The 10 Biggest Flops in Gaming History

Video games can be massive hits, raking in billions and building loyal fanbases. But not every game strikes gold—some crash and burn, barely making a dent in the market.

These flops often come from high expectations, poor timing, or just bad luck. Here’s a look at ten games that, despite their potential, ended up as some of the lowest-grossing titles ever.

10. ‘The Last Guardian’ (2016)

This game had a decade-long development, building huge anticipation. Created by Team Ico, it promised a magical story of a boy and his giant creature companion.

Sadly, it launched with technical issues like clunky controls and frame rate drops. Sales were dismal, barely covering costs, and it faded despite its beautiful art.

9. ‘Shenmue II’ (2001)

Sega’s ‘Shenmue II’ was a bold sequel to an ambitious Dreamcast title. It mixed deep storytelling with open-world brawling, but the console’s failure hurt its chances.

Despite a later Xbox release, it couldn’t recover its massive budget. The trilogy was left unfinished until a Kickstarter revived it years later.

8. ‘Brutal Legend’ (2009)

This action-adventure game starred Jack Black as a heavy metal roadie in a wild fantasy world. It had a killer soundtrack and unique style.

However, it launched alongside blockbusters like ‘Uncharted 2’ and ‘Batman: Arkham Asylum’. Poor marketing and stiff competition led to weak sales.

7. ‘Grim Fandango’ (1998)

This adventure game was a critical darling with its noir-style story set in the Land of the Dead. Its humor and art were top-notch.

Releasing at the same time as ‘Metal Gear Solid’ and ‘The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’ crushed its chances. It sold poorly, barely reaching a wide audience.

6. ‘Duke Nukem Forever’ (2011)

After 14 years in development, this shooter was hyped as a return for a classic hero. Fans expected crude humor and big action.

Rushed out with bugs and outdated design, it flopped hard. Sales were so bad that it cost Take-Two millions and sank the franchise.

5. ‘Beyond Good & Evil’ (2003)

Ubisoft’s action-adventure game was praised for its charming story and unique world. It followed a journalist uncovering a conspiracy.

Despite critical love, it launched against giants like ‘Splinter Cell’. Low sales scrapped trilogy plans, though an HD remaster and sequel hopes lingered.

4. ‘Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two’ (2012)

The first ‘Epic Mickey’ was a Wii hit, so a sequel seemed like a sure bet. It aimed to expand the dark Disney adventure with co-op gameplay.

Technical issues and a lack of focus tanked it. Sales were so low the developer shut down, and planned sequels were canceled.

3. ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial’ (1982)

This Atari 2600 game tied to the beloved movie was rushed to shelves in just five weeks. Hopes were high for a holiday hit.

It was a mess—confusing gameplay and poor design led to millions of unsold cartridges. Many were famously buried in a landfill.

2. ‘The Guy Game’ (2004)

This trivia game aimed for a party vibe with risqué content, targeting a niche adult audience. It promised cheeky fun.

Legal issues over unauthorized content halted distribution. Combined with poor reviews, it sold next to nothing, becoming a forgotten oddity.

1. ‘Revolution X’ (1994)

This arcade shooter featured Aerosmith, banking on their fame for a music-themed action game. It aimed to blend rock and shooting.

Clunky gameplay and a niche appeal led to abysmal sales across arcade and console ports. It’s now a quirky footnote in gaming history.

Which game surprised you the most on this list, or is there another flop I missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments!