Viral games: Sell-out loop

6 viral games: Sell-out loop, traced from the first post to the peak with sources. 100% started on Retail. Median 233 days from first post to peak.

Cases
6
Median Spread Score
48
Most started on
Retail100%
First post to peak
233 days

By mechanic

All155Press loop102Controversy57Underdog53Shareable output32Maker origin32Dupe economy22Pairing22Creator relay22Daily ritual19Scarcity drop13Variable reward13Mystery & lore12Fandom mobilisation10Newsjacking10Identity badge9Response chain9Revival8Challenge7Resale market7Transgression6Sell-out loop6

Pokémon Red and Blue

53
Pokémon Red Version key art with Charizard

31.4M sold

World of Warcraft

53
World of Warcraft Cinematic Trailer

12M players

Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure

48
Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure cover

$286M revenue

Ring Fit Adventure

45
An adventure game that’s also a workout!

15.4M sold

Disney Lorcana

40
The Story Begins (Disney Lorcana TCG Teaser)

2.8B sold

Guitar Hero

39
Guitar Hero

1.5M sold

More collections

Sell-out loop in every industry