Thunderful’s recent fiscal report has revealed that the December release of SteamWorld Build did not meet the company’s sales expectations. Despite CEO Martin Walfisz mentioning a “new momentum”, the game fell slightly short of expectations. Walfisz attributed this to the game’s genre not appealing to Thunderful’s core audience and not being well-suited for the Switch – a key platform for the company.
In addition to the lackluster sales of SteamWorld Build, Thunderful has announced that it has halted development on its new project, SteamWorld Headhunter. The company did not provide a clear explanation for this decision, leaving many to speculate on the reasons behind it. This move reflects a period of restructuring for Thunderful as it seeks to streamline its operations.
As part of its restructuring efforts, Thunderful is reportedly looking to sell off the Bridge Constructor publisher Headup. The company is setting its sights on a rebound in 2024, with plans to become a “more stable and focused company”. Walfisz envisions a future of “fewer, better and bigger titles” between 2024 and 2026, with anticipation building for the next generation of Nintendo consoles.
Critical Acclaim vs. Sales Performance
Despite the disappointing sales figures for SteamWorld Build, the game received positive reviews upon its release. Nintendo Life awarded it an 8 out of 10 stars, praising its unique gameplay mechanics and art style. However, critical acclaim does not always translate to strong sales, as evidenced by Thunderful’s experience with this title.
For fans of the SteamWorld series, the underperformance of SteamWorld Build may come as a disappointment. Have you shown your support for the SteamWorld franchise by playing the latest installment? As Thunderful looks to bounce back in the coming years, the future of the series remains uncertain.
Thunderful’s experience with SteamWorld Build serves as a cautionary tale in the gaming industry. Despite positive reviews and critical acclaim, sales performance is ultimately what drives the success of a title. As Thunderful moves forward with its restructuring efforts, the company will need to make strategic decisions to ensure its future growth and success in the competitive gaming market.
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