Hellblade hits 1 million sales across all platforms

Hellblade has just hit 1 Million unit sales across Xbox, PS4, PC.

[Pancit_Canton]

That's not really good considering the price point of that game and it's multi-platform approached.

[UCForce]

Dude, come on. Ninja Theory have just reach 1 million units and that’s great numbers.

[Goldby]

@Zabatsu

1 million units sold indipendantly of any publisher, all that money going into their pocket.

thats good.

Hellblade has sold more that Sea of Theives
hellblade sold more than state of decay 2

hellblade sold very well based on their expectations.

[Pancit_Canton]

They probably just break even with that amount of copies sold.

Don't forget the Taxes, Self Publishing Cost and their Charity Donation to Mental Health Foundation.

[VenomUK]

When every publisher was showing Ninja Theory the door it's so good that Sony had faith in the project and helped make Hellblade happen. Congratulations for one million sales! I can't wait to see what they make next.

[lolosgolos]

@Goldby don't forget sold better than Detroit become human also if where you getting your info from is correct

[yomfweeee]

Why are you all comparing Hellblade sales to SOT, SOD2 or even Detroit? Those games just came out.

[Imalwaysright]

Zabatsu2

The game was profitable with 500k copies sold http://in.ign.com/hellblade...

[Goldby]

@schloom because people are saying this is horrible sales yet are praising all three of those games for their sales.

And I would be surprised if those three haven't sold more than a million with all the advertising and marketing all three games got.

There was also a narrative pushed on this game that's its a walking simulator one and done game with shallow combat and an ungly protagonist.

It manged to overcome all of that while helping bring awareness for mental health issues pepe face and stigmitize

[Forn]

It is good considering they are a small studio, but now think about how they won't have access to the PS4 fanbase anymore after Microsoft purchased them.

[NecrumOddBoy]

Does someone know the breakdown on how the sales look across all platforms? I only ask because with Ninja Theory being purchased by Microsoft, I'm curious to know if this game actually sold well on PC and Xbox or if the majority of these sales came from PlayStation. I never really thought that Ninja Theory game is something most Microsoft players would appreciate and I would like to see the company Thrive but I do have my doubts

[sprinterboy]

Still not bought my copy either, just so many games to play, will pick it up soon no doubt

[Dark_Knightmare2]

@lolosgolos what are you talking about Detroit has been out for about a month and already sold a million copies

[Gaming101]

Only 20 people made Hellblade, so I'd say the numbers were fantastic. What do any of you know about business anyway? lol

[KillBill]

@Goldby - Your "Hellblade has sold more that Sea of Theives
hellblade sold more than state of decay 2" is just factually so wrong it is laughable. In NPD May topped the chart above God of War and Detroit. And both titles you said sold worse that Hellblade sold more and actually outperformed expectations themselves.

[TheGoodestBoi]

@Pancit you're a fucking moron if you believe a game that sold a million, was made with a team of less than 10, had no marketing costs, has low distrubution costs because it's digital only, is basically an indie game with no publisher that a cut of the revenue has to go to. But OK...

[Ceaser9857361]

lolosgolos

"don't forget sold better than Detroit become human also if where you getting your info from is correct"

OMG! Dude do you even research before you comment?? Do u know how stupid you sound lmao!

Go through the article BOI!! And That Detroit sales figure IS not across all platform but one and Only the best there was there is and there will be PLAYSTATION :D

https://www.gamesindustry.b...

[slate91]

-_____-

[AngainorG7X]

Lol, are you serious?

[Sciurus_vulgaris]

If the game was still PS4 and PC only he would be praising Hellblade's sales.

[AngainorG7X]

@Sciurus

Oh i'm sure! ;)

[Doge]

Give credit where credit is due. An (previously) indie developer self-publishing an incredibly high-budgeted game selling that many units is not an easy feat, and should be celebrated.

[MattE]

Cost 10 mil to make right so very good return and will make even more over lifetime.. Good job

[Grap]

the budget of the game was 12million , and the game cost $30, their profit double of what they invest in this game.
Huge success.

[KickSpinFilter]

Dude they made the money back invested+ on PS4 launch alone. Everything else is extra sauce

[Sunny_D]

Bruh, you do know the game was not made with a Triple AAA budget right? It was also only 30 dollars. They could have easily made money because of the low cost approach.

[optimus]

@venomuk... Whatever they make next will be on xb1. 😝

[GamesMaster1982]

And PC 😝. So win win for me bud who plays PS4 and X1 games on PC . Hahahaha never thought of that bud did ya pal . So most us PS4 and PC owners have the best of both simple

[optimus]

Ha! I knew there had to be a PC finger licker to poke their head out and say "us too". (too easy) 😄... What's even funnier is when the games they thought would be on PC doesn't show up on PC and then they're off spending some "alone time" with their precious PC. 🙄

[Goldenhawk521]

Omg just it didnt sell as well as it deserved and thats it. Argument over. Case closed. Ok u guys can stop fighting now thank u. Cock size competition over.

[jukins]

How is it not good? First of all consider it was first developed only on PC and ps4. With a small team and small budget to sell a million independently for this type of game 30 dollars or not it's good for ninja theory

[babadivad]

Considering they said they made a huge profit once they crossed the 500K mark on PS4 says otherwise. 1 million is probably way more units than they ever dreamed of or even budgeted for. This is a huge success for them.

[Prince_TFK]

I wonder if you still say the same had MS not bought Ninja Theory.

[conanlifts]

I read an interview a while back where ninja theory talks about the development of hellblade. They mentioned they deliberately restricted the budget to try to foster creativity. If so it was likely quite profitable.
As for sales, why have so few people played this game. It is a worthwhile purchase on any platform.

[lxeasy]

Releasing on Xbox helped it reach the 1million point. Congrats Ninja Theory!

[DialgaMarine]

It would’ve hit these numbers regardless. Sadly their exclusivity is likely going to badly hurt the sales of their next game.

[shiva1]

How? Isnt every playstation owner a PC gamer?

Xbox games will be on PC and all those will buy no matter.

[lxeasy]

I doubt it'll hurt there sales.

[DialgaMarine]

@Shiva I don’t think that has ever been said. Just a false rhetoric made up by insecure Xbox fanboys. Time will tell.

[Sunny_D]

Well, now that they are owned by MS. It will only hurt MS's pocket. But, if they continue making low budget AA games, it probably won't be much.

[gangsta_red]

@shiva1

Not only that but they also can't wait to play these games on PC when they're announced so I really don't see how their exclusivity will somehow suddenly be hurt.

When Ninja Theory announces their next game we'll get to see people emt on how they'll be getting this on Xbox and recently bought PC's.

[Kribwalker]

You guys should be celebrating MS aquisition of Ninja Theory, because you will be able to play them on your PC, like so many other Sony fans keep shouting they are gonna do or have been doing. They all have PCs that are more powerful then the OneX, so they’d play the better version that way.

[xX-oldboy-Xx]

shiva1 - I have PS4pro and a grouse PC but I'll never use windows store, so there's that.

[maybelovehate]

Not bad for an indie title with almost no marketing.

[Goldby]

not the normal marketing, they used their developer diaries over the course of development as advertising

[optimus]

@maybelove... Yeah really, cause I never heard of the game until this past week.

[optimus]

Ha! People disagree that I never heard of the game until recently. Oh n4g, if nothing else you're always good for a laugh. 😄

[TheColbertinator]

Excellent work

[Darth Gamer]

Loved the game, congrats to Ninja Theory. I hope they do some great work now with Microsoft.

[mrmikew2018]

Congrats, loved the game. Good luck with MS!!

[getbacktogaming]

I can't imagine it'll be easier to break sales records now that they will be a Microsoft exclusive... but all the same good luck to them!

[--bienio--]

Well done👍🏻

[SarkyPlays]

Remember they had a very limited marketing budget because of the fact they had to fund everything to release this game so it was mostly the good reviews and word of mouth. This is an impressive feat and I wish them all success working with Microsoft who can throw their marketing might and mammoth resources behind them

[DialgaMarine]

But will that last part actually help their sales? Games like Quantum Break, Recore, and Forza Motorsport got a lot of marketing through MS as well, and we all how those have done.

[shiva1]

But nobody nowadays talks about good things like SOT, SOD2 that actually happened this year and marketed heavily. SOT was done more than gears if im not wrong.

[DialgaMarine]

SoT and SoD2 are difficult to say, simply because all we’ve are vague player counts across 2 platforms, and a lot of PR crap with no actual software numbers.

[SarkyPlays]

As far as I’m aware all the forms games have sold minimum of 1mil plus so I wouldn’t use them as an example. Quantum Break was a weird one, I personally really enjoyed the game but a lot of people were turned off by the TV stuff. Recore has a great concept but it’s execution was poor. But you’re right heavy marketing doesn’t always equal huge sales success, look at Detroit

[DialgaMarine]

@Sarky Well, considering Detroit hit 1 million in 2 weeks, and is still QD’s fastest selling title (potentially could pass Heavy Rain’s 5 million), you came up with a pretty bad example yourself there, bud lol

[P_Bomb]

Surely you’ve seen the reports from QD’s co-CEO and various charts (Japan, UK, France, US, digital). So how is that game an example of marketing not always equaling success? Is NPD analyst Mat Piscatella wrong too?

Let’s clear up some confusion about success. Namely Hellblade’s.

Hellblade...already broke even last year https://allgamers.com/artic... ...within 3 months. She’s already a success for Ninja Theory. This million, is gravy. Yes multiplatform helped them get there, but the bills were already paid, with enough left over for charity. Enter MS.

[Kribwalker]

@digital

Vague player counts? What about the top game on NPD last month?

[DialgaMarine]

Congrats, but when other SP games like God of War and Detroit, in a matter of hours/ weeks, on a single platform, numbers like these really seem subpar. Hopefully their next game fares better, but I kindof doubt it with their recent purchase.

[Goldby]

there wasnt the same level of marketing plus the game touched on a subject few will even consider tackling.

this is a huge accomplishment for them

[Doge]

"Congrats on selling a million copies, but you didn't do too good compared to a sequel of a 1st party AAA IP that's been established over a decade ago. I wanna say your next game will do better, but it won't."

[DialgaMarine]

Just being honest bro. 1 million across 3 platforms in over a year really isn’t that impressive lol

[Xb1ps4]

Seriously.. good God the sony force is strong in this place lol.

[Doge]

Sorry bro. Your post reeks of concern trolling. It's an invalid comparison. Might as well be more honest next time if you're gonna dismiss a studio's achievement. Regardless of who they are/were affiliated with.

[gangsta_red]

"...but I kindof doubt it with their recent purchase"

Nothing must grow in your garden with the amount of salt you just laid down.

Every single comment you left here reeks of desperation, we get it, you hate MS and Xbox.

[Prince_TFK]

You are seriously gonna compare an indie game to games like GoW and Detriot, which got huge marketing and were backed by Sony? Its kindda like comparing Samsung to Doongee, which is abit unfair isn’t it?

[Bathyj]

Damn. That's not that good in this day and age. I feel bad for Ninja theory. Their sale to Microsoft makes more sense now. They sold only for financial security. I totally understand why because it's a tough world and a harsh business and they need to survive. I just don't get why they didn't go to Sony and get a counter offer. Maybe they tried and got no response. Oh well. I how they flourish now. Time will tell.

[shiva1]

May be Sony did not want them or dont need them.

The other way... NT did not want to be brought by Sony

[manabyte77]

I’d guess the real is answer is Sony never approached them. They’re not hurting for studios, and MS desperately needed to try and reassure fans they were still invested in gaming.

[Kavorklestein]

I can see it now.
Sony: "If you so much as talk to MS about bringing Hellblade to Xbox then we're never talking to you again."
MS: "Thanks guys! How about we just buy you instead?"

I doubt Sony wanted them after they went timed console exclusive, instead of console exclusive for Sony.

Oh Well.

Congrats Ninja Theory!

[Dark_Knightmare2]

Lol I’m sure NT would have had no problem being bought by Sony if Sony was interested. I would even go as far to say they would have preferred that scenario compared to being bought by MS.

[Prince_TFK]

So they are in a very big peril now and the only way for them so survive is to go join Sony?

Jesus man...if it was up to you people here then Sony would have been the ruler of the universe.

[Bathyj]

Sony are more dev friendly than Microsoft, they nurture studios creativity not kill them. Ninjas relationship with Sony was obviously better with Hellblade coming to them first, and their best game and main fanbase, heavenly sword was a PlayStation exclusive. So I don't know if don't was interested or not out even in the conversation. I'm just saying they're a better fit. They sold to Microsoft for the financial umbrella. Nothing more. And I don't blame them given the Perilous nature of their studio. I'm just calling a spade a spade.

[Prince_TFK]

Well then how do you know MS wouldn’t give NT creative freedom? MS had changed alot recently which is one the reasons why they bought 5 studios at once. Let just give them a chance would you? Sony is not the end all be all of gaming.

[Bathyj]

They're getting their chance. Nothing I say will change that. And I hope it works out for them. They're a great studio. Just a shame they can't make games for the console where most their fans are anymore.

[manabyte77]

Good luck seeing those numbers again. #sellouts

[DialgaMarine]

The studio was kindof subpar trash anyways. That’s why they were in the situation they were to begin with. Their mediocrity fits right in with MS studios’ “quality”

[Prince_TFK]

Man these people are going crazy. Kinnda funny actually. Last year these fanboys were in love with NT. This year they shit on them and everything that they do.

[Dark_Knightmare2]

@kun_adr tbh i never really saw people hype up NT quite the opposite in fact. What he said isn’t far from the truth most of the games NT have made barring hellblade have been mediocre so it isn’t like they were some in demand powerhouse

[jznrpg]

Good game, hopefully MS doesn’t get involved too much and ruin them like other studios they have ruined. Ensemble, Lionhead, Fasa , Digital Anvil all closed and others bought haven’t released much of anything. Bungie wanted out Rare is sad .

[DialgaMarine]

Rare has been long dead to anyone that is actually familiar with their talents. I almost feel bad for these Xbox fans. The majority of them are too young to have had the chance to experience the real Rareware.

[thatguyhayat]

Well deserved. The game is fantastic. But does raise a question though... Or unless I missed it? Who will develop the nex heavenly sword.

[King_Lothric]

Congratulations! Can't help to think how God of War hit 3 million in less than a month and only on one platform. That's insane.

I hope Team Ninja does not get destroyed under Microsoft.

[DialgaMarine]

Less than month? They hit 3.1 million in 3 days, 5 million in less than a month. Ninja Theory is a mediocre studio that has to celebrate mediocre numbers.

[PlatinumGX]

Too bad their next game will be cancelled.

[Xb1ps4]

Ha! That was kind of funny..

[Automatic79]

Congratulations to Ninja Theory.

[Sharingan_no_Kakashi]

If they just now hit a million, that explains why they sold themselves to Microsoft.

[Xb1ps4]

Crazy how ppl think that a million is nothing now a days... millenials😒......

[manabyte77]

A million is a lot, no doubt. But given its release on three platforms, low price point, and insane amount of hype, it really isn’t nearly as impressive as it seems at face value.

[Sharingan_no_Kakashi]

It's not. As generations go by the cost of game development increases. So sales need to increase as well to turn a profit. If sales don't increase, developers have to find another way to increase revenue. Before, developers would just increase the price of games. But with online gaming being a thing now, dlc and micro transactions have allowed games to stay 60 bucks.

Hellblade has no dlc and no micro transactions. A single player only game in today's market needs to sell 3 million to be viable.

[Xb1ps4]

Manabyte
Insane amount of hype? This game was self published.. they couldn't afford much hype, it's not even a AAA status type of situation and it's one of the best looking games.. the game sold great at face value..

[PleaseCalmDown]

The amount of salt from Microsoft buying Ninja Theory is crazy. NT made this game with only a portion of their full studio (20 employees), while fearing that they might have to shut down. This is a wonderful milestone for the studio and I look forward to what they have coming next, especially now that they don't have to constantly worry about their livelihood.

[manabyte77]

There are thousands of devs in the same boat. The salt is justified, and I’ll freely admit to being one of those pissed off gamers. MS buying Playground & Undead Labs made sense and was no big deal as they were already making games exclusively for them. Forming the initiative was also no big deal as they’re trying to cultivate their own brand from scratch. But all the Ninja Theory purchase did was take games away from a massive chunk of the community. They were an establisblished multi plat dev. Same with Compulsion. We Happy Few looks cool as hell. Once again all MS did was take another multi plat dev and subtract even more games from a huge chunk of the gaming community. I’m pro Sony, but I’d never advocate them buying an established multi plat devs like a childish fanboy. I’d advocate them buying someone like Quantic Dream or forming another studio from scratch. Nobody is going to buy an Xbox over this. Only a fanboy would disagree, and I’m sure when you look at the downvotes, it’ll be from the usual MS shills.

[ElementX]

We Happy Few is still coming to PS4, so you can find something else to bitch about.

[Xb1ps4]

Wait.... so sony has never bought a 3rd party dev? Ever?

You sony fanatics are acting like slugs trying to find a way out of a salt maze

[Dark_Knightmare2]

I’m still optimistic about we happy few but the early access impressions weren’t positive at all so I’m a little nervous. The only other game they’ve made was contrast which was beyond mediocre. It’s funny seeing fanboys hype up these MS purchases when two of them were pretty much MS first party it’s just now official,ones a brand new studio with one employee and the other two have made nothing but mediocre games barring hellblade from NT. You never saw those fans hyping up we happy few or its maker compulsion and they def weren’t bigging up NT especially when hellblade was only ps4 and pc at first

[xX-oldboy-Xx]

Good numbers NT - HS did decent numbers too, DMC and Enslaved not so by comparison. Not really looking like the smart buy from MS if you ask me.

I just can't see xbox owners flocking to their games, whatever they produce. Time will tell.

[FallenAngel1984]

Such a shame a developer that was to be a beacon for other AA developers got acquired thus rendering its long term success moot

[Xb1ps4]

Wow...

[Tazzy]

Ok so Microsoft buys this developer and people are happy however it took close to a year to hit 1,000,000 sales that's not good at all you have Sony and Nintendo hitting millions of sales with their games in weeks/months.

[GrimDragon]

Had the game been 59.99 it would have sold half that amount.

[2ndhandcorn]

Wow that is low MS should not have purchased them.

[Lexreborn2]

Potentially 30 million on a digital only title that was “indie” budget. That’s not bad at all

[AK91]

I’m starting to understand why they were bought by MS now.

[timotim]

Add +1 to the count as I've just got finished downloading the about an hour ago for the X.

[MADGameR]

The dmc betrayal had a huge effect on their poor sales.

[Mr_Luke]

With a lower price compared to other games + many discount + on PC too (bigger audience) and now on other platforms i thought it was more. But it's still a big number for a small studio. Congrats, i guess.

[Doomster1971]

I love this game. It was a labor of love for Ninja Theory. It's my favorite game that released last year (and that's going up against the mighty Horizon Zero Dawn).

[Braindeadninja]

Sad that they sold so less!! That's why they may have to see a publisher like Microsoft for their next game.

[Kostche]

and now they have been baught they will be restricted to win10 and windows store...

[Hedstrom]

Congratulation to Ninja Theory! Sadly for me its probably the last game i play from that great studio, since i have zero appetite for an Xbox :(

[Matrix6]

Good on them! A good accomplishment considering it's a digital download only game at this stage.

[knickstr]

Curious to see if Microsoft will give them creative freedom going forward, but I have my doubts.

[Cheesetoenails]

I will say that 1 million across 100Million+ consoles/PC is pretty poor....but it is a milestone for a developer to hit 1million sales of a game.

[brando008]

Phenomenal game, and I hope more people get to experience it.

[xer0]

I didn't realize there was a market for a depression simulator :/ ?
lol.