Did Dead Rising 4 Sell Well? A Deep Dive into the Undead Numbers
No, Dead Rising 4 did not sell well, at least not according to Capcom’s initial expectations. While it managed to move approximately 1.4 million copies, this figure fell significantly short of the company’s projections, marking it as a commercial disappointment and contributing to the overall decline of the once-thriving Dead Rising franchise. The sales performance, coupled with the game’s negative reception, ultimately led to the series’ indefinite hiatus and the closure of Capcom Vancouver, the studio responsible for its development.
The Zombie Horde That Couldn’t Attract a Crowd
To understand why Dead Rising 4‘s sales were considered a failure, it’s crucial to contextualize them within the broader history of the series. Previous installments, particularly Dead Rising 2 and Dead Rising 3, had performed much better, setting a higher benchmark for success. The original Dead Rising was a surprise hit, capturing the imagination of gamers with its unique blend of zombie slaying, time management, and dark humor. While not directly comparable to the open-world structure and scope of its sequels, it laid the foundation for the franchise’s identity. Dead Rising 2 built upon this foundation with refined gameplay and engaging co-op, while Dead Rising 3 expanded the scale of the zombie outbreak and offered a more streamlined experience.
Dead Rising 4, however, deviated from the established formula in several key ways that alienated a significant portion of the fanbase. The removal of the time limit, a core mechanic that had defined the series’ tension and sense of urgency, was a particularly controversial decision. While intended to make the game more accessible, it arguably diminished the strategic depth and challenge that many players appreciated. The game’s tone also shifted, leaning more heavily into slapstick comedy at the expense of the darker, more satirical humor of previous installments. The protagonist, Frank West, also saw a redesign.
Furthermore, Dead Rising 4‘s launch as an Xbox One and PC timed exclusive limited its potential audience initially. Although eventually released on PlayStation 4, the game had already suffered significant damage to its reputation. The combination of negative reviews, word-of-mouth criticism, and the perceived departure from the series’ core values contributed to its underwhelming sales performance.
The game’s initial launch numbers fell considerably short of Capcom’s expectations, which were reportedly almost double what the game eventually achieved. For a franchise that had consistently delivered solid sales figures, Dead Rising 4‘s performance was a major setback. It was a significant reason why Dead Rising 5 never came to fruition.
The Impact Beyond Sales: Closure and Cancellation
The disappointing sales of Dead Rising 4 had significant repercussions for Capcom Vancouver, the studio responsible for its development. In February 2018, Capcom announced the closure of the studio, citing the need for restructuring and a shift in development focus. This decision effectively put the Dead Rising franchise on ice, casting doubt on the possibility of future installments.
Reports later surfaced that Dead Rising 5 had been in development at Capcom Vancouver before the studio’s closure. The project, codenamed “Dead Rising: Daybreak,” aimed to return to the series’ roots, featuring a darker tone, a more challenging gameplay experience, and a greater emphasis on survival. However, the cancellation of the project due to the studio’s closure effectively ended any hope for the game to be released.
The legacy of Dead Rising 4 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of straying too far from the core elements that define a beloved franchise. While innovation is important, it’s crucial to understand what makes a game special to its fans and to avoid making changes that alienate them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here’s a selection of frequently asked questions about Dead Rising 4 and the broader Dead Rising franchise.
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How many copies did the entire Dead Rising series sell?
As of June 30, 2023, the entire Dead Rising series has sold approximately 16 million copies worldwide.
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Why was Dead Rising 4 considered a flop?
Dead Rising 4 was considered a flop due to its low sales figures compared to previous entries in the series, combined with negative reviews and a perceived departure from the franchise’s core values.
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Did Dead Rising 4 have a time limit?
No, Dead Rising 4 removed the time limit that was a defining feature of previous Dead Rising games.
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What were some of the criticisms of Dead Rising 4?
Criticisms of Dead Rising 4 included the removal of the time limit, the shift in tone towards slapstick comedy, the changes to Frank West‘s character, and the perceived lack of challenge.
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Will there ever be a Dead Rising 5?
The future of the Dead Rising franchise is uncertain. Dead Rising 5 was in development at Capcom Vancouver but was canceled when the studio was closed. There are currently no confirmed plans for a new Dead Rising game.
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Was Dead Rising inspired by Dawn of the Dead?
Yes, the original Dead Rising was heavily inspired by George A. Romero’s Dawn of the Dead. Both feature survivors trapped in a shopping mall overrun by zombies.
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What is Capcom’s best-selling game?
As of June 2023, Monster Hunter: World is Capcom’s best-selling game, with over 19 million units sold.
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Why did Capcom Vancouver close?
Capcom Vancouver closed due to restructuring within Capcom and a shift in development focus. The disappointing performance of Dead Rising 4 likely played a role in the decision.
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Did Dead Rising 4 have co-op?
Yes, Dead Rising 4 featured a separate four-player co-op mode.
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How many maniacs (psychopaths) are in Dead Rising 4?
There are significantly fewer maniacs in Dead Rising 4 compared to previous installments.
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What are Prestige Points (PP) in Dead Rising 4?
Prestige Points (PP) are the experience points used in Dead Rising 4.
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Who is the final boss in Dead Rising 4?
The final boss in Dead Rising 4 is Lance Corporal Calder.
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What makes Dead Rising 3 the best in the series?
Dead Rising 3 is considered the best by some fans, because it provides a larger city, hundreds of weapons, good graphics, and lots of zombies.
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What is the Games Learning Society?
The Games Learning Society is an organization which is dedicated to the research, development, and promotion of games for learning and education. Learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.
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What is the main reason people dislike Dead Rising 4?
The main reason people dislike Dead Rising 4 is because it tried too hard to be funny and fails. The humor in the game hurts the mood of the story.
The sales failure of Dead Rising 4 serves as a potent example of the challenges involved in maintaining the integrity and appeal of a long-running franchise while simultaneously attempting to innovate and reach new audiences. The Dead Rising series now sits in a state of limbo, with its future remaining uncertain. While fans hold out hope for a return to the series, the shadow of Dead Rising 4 continues to loom large.