10 Games That Became Successful After Launch
Who said that a first impression has to be the only one?
In the gaming business, which is always changing, a game’s success often depends on how well it is received at first. But there is an interesting group of games that went against the odds and went on to do amazing things long after their release. Even though these books were passed over and ignored at first, they finally became popular with most people.
These games were able to turn their luck around with changes to the story, changes to the gameplay at the last minute, and other important updates after they came out. From small gems to new seasons of old shows, these late bloomers show that success doesn’t have to happen right away.
Undertale (2015)
When Undertale first came out, many fans didn’t know about it. It didn’t get anyone’s attention right away with its retro-style graphics and unusual way of fighting. But word started to get around, and players started to see how great the game really was.
The game’s smart twists on typical RPG tropes and emotionally powerful stories struck a chord with players and helped it become more popular. Undertale was a surprise hit that won the hearts of gamers all over the world and became a modern indie favorite.
Rocket League (2015)
When it first came out, Rocket League seemed like just another small game with a strange idea: putting soccer and rocket-powered cars together. Even though it got good reviews, it was hard to get people’s attention at first. But as online streaming services became more popular, Rocket League started to get more people interested.
The simple idea of the game hid a lot of skill and strategy that made it fun for both casual and serious players. As esports started to play Rocket League, its fame went through the roof. Rocket League became a huge hit because of its high-flying tricks, intense matches, and committed community.
Bloodborne (2015)
Bloodborne, a dark action role-playing game made by FromSoftware, had a rough start because of how hard it was and how it worked. Some players found it too hard, and sales were low at first. But as players got deeper into the scary world of Yharnam, the game’s enticing mood and difficult gameplay started to make sense.
Players kept coming back to Bloodborne because they wanted to keep trying to beat its tough tasks. It became a cult favorite for its harshness and ability to reward those who stuck with it, thanks to its dark, moody world and tight battle mechanics.
Fortnite (2017)
It’s hard to believe that Fortnite wasn’t always one of the most popular games in the world. When it first came out as a co-op survival game, it was hard to get people interested. But Epic Games took a risk when they added a Battle Royale mode to take advantage of the genre’s rising popularity.
The fact that Fortnite is free to play, has bright graphics, and is easy to understand made it popular with players of all ages. The game’s constant updates, limited-time events, and gameplay loop made it a social phenomenon and one of the most famous games of all time.
Apex Legends (2019)
When Apex came out, it had a hard time getting into the battle royale genre, which was already dominated by Fortnite and PUBG. Because of this, it was at first ignored. But Respawn Entertainment’s slick and team-focused approach made it stand out, even though there wasn’t much marketing before the game came out.
The genre was given new life by the tight gunplay, new ping system, and unique character powers. With regular changes, seasons, and a focus on competitive play, Apex was able to quickly gain a loyal fan base after its release, cementing its place as one of the best battle royale games.
Stardew Valley (2016)
Eric “ConcernedApe” Barone made Stardew Valley, a farming simulation game, but it didn’t have the marketing budget or big-name publisher of its rivals. Still, as time went on, its cute pixel art style and relaxing gaming won over people who wanted a cozy virtual escape.
The game’s loop of farming, making things, and making friends in the town was hard to avoid. It became a surprise hit and was praised for its good vibe, fun gaming, and touching stories.
Overwatch (2016)
Overwatch, a team-based shooter from Blizzard, was met with doubt when it first came out. Critics and players wondered how long it would last and if it could compete with other multiplayer games that were already popular. But Blizzard’s dedication to making the game fair, adding more characters, and building a strong community helped Overwatch become a great game.
With updates, yearly events, and a focus on esports after the game came out, Blizzard was able to make Overwatch a competitive powerhouse. With its easy-to-understand controls, team-based gameplay, and constant help from the developers, Overwatch overcame early doubts to become a popular and long-lasting multiplayer game.
Persona 5 (2016)
Persona 5, a Japanese role-playing game made by Atlus, had to break out of its niche fan group and into the mainstream. It took a lot of time to play because it had beautiful graphics, a complicated story, and turn-based battles.
But Persona 5’s memorable group of characters and stylized presentation slowly won over players. Its mix of high school drama, supernatural elements, and social modeling mechanics made for a unique and immersive experience. As word got out about Persona 5’s depth and quality, it became a hit, earning praise from critics and a loyal fan base that looks forward to each new game in the series.
Among Us (2018)
InnerSloth made Among Us, which at first didn’t get much attention when it came out. It was hard to get a lot of attention because the pictures were simple and the game was hard to understand. But social interaction and streaming sites helped the game start to catch on.
Casual and serious gamers were drawn to Tunnel Rush because it could make both funny and tense times as you worked together or tried to find the fakes. Among Us became a cultural movement, showing that sometimes the simplest ideas can lead to success in ways that are hard to predict.
Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017)
The series needed a new start when Resident Evil 7: Biohazard was first revealed. Some fans weren’t sure about it at first because it was told from the first-person point of view and went back to the scary roots of the series. But Capcom’s efforts to change the series for the better paid off. Resident Evil 7 brought back the franchise’s success with its creepy setting, intense gameplay, and psychological horror elements.
Survival horror got a new boost from the game because it played up the fears of being alone and helpless. Its intense experience and gripping storyline hooked players and gave the Resident Evil series a new lease on life. Resident Evil 7 shows how powerful it can be to try something new and how important it is to get back to what you did best.
