I’m not sold on the installed base is the problem. We know GOW R sold well and same with spider man 2, Harry Potter, Elden ring, cods, etc. The ps5 can move software.
I think the problem is more fundamental what the game is and how that is perceived. First off it’s a trilogy, that’s not inherently a negative thing but I think that’s a factor. Yes mass effect was a trilogy and it sold well but sequels were only like 2 years apart all on the same hardware generation. This is 4 years apart on 2 console generations. But I don’t think that’s the main thing.
I think what the fundamental issue is now that it’s kind of established knowledge if someone wanted to get into the remake trilogy is that’s not actually a remake. It’s this pseudo sequel remake, thing, that’s also a trilogy. I think THAT is the fundamental problem. People didn’t ask for that, they wanted a remake of the game they loved.
I understand from the developers point of view that a straight remake would’ve been boring or something, but a pseudo sequel and now time travel plot narrative is just way too much IMO. The thing is, they can’t change it now, it’s too much baked in.
I think they could’ve been slick if they made hints of it along the way, and then at the end of part 3 it could’ve been this big reveal kind of like fight club, where if you rewatch it you notice how everything makes sense in context to the twist.
I hope part 3s development isn’t effected by under performing sales. I like what I’ve play so far of rebirth. We’ll see what happens.