Activision expected big things from its Skylanders franchise when it initially launched in 2011 – but little did it realize just how colossal it would become. (That’s not a pun meant for Giants.)
The franchise has managed to make more than $1.5 billion since its launch two years ago. In addition, Skylanders Giants, last year’s release, played a huge part in that with 500,000 units sold within the first two weeks of release – an unprecedented number considering that it sold with a portal and three figures for a higher-than-retail price. Not surprisingly, this news comes right after Disney announced it sold 294,000 copies of Disney Infinity in the first two weeks.
“We’ve accomplished this unmatched level of success by consistently delivering magic to our passionate, young fans,” said Activision CEO Eric Hirschberg in a statement. “And the best is yet to come.”
That “best” that Hirshberg refers to is Skylanders: Swap Force, which will release next month for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U and other platforms. With new character switching abilities and fresh new gameplay techniques – like the ability to jump, at last! – it should have no problem becoming a best seller this holiday season.
Source: GamesIndustry International
