By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. Close

Forums - Sales Discussion - Zelda beats Horizon Zero Dawn to No.1 in Japan

KLAMarine on 09 March 2017
pokoko said:
Really, though. A Japanese game from a franchise that has been around for decades outsells a new western-developed IP?

That's kind of like making a "New England Patriots beat the Cleveland Browns!" thread.

Personally, I think Horizon did excellent numbers in Japan. I was surprised to see it top 100k without Sony throwing in some extra bikini outfits for the main character.

Legend of Zelda isn't hugely popular in Japan either if I recall correctly: I haven't looked at sales figures of Zelda games in Japan recently.



Around the Network
SegataSanshiro on 09 March 2017

You won't see N4G post this.



pokoko on 10 March 2017
KLAMarine said:
pokoko said:
Really, though. A Japanese game from a franchise that has been around for decades outsells a new western-developed IP?

That's kind of like making a "New England Patriots beat the Cleveland Browns!" thread.

Personally, I think Horizon did excellent numbers in Japan. I was surprised to see it top 100k without Sony throwing in some extra bikini outfits for the main character.

Legend of Zelda isn't hugely popular in Japan either if I recall correctly: I haven't looked at sales figures of Zelda games in Japan recently.

Compared to what?  Mario?  Or compared to new IP from western developers?

Wikipedia has Skyward Sword at 195,000 units first week in Japan.  In comparison, For Honor did 40k first week.  Bloodborne, a much hyped new IP from a Japanese developer, sold 152k first week.



KLAMarine on 10 March 2017
pokoko said:
KLAMarine said:

Legend of Zelda isn't hugely popular in Japan either if I recall correctly: I haven't looked at sales figures of Zelda games in Japan recently.

Compared to what?  Mario?  Or compared to new IP from western developers?

Wikipedia has Skyward Sword at 195,000 units first week in Japan.  In comparison, For Honor did 40k first week.  Bloodborne, a much hyped new IP from a Japanese developer, sold 152k first week.

Compared to games like Pokemon or Monster Hunter.

It's a very valid point though: Western games are not terribly popular in Japan.

On a related note, I wonder how Overwatch did in Japan? The art style is certainly there.



pokoko on 10 March 2017
KLAMarine said:
pokoko said:

Compared to what?  Mario?  Or compared to new IP from western developers?

Wikipedia has Skyward Sword at 195,000 units first week in Japan.  In comparison, For Honor did 40k first week.  Bloodborne, a much hyped new IP from a Japanese developer, sold 152k first week.

Compared to games like Pokemon or Monster Hunter.

It's a very valid point though: Western games are not terribly popular in Japan.

On a related note, I wonder how Overwatch did in Japan? The art style is certainly there.

Looks like Overwatch did 58k.  Uncharted 4, a recent big release in an acclaimed series, did 128k.  

Zelda isn't nearly as big as some of the most popular Japanese franchises but it's still typically going to be far above most releases.  Honestly, I'm more impressed by Horizon's showing in Japan.  I really did not expect it to be near the 100k mark.  Then again, the Japanese do love hunting giant monsters quite a bit.  Maybe that's why.



Around the Network
KLAMarine on 10 March 2017
pokoko said:
KLAMarine said:

Compared to games like Pokemon or Monster Hunter.

It's a very valid point though: Western games are not terribly popular in Japan.

On a related note, I wonder how Overwatch did in Japan? The art style is certainly there.

Looks like Overwatch did 58k.  Uncharted 4, a recent big release in an acclaimed series, did 128k.  

Zelda isn't nearly as big as some of the most popular Japanese franchises but it's still typically going to be far above most releases.  Honestly, I'm more impressed by Horizon's showing in Japan.  I really did not expect it to be near the 100k mark.  Then again, the Japanese do love hunting giant monsters quite a bit.  Maybe that's why.

Haha! Giant mecha monsters.



LudicrousSpeed on 10 March 2017

As surprising as when Horizon outsold Zelda in the UK.



Kerotan on 10 March 2017
StreaK said:
Kerotan said:
Horizon won the UK and Zelda one Japan. Crazy that guerilla of all developers could release a new Ip and their first RPG to rival the sales of a household name like Zelda.

EXACTLY!!!!! 

Add to the fact that Horizon WILL end up beating Zelda's WW sales GUARANTEED!!!

I wouldn't say guaranteed but the fact it's even possible for a new RPG ip from guerilla of all devs,  to outsell a mainstream series like Zelda is just mind blowing.  

 

It's really deserved for them though because Horizon is just so good. 



KLAMarine on 20 March 2017
CaptainExplosion said:
*shakes a bottle of Lon Lon Milk like champaigne and sprays it everywhere*

Lol... Glad to see you are happy. It's not terribly surprising though given Japan loves handhelds.



AlfredoTurkey on 20 March 2017

That attach rate for BOTW is insane. Zelda is taking names!