Why Won’t Sleeping Dogs Get a Sequel?
Sleeping Dogs, an open-world action-adventure game, was released in 2012 to critical acclaim and commercial success. The game’s unique blend of martial arts, driving, and exploration set it apart from other games in the genre. Despite its popularity, Square Enix, the game’s developer, has not announced a sequel. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind the lack of a sequel and what could have been done differently.
Cumulative Drop in Faith
One of the primary reasons for the lack of a sequel is the cumulative drop in faith given to new properties. Sleeping Dogs was a spin-off of the True Crime series, which was already struggling to gain traction. The game’s success was largely due to its unique setting and gameplay mechanics, which may not have been enough to sustain a franchise.
IP Shift
Square Enix has shifted its focus to other intellectual properties (IPs) such as Final Fantasy XIV, which has been a huge success. The company may have decided to prioritize other projects that have a broader appeal and more potential for growth.
Triad Wars Cancellation
Triad Wars, a multiplayer-focused spin-off of Sleeping Dogs, was cancelled in 2016. The game’s failure to gain traction and the decline of the multiplayer market may have contributed to the decision to not pursue a sequel.
United Front Games Shutdown
United Front Games, the developer of Sleeping Dogs, was shut down in 2016. The studio’s closure likely meant that the resources and expertise needed to develop a sequel were no longer available.
Table: Sleeping Dogs’ Critical and Commercial Performance
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Metacritic Score | 80/100 |
| Critical Reception | Positive |
| Sales | 1.5 million copies sold |
| Awards | Won several awards, including Best Action-Adventure Game |
Why a Sequel Wasn’t Necessary
While a sequel to Sleeping Dogs may have been desirable, it’s not necessarily a bad thing that one wasn’t made. The game’s unique setting and gameplay mechanics may have been difficult to replicate, and the franchise may have been better served by leaving it as a standalone title.
What Could Have Been Done Differently
- Focus on a Stronger Franchise: Square Enix could have focused on building a stronger franchise around Sleeping Dogs, rather than spinning off into other properties.
- Develop a Stronger Multiplayer Component: The failure of Triad Wars may have been due to a lack of focus on multiplayer. A stronger multiplayer component could have helped sustain the franchise.
- Build a Larger Community: Sleeping Dogs had a dedicated but relatively small community. Building a larger community through social media and other channels could have helped sustain interest in the franchise.
Conclusion
While a sequel to Sleeping Dogs may not be in the works, the game’s legacy lives on as a unique and critically acclaimed title. The franchise’s failure to gain traction may have been due to a combination of factors, including the cumulative drop in faith given to new properties, IP shift, Triad Wars cancellation, and United Front Games shutdown. However, the game’s success and critical acclaim may have been enough to make it a standalone classic, rather than a franchise that needs to be continued.