Metaphor: ReFantazio's Disappointing Launch on Xbox

Metaphor: ReFantazio generated significant buzz online thanks to its classic Atlus style and the strategic release of an extensive free demo prior to launch. The game also benefited from a marketing partnership with Xbox, which ensured that all general trailers and various out-of-home advertisements prominently featured Xbox branding. While this deal aimed to boost visibility and appeal, the key question was whether it would translate into strong sales.

On PC, the game has performed well, showing robust sales figures and high engagement, particularly impressive for a new IP. However, the console market has presented a different story. Despite topping the Japanese Top Paid charts, Metaphor: ReFantazio has struggled to gain traction in the US, ranking only 15th, lagging behind other new releases such as Undisputed, DRAGON BALL: Sparking! ZERO, New World: Aeternum, and Starship Troopers: Extermination.

In the UK, the situation is even more pronounced, with the game placed 24th, trailing behind budget releases like Squirrel with a Gun and Heavy Cargo: Truck Simulator. Although Metaphor: ReFantazio has been slowly climbing the UK chart, it's unlikely to achieve the dominance that pre-release hype might have suggested.

Comparing its performance on PlayStation, the game sits at 6th in Japan, 15th in the US, and 16th in the UK for digital sales—indicating a softer reception overall. Given that 91% of Xbox games are now sold digitally (compared to 78% on PlayStation), the Xbox version was expected to lead the charge, but that has yet to materialize.

Regardless of these numbers, Atlus maintained its reputation for exceptional music, which has been one of the highlights of Metaphor: ReFantazio.