Braid Anniversary Edition Sales Tank, Says Dev Jonathan Blow

Jonathan Blow, the developer of renowned indie games Braid and The Witness, has expressed disappointment with the sales of Braid: Anniversary Edition. Despite the game’s critical acclaim and its historical significance in the indie game sector, the remastered version has performed poorly in the market, leading Blow to voice uncertainties about the financial future of his development studio, Thekla, Inc. Released in May 2024 across multiple platforms including Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, Android, and iOS, the anniversary edition featured fully repainted artwork, new puzzles, and in-depth commentary. These efforts, however, did not translate to strong sales. Blow cited various challenges, including market saturation and declining interest in remastered editions, as contributing factors. This downturn has affected Thekla’s ability to maintain full-time staff, putting the future of its ongoing projects, including a rumored VR game, at risk.

Several factors contributed to the disappointing sales of Braid: Anniversary Edition. The market for remastered games may have been oversaturated, and there might have been limited demand for a remaster of a game still perfectly playable in its original form. Additionally, competing on multiple platforms, some of which are less active, diluted the impact. Blow also suggested that traditional promotional avenues like conventions, podcasts, and YouTube interviews might have been less effective in reaching potential buyers.

Released in 2008, Braid is considered a landmark in the indie game scene. It was heavily praised for its innovative puzzle mechanics and narrative depth, earning perfect scores from numerous critics. The game's success helped propel Jonathan Blow into the spotlight, leading to his next ambitious project, The Witness, which continued his exploration of intricate game design and storytelling. Despite the recent commercial challenges with the anniversary edition, Braid’s legacy remains influential in the indie gaming community.