10 Video Games That Sold WAY Better Than You Think
6. Goat Simulator
Goat Simulator is proof that irony alone can lead to massive commercial success. Initially created as a joke prototype in 2014, the game's jank-filled alpha footage quickly went viral, leading to speedy development of a full release.
But a viral success doesn't always translate into strong sales, and you'd be forgiven for assuming that this meme-worthy game delivered mild amusement as a YouTube clip while not actually selling copies by the buckload.
But alas, within nine months of its PC release, Goat Simulator had shifted a stunning 2.5 million copies across PC and mobile platforms.
By March 2016, lead developer Armin Ibrisagic confirmed the game has generated more than $12 million in revenue, dwarfing the commercial performance of Coffee Stain Studios' previous attempts at actual, serious games, with Sanctum and Sanctum 2 making under $2 million each.
Though Goat Simulator remains a controversial product given that it was deliberately released chock full of bugs to ride the wave of irony, its success proves just how big the market is for knowingly stupid, charmingly janky video games.