Just gauge it from reading game forums or read gaming magazines. Its harder to publish console games so they're more likely to be mainstream already or marketed heavily in hoping it will hit it big and become mainstream for more sequels. they probably did a bit of testing to make sure it wasn't a complete flop too. anyone can make a pc, internet, or mobile game if they have the tools and the know how. most of the big publishers market them heavily on tv and in magazines while others rely on internet ads, game sites and forums. one of the biggest tools they have are social networks. they reward players to share it on social networks like facebook and twitter because its free advertising. the more exposure a game gets, the less obscure it is and a greater chance to becoming mainstream.
