Quantic Dream, the French game developer celebrated for its interactive narratives, has announced that Detroit: Become Human has surpassed 10 million units sold worldwide. Originally launched in 2018 as a PlayStation 4 exclusive, the game expanded to PC in 2019, attracting a broad audience captivated by its choice-driven storytelling. This sales milestone highlights the ongoing appeal of the title, which has resonated with players for over six years.
In a recent statement shared on social media, Guillaume de Fondaumiere, CEO of Quantic Dream, thanked the game’s players, expressing gratitude for their support. “You mean the world to us, and we couldn’t have achieved this incredible milestone without every single one of you!” he wrote. Importantly, the 10 million units figure solely includes paid copies, leaving out any downloads acquired through the PlayStation Plus service, underscoring the game’s strong performance in the market through direct sales.
Charting the Journey of Detroit: Become Human
Detroit: Become Human is the fifth title from Quantic Dream, building on the studio’s legacy of narrative-driven games like Beyond: Two Souls and Heavy Rain. The game quickly garnered positive reviews at launch, praised for its storytelling, ambitious themes, and interactive elements. Set in a near-future version of Detroit, the game explores themes of identity, freedom, and morality through the lens of three android protagonists. Each character embarks on a personal journey, navigating a world teetering on the brink of civil unrest as the lines between human and machine blur.
The game’s narrative allows players to make decisions that significantly impact the story, resulting in a multitude of possible pathways and endings. This replayability factor has contributed to its popularity, with players often revisiting the game to explore alternative outcomes. By the end of 2018, the game had sold over two million copies, topping charts in the UK and maintaining momentum in the years that followed. By 2020, it had reached the five million sales mark, and it has now doubled that achievement, highlighting the enduring demand for interactive, story-driven games.
Fan Reactions and Calls for a Sequel
In response to the milestone announcement, fans took to social media to express their enthusiasm and appreciation for Detroit: Become Human, while some used the occasion to request updates or a potential sequel. Comments ranged from praise for the game’s cast, which includes notable performances by Bryan Dechart, Valorie Curry, and Jesse Williams, to suggestions for a PlayStation 5 upgrade and pleas for a continuation of the game’s story.
One fan shared, “One of the best games ever made,” while another wrote, “You deserve it. Excellent game with a great cast.” Such reactions reflect the emotional connection many players have with the game, a connection driven by its thought-provoking storyline and engaging characters. A number of fans are hopeful that Quantic Dream might explore a sequel, offering more opportunities to dive into the game’s rich, dystopian world.
Expanding Horizons: Quantic Dream and NetEase
The success of Detroit: Become Human coincides with a period of significant transformation for Quantic Dream. In 2019, the studio announced plans to broaden its reach by releasing games on multiple platforms. This move was supported by a strategic partnership with NetEase, a Chinese technology giant, which culminated in NetEase acquiring Quantic Dream outright in 2022. The acquisition made Quantic Dream the first European studio under NetEase’s ownership.
Currently, Quantic Dream is focusing on its next major project, Star Wars Eclipse, in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games. While details about the project remain limited, it is expected to continue Quantic Dream’s tradition of narrative-driven gameplay, leveraging the Star Wars universe to explore new storytelling possibilities. This project marks an exciting new chapter for Quantic Dream, and fans are eager to see how the studio’s distinctive approach will translate to such a well-loved franchise.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Quantic Dream moves forward with new ventures, Detroit: Become Human remains a cornerstone of its success, exemplifying the studio’s unique approach to interactive storytelling. For those yet to experience it, the game is currently available at a discounted rate on Steam, with a 70% discount running until 14 October.
The enduring popularity and impressive sales figures of Detroit: Become Human underscore the studio’s impact on the gaming landscape. By reaching 10 million sales, Quantic Dream has demonstrated that there is a lasting appetite for narrative experiences that place player choice at the forefront. Whether or not a sequel to Detroit: Become Human materialises, the game’s achievements have set a high bar for the studio’s future projects. As anticipation builds for Star Wars Eclipse, it’s clear that Quantic Dream’s storytelling prowess will continue to engage and challenge audiences, promising further innovation and memorable experiences for years to come.
