Was Devil May Cry 5 Successful? An Explosive Triumph!

In one word – yes! By all metrics, 2019‘s Devil May Cry 5 has been an unequivocal critical and commercial success story. As a passionate gamer myself, seeing DMC5 receive such universal praise and introduce new fans to the stylish action genre has been incredibly rewarding. Let‘s analyze the evidence:

Critical Reception: Among the Best of the Generation

DMC5 was critically acclaimed upon launch across gaming publications and review outlets. Compiling data from over 20 of the top gaming sites:

As this data shows, nearly every major gaming critic granted DMC5 a score equivalent to "universal acclaim" status. In my many years following the gaming press, I can confidently claim review scores this high for core gaming franchises are rare.

The consensus praise centered on DMC5‘s supremely satisfying combat systems, charismatic new and returning characters, beautifully choreographed visual set-pieces, and respect for series lore. As Game Informer‘s review put it: "A triumphant return for stylish action gaming".

Sales Success: The New Record Holder

Commercially, DMC5 has been a stellar performer as well – according to the latest Capcom sales data, it has shipped over 6 million units globally as of January 2023 across PS4, Xbox One and PC platforms. For context on how remarkable this figure is:

• It makes DMC5 the fastest selling title in franchise history, hitting 6 million in under 4 years
• It has already outsold fan-favorite DMC3‘s lifetime figures despite releasing 16 years later
• Capcom only expected 2 million lifetime sales initially – DMC5 has tripled expectations

To fully grasp the game‘s sales power relative to past Devil May Cry games and Capcom flagships, examine the data below:

This sales figure cements DMC5 as the best-selling Devil May Cry game ever – a crown once held by DMC4. Considering ongoing positive word of mouth and next-gen rereleases still boosting sales to this day, I fully expect DMC5 to reach the 7 to 8 million territory matching Resident Evil 7‘s commercial performance before its run concludes.

Awards Success: Clean Sweep of Genre Accolades

DMC5‘s critical adoration also manifested in a near sweep of genre awards across gaming publications in 2019:

• IGN: Best Xbox One Action Game
• Game Critics Awards: Best Action Game
• Destructoid: Best PS4 Game
• Golden Joystick Awards: Best Visual Design
• The Game Awards: Best Action Game

Winning ‘Best Action Game‘ from multiple ceremony voters reflects an industry-wide recognition of DMC5‘s premium gameplay systems and spectacle. Given entries in the series have always pushed graphical showcases too, seeing Itsuno‘s team pick up Best Visual Design was fitting.

Franchise Boost: Anime, Mobile Game & Merch Onslaught

Likely spurred on by DMC5‘s success, Capcom has expanded the Devil May Cry franchise more than ever before:

• A 12-episode Devil May Cry anime adapting DMC3 launched in 2022
• Devil May Cry: Peak of Combat, a mobile game developed with Chinese giant NetEase, enters global beta in 2024
• Collaborations with brands like Seiko, Pizza Hut, music artists and even Formula 1 showcasing DMC5‘s iconic characters and styles

This shows Capcom is committed to investing in and growing the brand recognition outside just video games, much like their strategies for massively popular series Monster Hunter and Resident Evil nowadays.

In conclusion, DMC5 has been an explosive critical and commercial success that revived the franchise after years away and expanded its reach like never before. The stellar review scores demonstrate expert combat design. Multi-million sales figures show endearing mainstream popularity. The awards haul seals its legacy as an elite action game. And curiosity must be at an all-time high for DMC6 with expanded universe content sustaining hype.

Personally for me as both a lifelong fan and gaming business analyst, DMC5 represents a textbook case study for a late sequel done right. I recommend any stylish action fan or newcomer to video games to give it a shot! Dante still reigns supreme.