When Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero launched in early access on October 7, it made an impressive debut, quickly setting records on Steam as the most-played fighting game within a day. With titles like Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and Mortal Kombat 11 in its shadow, the game saw an explosive start, capturing the attention of fans and setting high expectations for its future.
The early success wasn’t just about player numbers. Sparking Zero launched to an 85% score on Opencritic and a 4.5/5 rating from TheGamer, garnering a positive public response. Selling over three million copies in the first 24 hours, the game peaked at 122,554 concurrent players, significantly outpacing competitors like Street Fighter 6, which held a record of 70,540 concurrent players.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero’s Player Drop Sparks Concerns
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero (Credits: Bandai Namco)
However, just weeks after its record-breaking start, Sparking Zero is struggling to retain its players. The game has seen a dramatic decline, dropping by 90% from its initial peak. Recent stats from SteamDB reveal that the game’s player count has been fluctuating around 15,500, a substantial drop-off for a multiplayer title with ongoing updates and events. Since October 27, Sparking Zero has struggled to match even Street Fighter 6’s daily active player count.
The rapid player loss appears to be rooted in widespread player dissatisfaction. Fans have voiced frustrations with various issues, including balance problems with certain characters, notably Yajirobe, as well as gameplay mechanics that some players exploit. Cheating has also become a growing problem, and complaints about overly challenging single-player battles have led Bandai Namco to address these concerns publicly. All of these issues seem to have taken a toll on the game’s appeal.
Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero (Credits: Bandai Namco)
Despite this, Bandai Namco has a strong track record of supporting its Dragon Ball games for extended periods, giving Sparking Zero hope for a comeback. Currently, the game has three planned content expansions, each set to bring 20 new characters. With new additions inspired by Dragon Ball Z: Super Hero and Dragon Ball Daima, the upcoming content updates offer a chance to revive interest and draw players back.
While Sparking Zero’s sharp decline might seem discouraging, the additional content and ongoing support could provide the boost it needs to reclaim its player base. As fans await these updates, there’s still room for Sparking Zero to turn things around and re-establish itself in the competitive fighting game market.
Young Goku, a strong boy with a monkey tail, teams up with teenage inventor Bulma on a quest to collect the seven Dragon Balls that summon Shenron (a wish‑granting dragon). Along the journey, they encounter allies and foes, including Master Roshi, Oolong, Yamcha, and the Pilaf Gang; Goku hones his skills through martial‑arts tournaments and battles against general‑purpose evil across the world.
The Oshi no Ko manga, a collaboration between Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari, is approaching its end. The manga, which follows the twin children of the late idol Ai Hoshino, Aqua and Ruby, is set to conclude with Chapter 166. The last chapter will be released on November 14, 2024, after final chapters are released continuously without any breaks.
This marks the beginning of the final stretch for the beloved series, which has entertain readers with its emotional depth and gripping storytelling. Aqua and Ruby’s journey, as they find the entertainment industry while seeking revenge for their mother’s death, has been a key focus of the manga. The story is also layered with the fascinating twist that both siblings are the reincarnations of their mother’s deceased fans.
Oshi no Ko Manga to Conclude in November 2024
Aqua (Color Credits: @Feyku_ on Twitter)
On October 9, 2024, the official Oshi no Ko X (formerly Twitter) account confirmed the series’ upcoming conclusion. Following Chapter 162, the manga took a two-week break, and the remaining chapters are set to be released without interruption. The final four chapters are expected to arrive as follows: Chapter 163 on October 24, 2024, Chapter 164 on October 31, 2024, Chapter 165 on November 7, 2024, and finally, Chapter 166 on November 14, 2024.
The countdown has already begun for fans, with the end of the manga now only a few weeks away. Oshi no Ko has earned a dedicated fanbase, who have followed the emotional highs and lows of Aqua and Ruby’s journey. The story’s exploration of fame, revenge, and loss has made it one of the most talked-about manga of recent years. With the conclusion just around the corner, the anticipation is palpable.
AI (Credits: Doga Kobo)
To commemorate the end of the series, Oshi no Ko is launching a special project to celebrate its conclusion. The final volume will be released on December 18, 2024, and will feature exclusive items for collectors. These include a bookstand and stickers, along with a special cover version of the volume. Fans can also expect a keychain featuring Ai Hoshino, a prominent character in the series. In addition, the manga’s official account will be posting weekly countdown updates leading up to the final release.
As the conclusion of Oshi no Ko nears, fans can look forward to celebrating the journey of Aqua, Ruby, and their late mother Ai Hoshino, while also marking the end of a remarkable manga.
A rural OB‑GYN, Gorou Amamiya, is mysteriously reborn as Aqua, one of the twin children of Ai Hoshino, a top teen idol he once cared for. Alongside his twin sister Ruby, Aqua discovers the dark, cutthroat side of the entertainment industry as he seeks to find his mother’s killer and uncover the truth behind her death. Themes include fame, identity, loyalty, revenge, and the corrosive nature of celebrity culture.
