Even after only getting average review scores, it seems that Remedy’s time-manipulating action game Quantum Break is doing very well in the UK. Quantum Break has had the most successful launch of new Microsoft IP this console generation. Quantum Break also topped the UK sales chart in its first week, moving Tom Clancy’s The Division to third place.
Quantum Break has already had more success than other new Microsoft IP’s this generation, including Sunset: Overdrive and Ryse. Remedy’s reputation from the Alan Wake and Max Payne series helped build the hype for Quantum Break.
One of the reasons Quantum Break stood out among other releases was releasing the game with a TV series based in the game’s world. As explained by IGN, after the player has completed a chapter in the game, they will unlock a 22-minute episode of the Quantum Break TV series. The game’s story focuses on protagonist Jack Joyce, whereas the TV episodes focus on the game’s antagonist Paul Serene. This cross play between two different mediums is a unique kind of storytelling, and makes Quantum Break stand out among other releases.
The sales recorded have only been for the Xbox One version of the game, as the PC downloads are not part of the sales. According to some sites, the PC port of Quantum Break suffers from delayed frame rates and overall poor performance. Unfortunately Remedy can’t fix all of the problems the PC port has, so like Arkham Knight you’re better off buying the console version.
Despite some average reviews and PC problems, Quantum Break has been a big success for Microsoft in the UK. We’ll see if the game will have as much success in the US and if it will be as revered as Remedy’s Alan Wake. Hopefully some developers will take note of Quantum Break’s unique method of storytelling for future games.