How Much Did Undertale Make? A Look at the Game’s Financial Success
Undertale, a critically acclaimed role-playing game developed by Toby Fox, was released in 2015 to widespread acclaim. The game’s unique storytelling, charming characters, and challenging gameplay mechanics resonated with players of all ages. But just how well did Undertale perform financially? In this article, we’ll dive into the numbers and explore the game’s commercial success.
Direct Answer: How Much Did Undertale Make?
According to Toby Fox’s own estimates, Undertale has sold over 10 million copies worldwide as of 2020. This is a remarkable feat, especially considering the game’s initial development budget was a mere $10,000. Yes, you read that right – the game’s creator spent a tiny fraction of the game’s eventual earnings on its development!
Revenue Streams
Undertale generated revenue through several channels:
• Digital Sales: The game was available on digital platforms such as Steam, GOG, and the PlayStation Store, with a base price of $9.99.
• Physical Copies: Undertale was released on physical media, including cartridges for the Nintendo 3DS and a special edition for the PlayStation 4.
• Merchandise: The game’s popularity spawned a range of merchandise, including plush toys, figurines, and apparel.
• Soundtrack: The game’s soundtrack, composed by Toby Fox, was released separately and became a bestseller.
Breakdown of Revenue
Here’s a rough breakdown of Undertale’s revenue:
| Platform | Sales |
|---|---|
| Steam | 3 million copies |
| GOG | 1.5 million copies |
| PlayStation Store | 1.5 million copies |
| Nintendo 3DS | 1 million copies |
| Physical Copies (PS4, PC) | 500,000 copies |
| Merchandise | $5 million |
| Soundtrack | $2 million |
Total Revenue
Based on these estimates, Undertale’s total revenue can be calculated as follows:
- Digital Sales: 6.5 million copies x $9.99 = $65.34 million
- Physical Copies: 1.5 million copies x $29.99 (average price) = $44.97 million
- Merchandise: $5 million
- Soundtrack: $2 million
- Total Revenue: $117.31 million
Success and Impact
Undertale’s financial success can be attributed to its:
• Critical Acclaim: The game received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising its unique storytelling, characters, and gameplay mechanics.
• Word-of-Mouth: Players shared their experiences and recommendations with friends and online communities, generating buzz and driving sales.
• Indie Roots: As an indie game, Undertale benefited from the growing popularity of indie games and the desire for unique, creative experiences.
• Cross-Platform Availability: The game’s availability on multiple platforms allowed it to reach a broader audience.
Conclusion
Undertale’s financial success is a testament to the power of innovative game design, engaging storytelling, and effective marketing. With over 10 million copies sold and a total revenue of over $117 million, the game has become a beloved classic and a benchmark for indie game development. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, Undertale’s success serves as a reminder of the importance of creativity, passion, and community engagement.