In a notable turn for game releases, the recently launched High On Life 2 has seen PlayStation take the lead as its primary platform, with PC sales closely behind. This comes despite the original High On Life having an exclusive seven-month console deal with Microsoft's Xbox. The sequel's simultaneous release on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S has revealed interesting market dynamics, particularly in how gaming platforms perform relative to each other and the impact of subscription services like Game Pass.
Squanch Games CEO Mike Fridley shed light on this development in a recent interview. He revealed that even after an initial delay for the Sony launch of the first game due to an exclusivity agreement with Microsoft, PlayStation unexpectedly became their top-performing platform. This historical performance influenced the studio's decision to launch High On Life 2 on PS5 right from the start, bypassing an exclusivity period for the sequel.
For the PC gaming community, this news is particularly relevant. Fridley confirmed that while PlayStation is the overall leader, Steam (representing PC sales) ranks a strong second in terms of units sold. This demonstrates the robust and significant market presence of PC gamers. The decision to forgo console exclusivity for the sequel could also be linked to broader market trends, including recent price adjustments for Game Pass. Fridley theorized that a potential decrease in Game Pass subscribers might lead players to seek out games on other platforms, benefiting PC and PlayStation.
Another strategic advantage of a simultaneous multi-platform release, as pointed out by Fridley, is cost efficiency. By launching on all major platforms at once, Squanch Games avoids the need for separate marketing campaigns, essentially leveraging a single marketing effort to boost sales across multiple ecosystems. This streamlined approach minimizes expenditure while maximizing reach.
Furthermore, Fridley acknowledged the value of Game Pass in promoting their titles. He noted that Microsoft and Xbox offer substantial support for games included in their Game Pass service. Despite the shift in platform leadership, the objective for Squanch Games remains consistent: to expand the franchise's visibility as widely as possible. This strategy prioritizes reaching a broad audience over exclusive deals, even if it means potentially affecting direct sales in some areas.
The strategic decision to launch High On Life 2 across multiple platforms from day one, driven by the surprising success of PlayStation and robust PC sales for its predecessor, highlights the evolving landscape of game distribution. This approach not only maximizes market penetration and marketing efficiency but also capitalizes on diverse player bases across different platforms, ensuring the game reaches a broader audience and fosters franchise growth.
