In Europe, Immortals of Aveum ranked as the 469th best-selling game of 2023.
Now, occupying the 469th position isn’t inherently unfavorable. For smaller developers operating on tight budgets, such a ranking could still yield profitability.
However, Immortals of Aveum didn’t emerge from a small-scale development environment. Rather, it was crafted by a AAA fantasy shooter by a team of 100 individuals, spearheaded by a former Call of Duty creative director, and published by EA. Regrettably, securing the 469th spot didn’t translate to profitability. Just a month following its release, Ascendant Studio, the developer behind the game, was compelled to lay off 40 employees.
Not every venture in the gaming industry hits the mark. Venturing into uncharted territories can yield unpredictable outcomes. Immortals of Aveum joins the ranks of numerous AAA games that missed their anticipated mark. However, what sets this instance apart is the openness of studio founder Bret Robbins in discussing the experience.
“It was a challenging landscape of major releases,” Robbins reflects. “Learning from failures and missteps is invaluable. It’s essential to share narratives encompassing both runaway successes and the less fortunate outcomes.”
So, what led to the shortfall?
“As we approached the launch date, it became apparent that the market was saturated,” Robbins explains. “The timing was particularly crowded. Notable titles like Zelda, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, and Baldur’s Gate 3 loomed large on the horizon. Baldur’s Gate 3’s unexpected surge just prior to our release date proved particularly impactful.”
Robbins further elaborates on the formidable lineup of major game releases throughout 2023, including Hogwarts Legacy, Zelda, Diablo, Baldur’s Gate, Starfield, Assassin’s Creed, Spider-Man, and Mario. In the midst of this competitive landscape, Ascendant struggled to carve out a distinct space for Immortals of Aveum.
“It was a gauntlet of prominent releases, and being a fledgling studio, we lacked the established reputation,” Robbins reflects. “Questions arise regarding the efficacy of our marketing strategies. Regrettably, we failed to generate the necessary buzz.”
Could delaying the release have altered the outcome?
“It’s impossible to predict,” Robbins responds. “Perhaps postponing to February 2024… but then again, unforeseen challenges might have arisen.”
Robbins acknowledges that transitioning from established franchises like Call of Duty to launching a new IP posed unforeseen difficulties.
“The creation of a new IP presents unique challenges,” Robbins notes. “Unlike established franchises, we lacked a foundation to build upon. Moreover, the reception towards new IPs tends to be more unpredictable.”
Despite encountering mixed critical reception, Immortals of Aveum garnered positive feedback from players, albeit facing awareness issues.
“Our efforts to highlight the game’s similarities to popular titles like God of War and Doom Eternal didn’t fully resonate with the audience,” Robbins observes. “However, subsequent discounts and promotional activities notably boosted sales.”
Indeed, while Immortals of Aveum fell short of achieving blockbuster success, Robbins remains optimistic about its future prospects.
“Our journey continues,” Robbins asserts. “The narrative surrounding Immortals is far from concluded. Similar to the enduring legacy of past titles, Immortals will persist as a noteworthy chapter in our studio’s trajectory.”
Despite the setbacks, Robbins affirms Ascendant’s commitment to innovation and resilience in the face of adversity.
“While our initial foray didn’t meet expectations, our resolve remains steadfast,” Robbins concludes. “Every successful company’s journey is fraught with challenges. Immortals merely marks the beginning of our narrative, with many chapters yet to unfold.”
