The Games People Buy

Here is some comprehensive research on the types of games people buy. Most significantly, sports and other licensed products were the best performers. There was a correlation between high game reviews and high sales rank, and the exceptions came from licensed games like, Cars (2nd in sales, with a 71% average review). In many ways, the IP carries the title: the game doesn't even have to be good.

The Games We Buy

Of particular note is that many of the games that received poor reviews, but achieved good sales are sequels or other spinoffs of popular game franchises. Video game IP bolster lame titles to huge sales.