With the next console generation launching this fall, the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One will ride off into the sunset. While both consoles have enjoyed relative success, Sony is the clear winner of the eighth console generation. With over 110 million units sold worldwide, the PlayStation 4 has given studios a large pool of diverse players. In turn, studios have taken advantage by developing the generation’s most epic titles. Naughty Dog is the latest company to take advantage with The Last of Us Part II, which recently broke many sales records. But is there more than meets the eye? Let’s dive in.

More Than Meets the Eye

As the video game industry continues to struggle with the global pandemic, players are hungry for new games. The recent demonstration of Animal Crossing and Final Fantasy 7 Remake proves that fan bases will support new titles. But is the pandemic making it difficult to decipher resounding success from the mediocre?

We are so immensely grateful to the millions of fans around the world that have played The Last of Us Part II and shared their experiences with us over the last week. We set out to tell a new kind of story, one that deals with difficult themes and would challenge you in unexpected ways. Hearing how the experience has resonated with so many of you and witnessing the type of thoughtful discussions it has sparked has been so incredible. We’ve also been so inspired by your creativity — whether it’s your gorgeous Photo Mode shots, jaw-dropping gameplay GIFs, or the songs you’ve recorded using Ellie’s guitar.

-Neil Druckmann, Vice President of Naughty Dog

The Last of Us Part II is the latest example of this paradigm. In the most recent blog post on PlayStation’s official website, Naughty Dog boasts that the TLOU2 is the fastest-selling first-party PS4 exclusive of all time. Over four millions copies sold in the first three days across the globe, which surpassed God of War and Marvel’s Spider-Man. But is there more than meets the eye?

A Closer Look Under the Hood

Despite selling more than four million copies during its first weekend, The Last of Us Part II sold just 179,000 units in Japan. On the surface this figure is disappointing; however, TLOU2 is the fastest-selling game in Japan this year. In fact, Naughty Dog’s epic adventure is no where close to surpassing Japanese sales of Monster Hunter and Dragon Quest. But how does the European market hold up?

Again, TLOU2 tops the sales charts in the UK. Yet the next few slots go to Ring Fit Adventure, FIFA 20, and Mario Kart 8: Deluxe. Each of these games are nearly a year old and have experienced dramatic sales drop offs. So what does this information mean?

The bottom line is that certain development studios market are not popular on a global scale. In truth, most video game franchises do not resonate among all fan bases. However, those franchises that are able to transcend demographics are among the most successful. For example, Grand Theft Auto, Uncharted, and Spider-Man are the best-selling PS4 games. Each of these games appeals to a wide-range of fans and is wildly successful in multiple markets. Is the Last of Us Part II in the same category? Only time will tell. Nevertheless, we remain skeptical.

Conclusion

But we want to know what you think. Do you think The Last of Us Part II will sell better than Marvel’s Spider-Man or God of War? What do you think of the game not selling very well in Japan? Do you want a third installment in The Last of Us series? Let us know in the comments below or the social media links on the right. Also, be sure to check out our other news items on Pokemon, Modern Warfare, Capcom, Blizzard and more.

Want to dive deeper into your favorite games? Check out our editorial columns, such as On This Day in Gaming, Off the Record and Music that Moves. Also, subscribe to our social media links below or click on one of the links in our soundcloud. Trust us: You will not want to miss a thing!

Finally, we are starting to stream every night and are looking to add to our community. Also, be one of the first 100 followers on Twitch and Mixer for a chance to win a free GamingROI tee-shirt. All you have to do is click the links above and select “follow”. We will announce the winners at the end of each month. Until next time, enjoy!