Sega executives have suggested that competition with Super Mario Bros. Wonder hurt the sales of Sonic Superstars when it was first released. The latest 2D iteration of the classic franchise, featuring a speedy hedgehog, was launched last year to average reviews and notably poor sales. Sonic Superstars managed to replicate much of the old-school gameplay of the series but seemingly failed to wow critics or fans, and this translated to a disappointing launch.
Shortly after its release in October, it was revealed that Sonic Superstars fell short of Sega's sales expectations. At the time, Sega appeared to be projecting optimism despite this setback, claiming that it hoped to make up for the initial slump with increased sales during the holiday season. Unfortunately for the publisher, however, this optimism proved premature and sales did not notably improve. Instead, the platformer has continued to struggle, and executives have an explanation why.
Sonic Superstars Struggled Against a Better-Reviewed Game
In a recent Q&A session for investors, Sega executives Makoto Takashi and Nobuaki Yoshii discussed the sales of Sonic Superstars and hinted that it was competition with Super Mario Bros. Wonder that ultimately hurt the title. It's not clear from the English translation of the transcript who was speaking, but in response to a question about the game, one executive said that launching at the same time as another title from the same genre hurt sales. While not naming any specific games, a strong case can be made that this was a nod to the new Mario title.
Sonic Superstars trailer new costume - Sonic Superstars Struggled Against a Better-Reviewed Game
Super Mario Bros. Wonder, unlike Sonic Superstars, was a top-rated game in 2023 with impressive sales. The game, which also includes 2D platforming and beloved characters, was launched in October, coinciding with Sonic's release, potentially drawing gamers away. Sega executives believe this may have contributed to Sonic being overshadowed.
Sega could be overlooking some important factors, despite the success of Sonic Superstars. The poor holiday sales for Sega in general suggest a larger underlying issue for the developer. Additionally, while Sonic was available on all major consoles and PC, Mario Wonder was limited to the Switch. This raises concerns about potential negative impacts on Sonic sales across other platforms.
However, despite these challenges, Sega appears dedicated to the game. Executive statements during the Q&A session and recent support for the title indicate a commitment to its success. Continued release of new content, such as a free DLC costume for Sonic Superstars this month, shows that the publisher is actively working to improve sales and rejuvenate interest in Sonic and his companions. They seem determined to drive long-term growth and success for the franchise.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the disappointing sales of Sega's Sonic Superstars, attributing it in part to competition with Nintendo's Super Mario Bros. Wonder. While this explanation is plausible, it raises concerns about potential underlying issues within Sega. The publisher's poor holiday sales suggest broader challenges, and the fact that Mario Wonder was exclusive to the Switch raises questions about the impact on Sonic's sales on other platforms.
Despite these concerns, Sega's dedication to Sonic Superstars is commendable. The continued release of new content and support for the title demonstrate their commitment to its success. However, it remains to be seen whether these efforts will be sufficient to rejuvenate interest in Sonic and drive long-term growth for the franchise.
