Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero Dominates Steam Charts Ahead of Launch
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero has become a sensation even before its official release, breaking records as the most-played fighting game in Steam's history during its early access phase. Thanks to the power of its iconic IP, the game has quickly positioned itself as one of 2024’s potential blockbusters.
Early Access Success
Announced last year, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero entered early access on October 7 for players who purchased the Deluxe or Ultimate editions. These early adopters gained exclusive access before the official launch on October 10, and their enthusiasm led to an astonishing peak of 90,186 concurrent players. This impressive figure far surpasses the peak player counts of other major fighting titles like Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Dragon Ball FighterZ, and Mortal Kombat 1, which have all topped out between 38,000 and 70,000 players on Steam.
The Power of the Dragon Ball IP
The numbers might seem staggering for an early access title, but there are clear reasons behind Sparking Zero’s immediate success. The Dragon Ball franchise, one of the most beloved and enduring in anime history, naturally draws a massive audience. Fans on Reddit have highlighted the game's polish, accessibility, and the excitement of revisiting a style reminiscent of Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3, a classic favourite from the series.
Features and Positive Reception
Early reviews for Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero praise its balance of depth and accessibility, making it appealing to both hardcore fighting game enthusiasts and casual fans of the Dragon Ball series. The game boasts an impressive roster of 181 characters, including iconic favourites, which contributes to its popularity and replayability.
In addition, the game's success is setting the stage for a robust support plan. Players already have the option to purchase various DLC packs, including a Season Pass and two Anime Packs, with additional cosmetics available through the Ultimate edition. Recent leaks hint at further content, with a “Martial Arts Pack” DLC rumoured to be on the way, though details on its contents remain unconfirmed.
Looking Ahead
Given its early success, Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero seems poised for a bright future. With such a strong start and enthusiastic fan reception, it's likely to receive ongoing updates and content, keeping the community engaged well into the future.