Off-Road Sim SnowRunner Has Sold Almost 1 Million Copies – Here’s Why
Apparently, people really miss driving. | Source: Saber Interactive
- Off-road trucking simulator, SnowRunner, launched late last month.
- Parent company Embracer Group reports sales of nearly 1 million in the first three weeks after launch.
- SnowRunner’s unique brand of escapism has struck a chord among lock-downed gamers.
SnowRunner – a game about navigating cumbersome trucks through mud, slush, and snow – has sold almost 1 million copies in the first three weeks after release.
A Methodical and Relaxing Slog
Developed by Saber Interactive and published by Focus Home Interactive, SnowRunner released last month.
The off-road trucking sim immediately enthralled swathes of gamers eager to escape the oppressive isolation of lockdown. They opted for the similarly lonely day-to-day of truckers hauling cargo across treacherous icy terrain.
You complete contracts, winch your way out of sticky situations, and explore an open-world for discovery. It’s a contemplative game, where slow progress and a systematic approach make for an almost serene experience. It’s resonating with gamers.
The trucking sim genre has slowly nudged itself into the mainstream in recent years thanks in part to Saber’s previous effort, MudRunner, and SCS Software’s Truck Simulator series.
Nevertheless, the genre has struggled to shift away from its niche appeal. SnowRunner is reversing that trend by offering an engaging new title.
SnowRunner hit-headlines late last month as Saber Interactive released a trailer that unabashedly channeled the tone and aesthetic of Hideo Kojima’s 2019 Death Stranding.
While it’s difficult to gauge how much of an impact the trailer had on interest in SnowRunner, Saber Interactive earned some brownie points for the flawless execution of a tongue-in-cheek spoof.
Nearly One Million Copies of SnowRunner Sold
Embracer Group, the parent company of Saber Interactive, today revealed as part of its Q4 financial report the extent of SnowRunner’s early success. They noted that the game ‘performed above management expectations .’
Embracer did not disclose exact figures but said it expects SnowRunner sales in the first three weeks to reach nearly 1 million copies .
Contributions to the overall sales figure saw an equal sell-through across all platforms. This includes PC as an Epic Games Store exclusive, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.
Embracer noted that of total sales, a high percentage is attributed to the Premium Edition as well as DLC content. SnowRunner also shows strong retention among players with substantial played hours.
The COVID-19 pandemic has helped boost sales, as we’ve seen across the entire gaming industry. But SnowRunner’s unique brand of escapism looks to have struck a chord.
