Initial player data indicates that Nioh 3 launched strongly since its release last Friday, nearing 90,000 concurrent players on Steam over the weekend and topping the platform’s list of most-played games.
The new title from Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo peaked at 88,045 concurrent players on Sunday, according to SteamDB data. This figure is more than double the concurrent player peak achieved by Nioh 2 on the same platform, and eight times the performance of the first installment. A key difference is that Nioh 3 is the first game in the series to launch simultaneously on PC and PlayStation 5.
However, these numbers represent only half the picture, as precise data on player counts for the PS5 version are unavailable. The game currently holds a 4.48-star rating on the PlayStation Store, reflecting positive player reception there as well.
The success isn’t solely about numbers. Nioh 3 is receiving overwhelmingly positive reviews on Steam, and has garnered widespread critical acclaim, scoring 86 on Metacritic. Eurogamer’s review described the game as “a historical high point for Team Ninja.” Dom Peppiatt succinctly stated, “Innovation is the key to success for Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo, as Nioh 3 refines the core formula once again to push the masocore series to new heights.”
The simultaneous release on PC and PlayStation 5 appears to be a significant factor in Nioh 3’s strong start. Previous entries in the series were initially released on PlayStation consoles, with PC ports following later. This staggered release strategy likely contributed to lower concurrent player counts on Steam for Nioh 2 and the original Nioh. The decision to launch on both platforms concurrently allows Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo to capture a wider audience from the outset.
The “masocore” descriptor used by Eurogamer’s Peppiatt refers to the series’ demanding combat system, which blends elements of action RPGs and Souls-like games. Nioh games are known for their intricate combat mechanics, requiring precise timing, strategic use of stances, and mastery of various weapons. Nioh 3 builds upon this foundation, introducing new weapons, abilities, and enemy types, further increasing the complexity and challenge.
The positive reception to Nioh 3 comes at a time when the Souls-like genre continues to thrive. Games like Elden Ring and Lies of P have demonstrated the broad appeal of challenging, atmospheric action RPGs. Nioh 3 distinguishes itself within the genre through its unique setting – a fantastical reimagining of Sengoku-era Japan – and its emphasis on historical figures and folklore. The game features a compelling narrative that draws inspiration from Japanese history, adding depth and context to the challenging gameplay.
While Nioh 3 is enjoying a successful launch, it’s not without its criticisms. A recent report indicates that a new souls-like RPG from Bandai Namco launched on Steam with nearly 2,000 reviews, but received a “Mixed” aggregate rating. This highlights the challenges of satisfying a demanding audience within the genre, and the importance of balancing difficulty with accessibility. The success of Nioh 3 suggests that Team Ninja has struck a compelling balance, appealing to both hardcore fans of the series and newcomers to the masocore genre.
The broader gaming landscape is also seeing shifts in player attention. Hytale, a highly anticipated sandbox game, recently surged to the most-watched game on Twitch, attracting over 420,000 viewers with its long-awaited launch. This demonstrates the power of community engagement and the impact of streaming platforms on game discovery. While Hytale occupies a different genre than Nioh 3, both games benefit from strong pre-launch hype and active communities.
Valve’s recent adjustments to its hardware release schedule, in response to component cost changes, may also indirectly benefit PC game developers like Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo. Stable hardware pricing and availability can encourage more players to upgrade their systems, potentially increasing the addressable market for PC games. The ongoing evolution of PC hardware and software continues to drive innovation in the gaming industry.
the success of ARC Raiders, which is experiencing record weekly growth with a surging player base, indicates a continued appetite for cooperative, action-focused games. Nioh 3, while primarily a single-player experience, offers cooperative multiplayer modes that allow players to team up and tackle challenging content together. The popularity of cooperative games suggests a growing desire for social interaction and shared experiences within the gaming community.
The strong launch of Nioh 3 is a positive sign for Team Ninja and Koei Tecmo, and a testament to the enduring appeal of challenging, well-crafted action RPGs. The simultaneous release on PC and PlayStation 5, coupled with positive critical reception and a dedicated player base, positions the game for continued success in the competitive gaming market.
