Take-Two says ‘imperfect release window’ may have contributed to slow Marvel’s Midnight Suns sales

videogameschronicle.com:

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has reportedly said Marvel’s Midnight Suns’ release window may have been a contributing factor in the game’s disappointing commercial performance.

Following a delay from the game’s previously planned October launch window, the PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC versions of Midnight Suns were released in early December, with last-gen console and Switch versions set to follow later.

While the game was well-received critically, all versions were heavily discounted within a month of release, suggesting that its publisher had been disappointed with its commercial performance.

This was seemingly confirmed on Monday, with Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier reporting that the game had flopped at retail.

Take-Two boss Zelnick told the publication “it’s possible the release window wasn’t perfect” but that he believes Midnight Suns could sell well in the long-term, like other titles from developer Firaxis Games.

According to recently published data, Midnight Suns failed to make a list of the UK’s 100 best-selling games of 2022.

VGC’s 5-star Marvel Midnight Suns review praised the game’s writing, characters, varied play-styles and generous campaign.

“Marvel’s Midnight Suns combines addictive, deep strategy gameplay with a cast of characters that make the moments outside of the action just as rich and enjoyable as those in it,” it reads.

“A lengthy campaign packed with missions to go on and relationships to form with Earth’s Mightiest Heroes make Marvel’s Midnights Suns a modern strategy classic and one of 2022’s biggest surprises.”