Darkest Dungeon, by Red Hook Studios, is a critically acclaimed roguelike RPG that challenges players with its tough gameplay and psychological stress mechanics. Since its initial release, Darkest Dungeon has drawn a strong following with its gothic atmosphere and innovative mechanics. The Darkest Dungeon sales reflect its enduring popularity in the RPG genre, while Darkest Dungeon statistics highlight its consistent player engagement. Here’s a closer look at the game’s performance and impact.
Darkest Dungeon has sold over 6 million units globally, 8 years after its Early Access launch.
(Source: Game World Observer, Game Developer)
- Including DLCs like The Color of Madness and The Crimson Court has boosted its total sales to 16 million copies.
- Darkest Dungeon sold over 1 million units globally in its first year after full release in 2016.
- The game hit the 2 million sales mark by 2017.
- In 2021, the game surpassed the 5 million sales milestone.
- The original Darkest Dungeon sold 650,000 copies in its first week.
- Darkest Dungeon II has sold 500,000 copies since Early Access.
- Darkest Dungeon II may reach 1 million copies faster than the original, due to the series’ established popularity.
- The initial success of Darkest Dungeon II, selling 230,000 units after its official release, points to the ongoing strength and expansion of the franchise.
The strong sales figures showcase Darkest Dungeon’s success in maintaining a loyal and active community, bolstered by continuous updates and expansions that enrich the gameplay experience. These ongoing enhancements not only add depth to the game’s rich, dark narrative but also introduce fresh challenges that reinvigorate the player experience. This dynamic approach to game development ensures that both new and veteran players find new reasons to engage with the game, contributing to sustained community activity and loyalty. Moreover, the developers’ commitment to listening to community feedback and integrating desired features has fostered a strong bond between the creators and the gamers, further solidifying the game’s place in the hearts of its audience.
Darkest Dungeon series has reached an estimated $79 million in revenue on Steam.
(Source: VG Insights, Game World Observer)
- The game was crowdfunded on Kickstarter, raising over $300,000 from around 10,000 backers.
- Original Darkest Dungeon reached an estimated $65 million in revenue on Steam.
- Darkest Dungeon II reached an estimated $14 million in revenue on Steam.
The financial trajectory of the Darkest Dungeon series, culminating in $79 million in revenue on Steam, is a testament to the robust business model and creative vision of Red Hook Studios. The original Darkest Dungeon’s success, fueled by a strong Kickstarter campaign, set a solid foundation that was expanded upon with the sequel. Together, these elements—community-funded beginnings, strategic content releases, and effective market positioning—have not only ensured substantial earnings but have also cemented the series as a powerhouse in the indie game sector. This revenue achievement demonstrates not just the game’s popularity but also its staying power in a competitive industry, suggesting a well-executed blend of fan engagement and product development.
Darkest Dungeon reached an all time peak of 19,737 concurrent players on Steam.
(Source: Steam, Steam Charts)
- The game has an overall Very Positive review score.
- 91% of 119,598 total reviews being positive.
- Darkest Dungeon II reached an all time peak of 23,679 players on Steam.
- Darkest Dungeon II has an overall Mostly Positive review score from 14,934 total reviews.
- 75% of 14,934 reviews are positive for Darkest Dungeon II.
Darkest Dungeon’s approach to integrating psychological elements with traditional RPG mechanics has set it apart in a crowded market, leading to strong sales and an enthusiastic fanbase. The sequel’s early figures suggest that it is continuing this trend, capturing both returning fans and new players.
Sources
- “Darkest Dungeon II has sold 500,000 copies since Early Access release”. Game Developer, 2023, https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/darkest-dungeon-ii-sells-500-000-copies-since-early-access-release
- “Darkest Dungeon hits 6 million units sold in almost eight years”. Game World Observer, 2022, https://gameworldobserver.com/2022/12/26/darkest-dungeon-sales-6-million-copies-red-hook
- “Darkest Dungeon®”. Steam Charts, 2024, https://steamcharts.com/app/262060
- “Darkest Dungeon® II”. Steam Charts, 2024, https://steamcharts.com/app/1940340