The domination of the Call of Duty franchise as the best-selling game in the US has finally been disrupted by an unexpected contender. In 2023, Hogwarts Legacy took the crown as the No. 1 best-selling game in the US, breaking the streak that Call of Duty and Rockstar Games had maintained since 2008. This significant shift in the gaming landscape calls for a closer look at the past 25 years of game sales in the US and the intriguing trends that emerge.
The NPD Group, now known as Circana, recently shared a treasure trove of data on social media. Analyst Mat Piscatella provided the community with valuable insights into the 25-year span of game sales in the US. It is crucial to note that the rankings are based on dollar sales rather than unit sales and encompass both physical and digital game sales, starting from 2012. However, it is important to acknowledge that not all publishers provide their data, leading to potential gaps in these lists.
The comprehensive lists reveal fascinating patterns and shifts in the gaming industry. While Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto games tend to dominate the charts consistently, other genres and franchises have had their time in the spotlight before fading away. Sports games like Madden, along with the beloved Rock Band and Guitar Hero franchises, have garnered immense popularity over the years. However, there are notable exclusions as well. Wrestling games and racing titles like Need for Speed, which once enjoyed chart dominance, have disappeared entirely in recent years.
The inclusion of digital sales data after 2012 is significant, as it reflects the growing prominence of online marketplaces and the shift away from physical game sales. Nevertheless, the reliance on publishers providing this data creates limitations for these lists. Consequently, it is essential to recognize that games with enduring popularity over time, such as Minecraft, may not rank as highly due to their steady sales pace. The charts mainly capture the performance of games within a specific calendar year, limiting the visibility of long-term successes.
Without further ado, let us delve into the remarkable games that have commanded the US market over the past 25 years. While the dominance of Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto games is unsurprising, some hidden gems shine as well. These games have delighted players, instigated community discussions, and left enduring impressions on the gaming landscape.
Unveiling the list of best-selling games over the past quarter century unravels a captivating narrative of the gaming industry’s evolution. Scroll through the slides below to witness the rise and fall of beloved franchises, the evergreen appeal of sports titles, and the occasional surprise that disrupts the established order.
The recent victory of Hogwarts Legacy as the top-selling game in the US signifies a departure from the familiar dominance of Call of Duty and Rockstar Games. The in-depth analysis of game sales over the past 25 years provides us with a nuanced understanding of the industry’s trends and transformations. As we marvel at the achievements of established franchises and celebrate the emergence of new contenders, the ever-changing nature of the gaming landscape becomes evident.
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