It will be more popular than previous episodes:
The Deluxe Edition is crazy popular...
Sega will make a lot of money thanks to the collab characters like Steve, Sponge, TMNT.
Of course, Sonic and Sega boys will first be mad but then understand that it will allow more Sonic/Sega characters as well.
Sega stated that they'll expand the life cycle (season pass and free doc characters) after one year if the game is popular.
For free marketing only, Sega should add active IPs like Shinobi, Jet Set Radio, Golden Axe, Streets of Rage, Crazy Taxi, Puyo, Samba, Monkey Ball, PSO and generate even more hype for Crossworlds with movie characters/Tracks like the Upcoming Outrun.