Iizuka: Grade Schoolers Highest User Demographics Of Mania Digital Downloads Outside Japan
We got a little more insight into Mania sales data, thanks to a Famitsu interview with Takashi Iizuka:
Famitsu: Finally, please leave a message to the fans.
Iizuka: Thanks to everyone who bought the original Sonic Mania, we’re able to continue it to Plus, and we’re really grateful for that. There may be some impressions that Sonic Mania was aimed for people who knew of the Genesis-era games simply because it is a 2D game that feels like the past, but in actuality, people from a very broad age range are playing it.
Especially outside Japan, the highest user demographics of digital downloads came from grade schoolers. This time we’re selling it in a form and price that’s easy to obtain, so to those who haven’t got to play this yet, please kindly get this. I can proudly recommend this title to Japanese grade schoolers as well.
This post was originally written by the author for TSSZ News.
*sigh* Finally… he understand.
understands.*
Given the language and cultural barrier, I thought your initial comment was purely intentional to drive home a point.
Since he is saying “Sonic Mania lifeline” I hope they decided to make it an official off-brand and not just a one-time thing.
Also I hope they will now make Sonic Mania 2 with all brand-new stages and playable characters (like Classic Amy and Metal Sonic)
Ah, the sweet irony.
This interview made me really happy.
For Iizuka to have to admit that Mania was popular with elementary schoolers, has to be a pretty serious blow to his ego.
So much time, effort and resources just to get the “new audience”s attention, while neglecting longtime fans, while the answer was right under his nose all along. (And probably ringing in his ears 24/7 as well).
If he doesn’t see potential in a sequel, then this man is beyond repair. But if he’s actually just PRing his way out of revealing that there is indeed a sequel planned, then my hat’s off to him.
Despite this all. I am very grateful that this was even greenlit in the first place. And if this truly turns into a branched off series of it’s own, then I see great things ahead for Sonic, and SEGA bas a whole. (Maybe they could start focusing on other IPs as well).