Hypercharge: Unboxed has recently made waves by ranking as the #5 best-selling new game on PlayStation, a remarkable shift for the title. The developers chose not to prioritize sales figures but instead focused on their passion for creating a game they genuinely love. Despite facing challenges with player numbers, the game’s inclusive message has resonated with fans and contributed positively to its sales performance. Originally launched on PC and Nintendo Switch in 2020, Hypercharge: Unboxed was brought to PlayStation 4 and 5 on May 30, after initially struggling to establish a player base.
In a competitive landscape dominated by well-known shooter games, many newcomers like LawBreakers and Battleborn have faced difficulties, leading to their closures. However, the authenticity and positivity from the developers of Hypercharge: Unboxed changed the narrative. Leading up to a significant announcement from Sony on June 4, where hype was building around PlayStation, the game’s developers responded to player complaints about low online engagement with transparency and openness. In one instance, a player expressed frustration on Twitter over the lack of available teammates, labeling the devs as “lazy” and suggesting the port to PlayStation was simply a cash grab.
Instead of retaliating, the developers conveyed their satisfaction with the enjoyment some players found in local split-screen mode, stating that if that was the extent of their success, they would still feel content. Their sincerity struck a chord with fans, accumulating over 650,000 views online and generating a wave of supportive feedback. Joe Henson, the head marketer for Hypercharge, noted that the recognition exceeded their expectations and left the team touched by the response. Even though the game has since slipped from the bestseller list, this sudden surge in popularity may pave the way for greater recognition, particularly due to its crossplay feature.