Before we jump into the list, let’s talk about why great games sometimes crash and burn commercially. It’s not always about quality. A game can be a critical darling but fail to sell due to a crowded release window, lackluster marketing, or an audience that just wasn’t ready for its quirks. Sometimes, it’s a case of being too niche or launching on a platform that’s already on its last legs. Other times, publishers set sky-high expectations that even solid sales can’t meet. Whatever the reason, these ten games deserved better than their sales numbers suggest. Now let’s check these Top 10 Video Games that Flopped in sales.
1. Prey (2017)
A Space Odyssey That Didn’t Take Off
Arkane Studios has a knack for crafting immersive sims that critics adore but often struggle to find a mainstream audience. Prey (2017) is a prime example, a sci-fi masterpiece set on the Talos I space station, where you play as Morgan Yu, battling shape-shifting aliens called Typhon. The game’s blend of first-person shooting, stealth, and RPG elements, paired with a sprawling, interconnected world, makes it one of the most ambitious immersive sims ever made. You can approach problems in countless ways, from turning into a coffee mug to sneak past enemies to wielding psychic powers to blast them away.
Despite its depth and polish, Prey flopped hard, with sales 60% lower than Arkane’s previous game, Dishonored 2 (which itself wasn’t a blockbuster). Why? It might’ve been the slow-burn start, which takes a while to reveal the game’s brilliance. Or maybe immersive sims, with their complex systems, just don’t vibe with players craving straightforward shooters. Either way, Prey is a cult classic that deserves a second chance.
2. The Wonderful 101
PlatinumGames’ Unsung Hero
PlatinumGames is known for delivering adrenaline-pumping action, but their track record with sales is spotty at best. The Wonderful 101, originally a Wii U exclusive, is one of their finest works, and one of their biggest flops. This quirky action game has you control a swarm of superheroes, drawing shapes to transform them into weapons like a giant fist or a sword. It’s like Pikmin meets Bayonetta with a dash of over-the-top humor, culminating in an ending so wild it’s worth the price of admission alone.
Sadly, the game sold a measly 79,000 copies across the U.S. and Japan on the Wii U. A remastered version for Switch, PS4, and PC didn’t fare much better. The steep learning curve and unusual mechanics might’ve scared off casual players, and the Wii U’s small user base didn’t help. If you’re into unique action games, this one’s a must-play, even if the sales charts say otherwise.
3. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines
A Cult Classic Cursed by Timing
Immersive sims strike again with Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines, a 2004 RPG that’s a fan favorite but a commercial dud. Set in the gritty underworld of White Wolf’s World of Darkness, you play a newly turned vampire navigating L.A.’s seedy supernatural scene. The game blends RPG depth with immersive sim freedom, letting you talk, sneak, or fight your way through a horror-tinged story. Despite its janky bugs, the atmosphere and writing are top-notch, earning it a loyal cult following.
So why the flop? Selling just 80,000 copies at launch didn’t help, especially since it dropped the same day as Half-Life 2, talk about brutal competition. Published by Activision and developed by Troika Games (of Fallout fame), the game’s ambition outstripped its polish, and it never recovered commercially. Patches and mods have kept it alive, but it’s a shame this gem didn’t shine brighter back in the day.
4. Sunset Overdrive
Too Cool for the Mainstream
Insomniac Games, the folks behind Spider-Man, took a wild swing with Sunset Overdrive, a 2014 Xbox One exclusive. This open-world shooter is a riot of color and chaos, with a movement system that lets you grind rails, bounce off cars, and zip around a post-apocalyptic city while blasting mutants. It’s like Tony Hawk meets Dead Rising with a punk-rock vibe. The combat and traversal are tightly woven, making every fight feel like a high-octane dance.
Despite its polish and charm, Sunset Overdrive sold only 320,000 units worldwide, not terrible, but weak for a flagship Microsoft exclusive. Its quirky humor and crowded genre (open-world games were everywhere in 2014) might’ve made it feel less unique at the time. Still, it’s a standout title that deserves more love, especially if you’re into fast-paced chaos.
5. Gravity Rush 2
Falling Upward, Crashing Down
Gravity Rush 2 is one of the PlayStation 4’s most underrated exclusives. This open-world action game builds on the Vita’s Gravity Rush with a breathtaking sequel where you play as Kat, a gravity-shifting heroine exploring floating cities. The ability to walk on walls, “fall” upward, and soar through the air makes traversal a joy, and the vibrant, anime-inspired world feels like nothing else out there. It’s a polished, ambitious game that swings big.
Yet, it flopped outside Japan, with sales so low that its online servers shut down within a year. The original Gravity Rush had a niche but loyal fanbase, but the sequel’s bigger scope didn’t translate to bigger sales. Maybe its quirky mechanics were too indie for mainstream audiences, or maybe PlayStation didn’t push it hard enough. Either way, it’s a hidden gem worth digging up.
6. Enslaved: Odyssey to the West
A Journey That Didn’t Reach Its Destination
Ninja Theory’s Enslaved: Odyssey to the West (2010) is a post-apocalyptic adventure that reimagines Journey to the West with robots and ruins. You play as Monkey, voiced by Andy Serkis, alongside his tech-savvy companion Trip. The game’s lush visuals, heartfelt story, and mix of platforming and combat make it a standout. It’s the kind of risky, original IP that’s rare in today’s sequel-driven market.
Despite its quality, Enslaved sold just 460,000 copies, far below Bandai Namco’s million-copy goal. The unusual setting and lack of a clear hook might’ve made it a tough sell, and the planned sequel was scrapped. It’s a shame, because Ninja Theory poured their heart into this one, and it’s a unique adventure that still holds up.
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7. Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire
A Pirate RPG Lost at Sea
Obsidian Entertainment is RPG royalty, and Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire is one of their finest works. This 2018 sequel to the Kickstarter darling Pillars of Eternity trades the first game’s fantasy forests for a pirate-infused archipelago. With richer visuals, deeper combat, and a ship-based exploration system, it’s a love letter to classic CRPGs. The writing is sharp, and the world feels alive.
But Deadfire sank commercially, failing to match the original’s sales or compete with contemporaries like Divinity: Original Sin II and Pathfinder: Kingmaker. Releasing alongside those heavy hitters likely split the CRPG audience, and the genre’s time-intensive nature meant players could only commit to one. It’s a fantastic game that deserved a bigger crew.
8. Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope
A Tactical Sequel That Missed the Mark
Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle was a surprise hit, selling a jaw-dropping 10 million copies with its quirky blend of Mario, Rabbids, and XCOM-style tactics. Its sequel, Sparks of Hope (2022), upped the ante with a more open world, faster combat, and gorgeous visuals. It’s a stellar follow-up that refines everything fans loved about the original while adding new twists, like real-time movement in battles.
Yet, Ubisoft confirmed it underperformed, with physical sales in Japan at a measly 17,000 copies. The novelty of the first game’s unlikely crossover might’ve worn off, or maybe it came too soon after the original. Whatever the reason, Sparks of Hope didn’t spark the same frenzy, which is a bummer for such a fun strategy game.
9. The Evil Within 2
Survival Horror Done Right, Ignored Anyway
The Evil Within 2 (2017) is a survival horror gem that improves on its predecessor in every way. Developed by Tango Gameworks, it follows Sebastian Castellanos as he dives into a nightmarish world to save his daughter. With tighter gameplay, a more open world, and a gripping story, it’s one of the best horror games not named Resident Evil. It’s less scary than the first but more polished and accessible.
Despite this, it sold only 200,000 units compared to the original’s 800,000 in its first week. The shift to digital sales at the time muddies the numbers, but it still lagged behind expectations. Maybe the first game’s mixed reception scared off players, or Bethesda’s marketing didn’t do it justice. Either way, it’s a must-play for horror fans.
10. Blur
A Racing Gem That Crashed Out
Kicking off our list is Blur (2010), a high-octane racing game from Bizarre Creations, the folks behind Project Gotham Racing. This arcade racer blends fast cars with vehicular combat, letting you hurl power-ups like mines and shields while drifting through vibrant tracks. It’s a blast to play, with tight controls and a fresh take on the genre. Critics loved it, and it sold a respectable 500,000 copies.
But for Activision, that wasn’t enough. They expected blockbuster numbers, and when Blur didn’t deliver, they canceled the sequel and shuttered Bizarre Creations in 2011. It’s a textbook case of a great game being labeled a flop because it didn’t meet sky-high corporate goals. If you’re into racing games, track this one down.
Why These Games Deserve Your Attention
These ten games prove that sales don’t always reflect quality. Whether it’s bad timing, niche appeal, or publisher mismanagement, each one fell short commercially but shines as a creative triumph. From the gravity-defying thrills of Gravity Rush 2 to the immersive depth of Prey, these titles offer experiences you won’t find in mainstream hits. They’re the underdogs of gaming, overlooked but packed with heart and innovation.
If you’re a gamer who loves discovering hidden gems, these flops are worth your time. Many are available on modern platforms, often at budget prices, thanks to their lack of commercial success. So, fire up your console or PC, give these games a spin, and show them the love they didn’t get at launch. Got a favorite flop that didn’t make the list? Drop it in the comments and let’s keep the conversation going!
Table: Quick Look at the Flops
| Game | Release Year | Developer | Why It Flopped |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prey | 2017 | Arkane Studios | Slow start, niche immersive sim genre |
| The Wonderful 101 | 2013 | PlatinumGames | Steep learning curve, Wii U’s small user base |
| Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines | 2004 | Troika Games | Released same day as Half-Life 2 |
| Sunset Overdrive | 2014 | Insomniac Games | Crowded genre, quirky tone |
| Gravity Rush 2 | 2017 | Japan Studio | Niche appeal, poor marketing |
| Enslaved: Odyssey to the West | 2010 | Ninja Theory | Unusual setting, no clear hook |
| Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire | 2018 | Obsidian Entertainment | Crowded CRPG market, split audience |
| Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope | 2022 | Ubisoft | Lost novelty, released too soon |
| The Evil Within 2 | 2017 | Tango Gameworks | Mixed reception of original, poor marketing |
| Blur | 2010 | Bizarre Creations | High publisher expectations, modest sales |
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