Rare Replay Selling Better Than Expected, But More Compilation Packs Unlikely

In a new interview, Xbox marketing boss Aaron Greenberg reveals that Xbox One games Rare Replay and Gears of War Ultimate Edition have beaten Microsoft's initial sales targets. In the case of Rare Replay, which includes 30 games from the esteemed UK developer's history like Banjo-Kazooie and Perfect Dark, Greenberg said he expects the title to enjoy a long sales tail into this holiday and beyond.

"It did really well. It's ahead of our forecast," Greenberg said in an interview with Kinda Funny Games. "We actually, even the first week at retail, we were sold out, so we had to restock. It's not usually a problem you have where games are stocked out at retail anymore; it used to be that way. So that kind of surprised us. It's doing really well both in physical and digital."

Asked if Microsoft would consider releasing other compilation packs, Greenberg said fans shouldn't hold their breath. Rare Replay was a unique scenario.

"As far as other compilations, I would say this is pretty unique," Greenberg explained. "So we're not now going to go run off and create six other things. This was something special for Rare. And I think it will be a product that I think will do really well long term as kind of an evergreen product."

Greenberg added that he doesn't expect physical copies of Rare Replay will be traded in very much because the game represents something of a piece of history.

Also in the interview, Greenberg said that the Gears of War Ultimate Edition, a remastered version of the 2006 original Xbox 360 title released this summer on Xbox One, sold "well ahead of plan." For both Rare Replay and Gears of War Ultimate Edition, Greenberg did not share specific sales figures.

Rare Replay and Gears of War Ultimate Edition are also featured in Xbox One holiday bundles, meaning their sales are likely to increase further later this year. For more, check out GameSpot's reviews of Rare Replay and Gears of War Ultimate Edition.