Big games are better than ever, but why aren't sales?

Could 2016 pass as a forgotten period for game releases?

This has undeniably been a busy period for gaming, with dozens of memorable experiences over the past twelve months. Amidst a constant flow of refined sequels, distinctive reboots, and intriguing new properties, change is undeniably on the horizon for games and how we experience them. And yet… amidst all this greatness and hype, sales seem to be faltering.

Single-player shooter campaigns have seen a revival with titles such as DOOM and Titanfall 2 – an element of shooter franchises once neglected in favor of more substantial multiplayer content. Overwatch and Battlefield 1 both managed to deliver refreshing online experiences, with new themes, pacing and gameplay traits that stand out from the competition. Even on the indie front, Firewatch and Inside managed to deliver artistic narrative-driven adventures, which question the standards currently in place for game design.

But with all these triumphs, dwindling sales across the board appear to be at the forefront of discussion. Although many titles are putting forward new ideas and intriguing premises, their inability to meet sale forecasts leaves some franchises without any hope of a successor. Even with a surplus of critically acclaimed releases, could 2016 go by as a forgotten period for gaming?

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