Capcom Sounds the Alarm on Sales Struggles for Monster Hunter Wilds

In a startling revelation, Capcom has pointed fingers at the soaring costs associated with PlayStation 5 gaming for the lackluster sales of their newest title, Monster Hunter Wilds.

As of the end of June, Monster Hunter Wilds managed to sell only 477,000 copies—merely edging past its predecessor, the four-year-old Monster Hunter Rise, which sold 389,000 units. Despite being the 9th best-selling game for Capcom this quarter, it couldn't surpass the older title, which took the 10th spot.

Budget-Busting Gaming: The Financial Burden of PS5

Capcom’s latest financial report expressed concerns: "Despite softer sales for Monster Hunter Wilds, the earlier Monster Hunter Rise continues to see growth." The company's President, Haruhiro Tsujimoto, shared with Nikkei Gaming that the entry cost for players to dive into Monster Hunter Wilds on a PS5 is undeniably steep.

Initially, Capcom envisioned the PlayStation 5 as the primary platform for Wilds, estimating ambitious sales figures. However, after factoring in the prices of the console, necessary accessories, and subscriptions like PlayStation Plus, getting into the game could cost around 100,000 JPY (approximately $677 USD). With an additional $70 price tag for the game itself, many gamers—especially younger ones without stable incomes—are choosing to opt for older, more budget-friendly classics like Monster Hunter World or Rise.

Price Hikes Make Things Worse

The situation worsened when Sony declared a $50 price increase on all PS5 models last month. The flagship PS5 now retails for $549.99, while the Digital Edition and the Pro model have seen similar hikes. This change took effect in the U.S. on August 21, with Sony’s Vice President of Global Marketing, Isabelle Tomatis, acknowledging that, "Like many global businesses, we continue to navigate a challenging economic environment, resulting in this tough decision."

What Next for Monster Hunter Wilds?

So, what can Capcom do to turn this around? Discounts seem to be on the table, alongside additional content through patches. Speculations are also swirling about a potential launch for Monster Hunter Wilds on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, which could broaden its reach.

However, current players have their own theories regarding the game's shaky sales figures. After an initial positive reception, the endgame content has been criticized for lacking depth compared to predecessors. Severe performance issues on PC have also plagued the experience, leaving fans dissatisfied despite ongoing content updates. The frustration has reportedly driven some players to cross unacceptable lines, even targeting Capcom team members with harassment and threats.

User Reviews Tell a Mixed Story

On Steam, Monster Hunter Wilds has a 'mixed' rating based on all reviews, but recent assessments dip to 'mostly negative.' The ongoing discourse among fans highlights a clear disconnect between player expectations and the game's current state.