Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero! Publisher Faces Game Cancellations Despite Recent Success

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero Shines Among Major Releases

October has been a month full of major video game releases, and Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero has emerged as one of the standout successes. The game has made a mark alongside popular titles like Metaphor: ReFantazio and Silent Hill 2, both of which quickly sold over a million copies within days of their launch.

Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero Sells Over 3 Million Copies in 24 Hours

Despite stiff competition, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero managed to sell an impressive 3 million copies within the first 24 hours of its release, solidifying its position as a commercial hit.

Publisher Bandai Namco Faces Workforce Reductions and Game Cancellations

While enjoying the success of Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, Bandai Namco, the game's publisher, finds itself making tough decisions. A recent report by Bloomberg reveals that the company is downsizing its workforce and axing several game titles, despite recent achievements. In April, Bandai Namco relocated 200 out of its 1,300 employees to separate rooms with no assigned tasks, a move that is uncommon in Japan where firing employees is challenging due to strict labor laws.

Resignations Amidst Game Cancellations

The report indicates that approximately 100 employees have already resigned, with more expected to follow suit in the coming months. Bandai Namco has refuted claims of pressuring employees to resign through tactics like 'oidashibeya' (separate rooms) but has acknowledged the cancellation of some game projects.

Industry Impact and Global Game Cancellations

The rise and fall of video game sales during the global lockdowns have led to a wave of game cancellations in recent years. With people turning to gaming for entertainment during extended stays at home, the industry experienced a surge in sales that later tapered off as restrictions eased.

For more on upcoming video game releases, be sure to check out our Stalker 2 preview.