Sega's experiment in publishing hardcore games for Wii is, arguably, not working out. Both MadWorld and The House of the Dead: Overkill have already been price-dropped to $30. The question must be asked: is Sega's upcoming hardcore Wii shooter, The Conduit, heading for the same low-sales fate?
High Voltage Software says no, and not just because they developed the game. They feel like The Conduit has something special that both Overkill and MadWorld lacked-- namely, mainstream appeal. Here's Chief Creative Officer Eric Nofsinger's take, from an interview with VideoGamer:
They’re great games [HotD and MadWorld] and I love them, however I know that they’re not accessible and they’re not the kind of titles that are going to tap into both core and mainstream [audiences]. When I say that we’re core, I mean that we have a level of detail and depth and customisation and variety that core gamers demand. When I say that we’re accessible and that we’re also aiming for the mainstream, that is why we specifically chose the art style we did, and the setting.
The bigger issue here, I'd say, is that The Conduit is rated T where Overkill and MadWorld were rated M. More big box stores and chains carry T-rated games, which means a lot more exposure to the average Wii consumer. I do think it will do better, but it'll be much later this summer before we know exactly how much better.
