Starbreeze CEO: “I don’t think we could’ve ever lived up to some people’s expectations for Syndicate”

By Stephany Nunneley

Starbreeze president and CEO Mikael Nermark has said despite being proud of the firm’s take on Syndicate, he feels some fans may have had too high of expectations for the title.

Speaking with Joystiq, Nermark said despite the expectations, the firm was “happy” overall with its take on the franchise.

“Syndicate comes with a lot of expectations,” he said. “Such a great brand, such a great franchise. I don’t think we could’ve ever lived up to some people’s expectations.

“I love the original. When I got into the industry way back, RTS and that kind of game were my kind of game. But you always wanna add your touch to it, you wanna make it your game even though it’s built on a great franchise.

“So I think that’s hard. Overall, we’re happy.”

Syndicate, which launched on February 21 in the US, moved 34,000 copies during its debut month according to NPD figures.

Released on the same day as Asura’s Wrath, the Capcom actioner moved 36,000 copies for the same period, besting Syndicate by 2,000 units.