F1 24 launched at the end of May to mixed reactions. While the revamped career mode was a step in the right direction, the updated handling proved to be divisive, leading to drastic physics changes in subsequent patches.
Over a month on, sales data reveals that F1 24 has had a slow start in the UK compared to last year’s game.
F1 24 launch sales over 40% down compared to F1 23
According to GFK sales data via Gamesindustry.bz, F1 24 was the top-selling new game in June across all formats in the UK. It was also the third best-selling game of the month behind GTA V and EA FC 24. Last week also saw F1 24 race back into the top 10 UK sales charts amid excitement for the British Grand Prix.
Despite these achievements, F1 24 had a “disappointing launch,” with sales 44% down in the opening five weeks compared to F1 23. History is unfortunately repeating itself here, as F1 23’s sales were also down by nearly 47% in Europe last year compared to F1 22.
Exact sales figures haven’t been released, but there are a few possible reasons for F1’s declining sales. Fans often have an apathy for annual sports titles. With no new drivers or tracks in this year’s F1 season, F1 24 offers a similar experience to F1 23 in many players’ eyes, despite an improved career mode and physics helmed by Max Verstappen.
Compounding this is the fact that F1 24 still runs on Codemasters’ Ego engine, albeit with graphical enhancements. Selling F1 24 at full price also probably didn’t help, with the deluxe Champions Edition retailing for an eye-watering £89.99.
That's extortionate for an annual series, and players seem to be voting with their wallets. EA could learn lessons from Frontier. F1 Manager 2024 is retailing for £39.99 / $44.99 - less than half the price of the F1 24 Champions Edition.
As a result, fans who bought last year’s game are likely waiting for F1 24 to go on sale. The price has already dropped since launch, with F1 24 currently 33% off on Amazon for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Let’s hope next year’s game can revolutionize the series and get sales back on track.
Are you surprised about F1 24’s disappointing launch sales? Let us know in the comments below.
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