'Super Mario Run' is a side-scrolling, auto-runner platformer video game developed by Nintendo for iOS and Android devices. (Photo : Getty Images/Kazuhiro Nogi)
Super Mario Run that was launched on Dec. 15 for iOS was met with 40 million download in just four days of its launch. Even its Super Mario Run Android version release is imminent, critics are of the view that the game has flopped.
As of Dec. 25, It is no longer the highest grossing game app in any country. Nintendo shares have gone down because of the negative reviews and poor sales that the game has encountered. Here are five reasons why the game has turned out to be a flop:
Short and Repetitive
The game contains 24 levels that can be replayed many times until all the levels are cleared. Nintendo has stated that it won't be adding more levels to the game through updates, Phone Arena reported.
Its game modes like Toad Rally and Kingdom Builder have failed to add more interest to the game because of which it has received a rating of 2.5 on iOS App Store.
Need to Be Online While Playing
In order to play the game, users are required to have always-on internet. Hence, the game is unplayable in places where there are poor signal strength. Shigeru Miyamoto has said that the reason behind it is that it is "a requirement that's been built into the game to support security."
Incorrect Revenue Generating Model
The free demo of the Super Mario Run allows to enjoy the first three levels of the game for free. To get the full edition of the game with 24 levels, players are required to spend a one-time fee of $9.99. There are no in-app charges in the game.
Only small percentage of players have purchased the full version of the game which has not helped it to generate more revenue. Like Super Mario Run, there are many runner games that offer many features like real-time multiplayer racing, and unlimited levels and worlds for free. Dropping the price of the game to around $2 may help in getting higher sales, Business Insider reported.
What do you think about the game? Have you invested $9.99 to get the full version? Do let us know by adding comments below.
Here is Super Mario Run review:
