TFW Sega blew 30 million fucking USD in a Japan only Sakura Wars mobile game that bombed HARD and couldn't be arsed to port the actual game to PC/Switch.
They should port it so PC can save the fucking franchise like Valkirya Chronicles
I think I need to address a few things here:
1. The report saying Sakura Kakumei's budget 30 million YEN (not USD) is sourced from a YouTuber. People choose to believe in what they want, but do you believe in a YouTuber? No sir, I don't.
2. Did the game bombed? The game launches on 12th December, so the rumored monthly revenue (ie. 7 million YEN) only counts half-a-month. Oh, btw, another tracking site reported that the game actually has 9 million YEN revenue so the number is disputed.
3. Am I pessimistic? 7 million or 9 million is bad for a big IP. Many players drop the game at the beginning two weeks. But it is a mobile game, so longevity is the key. Based on reception, I can confirm to you that most of the players and their mum agree that the story and characters are great. Chapter 3 of the main story, which was released on Tuesday this week, got very strong impressions from players. The game has flaws, mostly in mechanics and bugs, and the developers promised updates to come on 19th. With all things counted, the game has potential to continue growing. Btw, the developer also confirm that the game has been downloaded for 1 million times already.
4. Why should this mobile game grow? In an industry where everyday more girls decide to wear revealing clothes so that they can attract the players to pay for gacha, this game has no (NONE) scanty-clad girls so far. Their outfits make sense and all of them has their own position in the main story and introduced properly. And Sakura in this game (main girl) is such a good character. She doesn't fall short compared to the Sakura in the mainline games.
5. Should they port Shin Sakura Wars to PC / Switch? Yes, they should. What are you waiting for, SEGA?!
6. Does the franchise need saving? Purely my opinion. No, please stay this way. Shin and Kakumei are growing to be their own thing. The IP is over 20 years old and changes are inevitable, yet the spirit and central themes are untouched. The latest opera show (HUGE aspect of the franchise) got very good reception from fans, too. Overall, I am fairly optimistic to the franchise. But, I don't think the game will grow much in the west. It will stay as a niche franchise due to it still being a visual novel and dating sim.