Metroid Dread actually broke 3 Million and sold very well for a Metroid game, idk what were Nintendo's expectations exactly but Dread is the best selling title in the series, i doubt the budget was that high and unlike Prime it sold most copies at full price, its also going to keep its value for a long time, as new Metroid games are released it may one day reach 4M
I hope as well Bloodstained 2 is a big hit, the original sold 2 Million this is good news for these two series ,there is a lot of potential for an improved sequel, that don't play it so safe and takes more risks
Oh, I know. My point was that if Nintendo, the undisputed market leader in side scrollers, with the long awaited return of the franchise that created the genre, and on what may end up being the best selling console of all time, could barely crack 3 million units, then I doubt any other major developer is chomping at the bit to release their own MVs. Yeah, it's enough for Nintendo to keep their hardcore fanbase happy (I am assuming Mercury Steam is making Metroid 6 until I hear otherwise). It's enough for Iga to have another go at it (assuming the "ambitious" part of this rumor is true), since this is his wheelhouse and SOTN is perhaps even more beloved than Metroid in the MV universe. But after Prince of Persia's failure, I don't see anyone else jumping in. Which is sad. There are a lot of old franchises that could use a reboot, and at least on the surface a MV game could work (after all, even Castlevania didn't start in this genre!) and turn a dead franchise into an excellent game, but I just don't see more happening despite Iga and Nintendo's moderate success at this level.
And honestly, I'm not even sure if I'd call the first Bloodstained as a mid-high budget game for MVs. It seems like a step below Metroid and PoP. I suppose there are other higher budget MVs besides the typical indie fair, like Ori or FIST (I think? Never played that one). Personally, I feel Bloodstained might fall into that category. I'm hoping this rumor is true and it can be bumped up a level.
And as an aside, given the timing of Metroid Dread's release and this rumor, could we have a new Metroid and a new spiritual Castlevania released in the same year?