Marvel’s Avengers sold below expectations, confirms Square Enix

Over the past few days, rumors have circulated in the video game industry that Marvel’s Avengers have sold well below Square Enix’s expectations, leading to a disappointing financial quarter for the publisher. Now, an official transcript of a Square Enix investor briefing confirms that the game has underperformed, resulting in an overall loss of the publisher’s HD Games division.

“The HD games sub-segment recorded an operating loss as initial sales of Marvel’s Avengers were lower than expected and unable to fully offset the amortization of game development costs,” part of the team said. briefing. “In the second half of the year, we hope to compensate for the slow initial sales by providing sufficient additional content to increase our sales.”

In a Q&A, one investor estimated the operating loss for the HD Games division in the second quarter of this year at around 7 billion yen, or roughly $ 67 million. The company attributed the slow sales of the game in part to marketing delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. When asked about the volatility of the HD Games division, Square Enix responded that it viewed its entire Digital Entertainment segment rather than the HD Games division in isolation by using stable income from MMOs and mobile games to offset potential losses. big budget games. like Avengers.

Marvel’s Avengers will be receiving new DLC soon that will add Kate Bishop to the game, with Clint Barton coming in 2021. This may boost some sales that will help Square Enix offset the game’s development costs. A recent update to the game has added an AI ping system to make it easier to guide your companions. A full next-gen upgrade for Marvel’s Avengers will also be available for free next year.