Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 Sales Disappoint

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 Sales Fall Below Expectations

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 Sales Fall Below Expectations

Hot Wheels Unleashed was a major success for developer Milestone. With over two million copies sold, itā€™s the Italian studioā€™s best-selling game by a mile. As a result, a sequel should be an instant hit. This is not the case, sadly, as Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 has underperformed.

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 sales were ā€œbelow management expectationsā€

No sales figures were released, but sales for Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged fell ā€œslightly below management expectationsā€ according to Embracer Groupā€™s Q3 FY 2023/24 report.

ā€œThe main revenue drivers among new releases in the quarter were Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged, Risk of Rain Returns and Arizona Sunshine 2 (VR),ā€ the report reads.

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2
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ā€œHot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged was well-received by critics and players, but performed slightly below management expectations, likely partly due to a crowded release window.ā€

Itā€™s a stark contrast to the first game. Since launching in 2021, Hot Wheels Unleashed has sold over two million copies with more than eight million players registered across platforms. This doesnā€™t necessarily mean Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 sold badly however, as executives will have likely had higher expectations after the original game became a smash hit.

Why didnā€™t Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 sell well?

As the report states, Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 launched during a crowded period. Last October was one of the busiest months for new game releases last year, with high-profile releases like Alan Wake 2, Spider-Man 2, and Assassin's Creed Mirage. In the racing genre, October also saw the release of Forza Motorsport, followed by EA Sports WRC in November.

While Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 is an arcade racer, limited marketing meant that many fans of the original didnā€™t know there was a sequel. Itā€™s a shame because Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 is a solid arcade racer and a worthy sequel.

Hot Wheels Unleashed 2
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With new outdoor environments, more vehicle types, and tactical gameplay improvements, it improves on the original in every way. Hopefully, the gameā€™s positive reception and word of mouth will help boost sales.

Milestone continues to support Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 with multiple Season Pass Volumes bringing new cars and environments in DLC packs, including the new Made in Italy expansion.

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