls (despite being a remake) will end up very profitable and may even surpass Bloodborne (which was a new game and IP).
 
Agreed. I don't see anything that is suggest Sony expecting this to do Uncharted numbers or something. The fact that they are looking to buy this team shows they are fine with what they are getting from it.

they are pretty much the best remake studio out there. would be a great addition to PS studios.
 
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Heisenberg007

Gold Journalism
As a launch game I'm sure expectations were low. By the time the console has a large user base those games are "old"
True. For this exact reason why Horizon and God of War were not PS5-exclusive launch titles. Demon's Souls, being a remake, would have cost Sony $20 million, which means it'd be a profitable project even if it sells 1 million copies. Not to mention a score of 90+.

Miles had more legs and will continue to do so. It's also cross-gen, so that's their cash cow.
 

GuinGuin

Banned
True. For this exact reason why Horizon and God of War were not PS5-exclusive launch titles. Demon's Souls, being a remake, would have cost Sony $20 million, which means it'd be a profitable project even if it sells 1 million copies. Not to mention a score of 90+.

Miles had more legs and will continue to do so. It's also cross-gen, so that's their cash cow.

Miles being cross gen means it really can't be compared. It's also far more accessible whereas only true gamers will even try a game like Demon's Souls.
 

SSfox

Member
I mean Hermen Hulst the PC fanboy promised PC people that he will release all ps games on PC. So everyone will just wait instead of buying ps5 with the Game, without even counting the bunch that will play it free with hacking.

Don't be surprise everyone when ps5 and its games end up selling less that past ps consoles and games. All this thanks to Hermen Hulst and his short run way of thinking retardation.
 
Yeah, roughly 3 million copies in total. It's because the Soulsborne games are very niche.

Dark Souls 3, for example, was a sequel of an already successful IP. It sold roughly 10 million copies on all platforms -- so roughly 3 million copies per major platform.

This helps put into perspective how well Bloodborne did, despite being an exclusive and a new IP. That's why I see Demon's Souls as a success as well. With a 10% attach rate, Demon's Souls (despite being a remake) will end up very profitable and may even surpass Bloodborne (which was a new game and IP).

than why the hell are people expecting big numbers for demons souls? it was never gonna be a big seller. the only launch games i expected to have a big attach rate was spider-man. it'll shoot past 10m as more PS5's are sold. its the default game most people will buy just like breath of the wild was for the switch. although there is way more competition on PS5 than there was on switch. zelda was like the only game to buy for the first 6 months.
 

Saber

Gold Member
I'm pretty sure this is a reflect of actual target and game design. As most people tend to ignore, Souls games are not meant to everyone and its particulary well know for its difficulty.

No wonder we have couple of threads demanding Souls games to be easier and have "more options", and people loves to spam this endlessly on threads that have nothing to do with it whatsoever.
 

Topher

Gold Member
than why the hell are people expecting big numbers for demons souls? it was never gonna be a big seller. the only launch games i expected to have a big attach rate was spider-man. it'll shoot past 10m as more PS5's are sold. its the default game most people will buy just like breath of the wild was for the switch. although there is way more competition on PS5 than there was on switch. zelda was like the only game to buy for the first 6 months.

I don't get it either. The original Demon Souls only sold 1 million copies after nearly two years on the market with an PS3 install base that doubled from 24 million to 50 million during that period. I don't think people have the proper perspective on this and are ignoring install base as a factor.
 
It's a cool and solid game, but not as cohesive and tight as Dark Souls or Bloodborne. But it's admirable as a first effort in the series and I really enjoy it! It's fun to see how many concepts survived.

And like five million times better than Dark Souls 2, so. It's a great remaster and a must-have for the PS5, for me.
 
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tommib

Member
Examples please. It most certainly didn't lol.

It fucking started the whole of Souls-like genre. There are dozens of games that followed some of its design. Fucking Star Wars: Fallen Order is a Souls-like. Event the combat of God of War is Souls-like. YOU ARE BLIND. and I’m not even talking about the blatant rip offs like Nioh, Mortal Shell…

KGwlRmn.jpg


Keep the blindness and go away.
 
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Heisenberg007

Gold Journalism
than why the hell are people expecting big numbers for demons souls? it was never gonna be a big seller. the only launch games i expected to have a big attach rate was spider-man. it'll shoot past 10m as more PS5's are sold. its the default game most people will buy just like breath of the wild was for the switch. although there is way more competition on PS5 than there was on switch. zelda was like the only game to buy for the first 6 months.
Either they are misinformed or trolling. If Demon's Souls sells 2 million copies, it'd be extremely profitable for Sony. I believe it has already sold one million, which is enough to be profitable.

I know that Bluepoint devs did get a bonus check -- which proves that Sony was happy with the commercial and critical success of the game. There are still only 10 million PS5s out there, which is important to remember. This game won't have the legs of Miles Morales, but it will likely sell at least one more million units.
 

Heisenberg007

Gold Journalism
Miles being cross gen means it really can't be compared. It's also far more accessible whereas only true gamers will even try a game like Demon's Souls.
Yeah, Demon's Souls has a limited audience because of its genre and difficulty. Miles Morales sold 3.5 million copies on PS5, which is a good reference point.
 

ReBurn

Gold Member
than why the hell are people expecting big numbers for demons souls? it was never gonna be a big seller. the only launch games i expected to have a big attach rate was spider-man. it'll shoot past 10m as more PS5's are sold. its the default game most people will buy just like breath of the wild was for the switch. although there is way more competition on PS5 than there was on switch. zelda was like the only game to buy for the first 6 months.
I sort of feel like Ratchet and Clank is a better PS5 attach benchmark than Miles Morales. A good chunk of Miles Morales sales have to be on PS4.
 
I think it sold 1+million units. Perhaps not enough to cover production costs? How much in average an AAA needs to sell to cover its costs?
 

HF2014

Member
Make it available for PS4 dammit Sony. Will boost sales. Its not like everyone got a PS5 or will get one soon because of shortages....
 

SlimySnake

Flashless at the Golden Globes
Three quarters of the planet cant buy a Ps5, I wonder why you cant find players?
10 million PS5s have been sold. Faster than the PS4. Faster than any console.

I couldnt find players because the game itself didnt sell well. KZ Shadowfall sold 2.1 million copies within the first 6 weeks of launch. I had no trouble finding players in that game.
 

Mr Moose

Member
For a Soul's game on a console with ~10M users, I am sure it sold fine so far.
I still need to buy it but Genshin (and to a lesser degree, Cold War and Like a Dragon) is consuming my gaming time.
 

Dr.Morris79

Member
10 million PS5s have been sold. Faster than the PS4. Faster than any console.

I couldnt find players because the game itself didnt sell well. KZ Shadowfall sold 2.1 million copies within the first 6 weeks of launch. I had no trouble finding players in that game.
Well, you'd see me on it, if I could find a PS5!
 

Marty-McFly

Banned
I don't disagree that they are putting a lot into it based on the series fans that exist on PS, but no evdidence exist that them doing such a thing now means they are seeking the same sales.

Bloodborne did not fucking launch with the PS4.... I see ZERO EVDIENCE that Sony is looking for those types of numbers. So I believe you are exaggerating that "ambition" greatly.



Agreed. I don't see anything that is suggest Sony expecting this to do Uncharted numbers or something. The fact that they are looking to buy this team shows they are fine with what they are getting from it.
:messenger_mr_smith_who_are_you_going_to_call:You see zero evidence that Sony was a looking for those type of of numbers? That's a fairly ridiculous statement.

Sony is not going make a Soulsborne game their flagship launch title without some pretty lofty ambitions. Nobody aims for mediocrity, especially at launch. Souls games are selling hand over fist these days... just because Demon's on PS5 didn't exactly set the world on fire, doesn't mean they didn't want it to be their killer app.

It's not like the game was low effort remaster or something. It was a full on high budget remake and I don't understand the assertion that launch IP's don't sell well when historically we can see what launch day IP's have done for some platforms.
 
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Heisenberg007

Gold Journalism
:messenger_mr_smith_who_are_you_going_to_call:You see zero evidence that Sony was a looking for those type of of numbers? That's a fairly ridiculous statement.

Sony is not going make a Soulsborne game their flagship launch title without some pretty lofty ambitions. Nobody aims for mediocrity, especially at launch. Souls games are selling hand over fist these days... just because Demon's on PS5 didn't exactly set the world on fire, doesn't mean they didn't want it to be their killer app.

It's not like the game was low effort remaster or something. It was a full on high budget remake and I don't understand the assertion that launch IP's don't sell well when historically we can see what launch day IP's have done for some platforms.
Would you give us a number of how many units you think Demon's Souls should have sold by now? Or what would make it a success for Sony in your opinion?

And when did Soulsborne games ever set sales records on fire?
  • Bloodborne (a new game) sold 2 million copies by the end of 2015. Sony had sold 40 million PS4s by FY 2015. That's an attach rate of 5%.
  • In the same time period, Demon's Souls (a remake) has likely sold 1 million copies at $70 with only 10 million PS5s sold. An attach rate of 10%.
  • Dark Souls 3, sequel to an acclaimed and established IP, sold 10 million copies on three platforms, after four years. If we assume 4 million copies were sold on PlayStation, that's an attach rate of just 4%.
By comparison, Demon's Souls has been selling better than Bloodborne as well as Dark Souls 3. Now, please share your expectations with Demon's Souls and how many copies do you think it should have sold, in comparison to other Soulsborne games.
 
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