All in all, that’s 50 million total sales in a little over eight years. Not bad for a studio that’s focused exclusively on narrative-driven co-op titles with reasonable price points and Friend’s Passes. And while it remains secretive, Hazelight Studios said it “can’t wait to show you our fourth game…”

The theory that it potentially features three characters comes from an image of actors in mo-cap suits, waving to the camera, while director Josef Fares hides their faces. Ever the ambitious individual, he promised that the studio’s next title would be even better than Split Fiction. If you’ll remember, he said the same for the latter compared to It Takes Two (and pretty much met those expectations).

In the meantime, check out our review for Split Fiction. It’s available for PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X/S.

Taking a closer look at software sales for the month of December, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 took the lead, with Battlefield 6 being ranked third. Other titles in the best-seller charts for the month are a mix of newer games like Donkey Kong Bananza and older titles like Grand Theft Auto 5, Minecraft and Red Dead Redemption 2.

While other console makers might have started struggling with console sales last year, Nintendo has been doing quite well with the release of the Switch 2. Piscatella had confirmed, the Switch 2 ended up being the best-selling console of the year in the US, with the country accounting for 4.4 million units. Along with this, the new console is also noted as selling faster than the original Switch from back in 2017.

As he noted, the Switch 2’s hardware sales single-handedly managed to offset industry-wide downward trends in console hardware sales. Sony’s PS5 ranked second for the period. The Switch 2 has also been described by Piscatella as being the “fastest selling video game console hardware platform” in history so far.

While things might be going well for Nintendo for the time being, research firm Niko Partners has predicted that the company will end up raising the price of the Switch 2 thanks to the worldwide memory shortages affecting manufacturing. The firm noted that, while the Switch 2 is priced competitively when compared to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo might have to bring its latest console in line with its competitors to maintain profitability.

In the meantime, Battlefield Studios has been working hard on creating and testing more content for the upcoming second season of Battlefield 6. While it hasn’t yet revealed too many details aside from its February 17 launch date, the developers provided a few hints about what kind of content we can expect when Season 2 of Battlefield 6 is kicked off.

Among the new content coming to the game is a brand new map, dubbed Contagion, that will also feature its own unique gameplay mechanics. No details have been provided about these mechanics, aside from vague hints about players needing to use equipment to interact with them, a soldier wearing a gas mask in the teaser trailer, and the fact that the map’s name implies some sort of contagious infection will be involved.

Battlefield 6 is available on PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. For more details, check out our review from back when it first came out.

2025 Top 20 Best-Selling Premium Games – U.S. (Dollar Sales, Physical and Digital from digital data sharing publishers, excludes add-on content)

— Mat Piscatella (@matpiscatella.bsky.social) 2026-01-22T14:00:07.506Z

December 2025 Top 20 Best-Selling Premium Games – U.S. (Dollar Sales, Physical and Digital from digital data sharing publishers, excludes add-on content)

— Mat Piscatella (@matpiscatella.bsky.social) 2026-01-22T14:00:07.505Z

“There are a lot of great people at EA. They know how we work. They respect it and they leave us be,” Fares said. “Let’s be honest, there’s not a publisher in the world that hasn’t f***ed up now and then. Sometimes I feel that EA is getting more s*** than they deserve. I mean, come on, Nintendo, Microsoft, Sony, everybody’s done something that’s not good. But for some reason, EA has become this bad guy.”

As for Hazelight Studio’s relationship with EA, Fares said that working together has been beneficial for both companies. While he acknowledged that EA has made its share of mistakes, the relationship between publisher and studio is still great.

“For us, it’s a super good collaboration. I’m very open about. If it was bad, I would’ve said that in this interview as well. But we have a great relationship. I’m not saying that they haven’t done any mistakes like every other publisher,” he said. “All the people I am surrounded with at EA are gamers. They love games. It’s not like I’m sitting with corporate people with suits. It’s not like that. And people should not worry, because Hazelight will do always what it wants.”

In the same interview, Fares had also spoken about the rise of high-quality AA games in the industry, and how he hopes it doesn’t become yet another trend that publishers try to chase. While these smaller-scale games are great, he noted that you can’t really make something as ambitious as a new Grand Theft Auto on a budget of $10 million. Rather, he hopes the industry finds a balance for all kinds of games to exist.

“You do hear, after the success of things like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, that the AA games are taking over,” he said. “But I would not be able to live without a AAA title. I really want to play the blockbuster games. You can’t do GTA for $10 million. We need both. It’s important not to get stuck in ideas, like AA is a new thing, or indie is a new thing, or ‘blah, blah, blah’ is a new thing. We need the diversity. I hope that publishers don’t just look at a game like Expedition, which has been super successful, and think, ‘oh, AA is a new thing. Let’s only do that.’ I don’t believe in that. You had a huge amount of AA games that came this year, which nobody cared about. Let’s remember that.”

Fares also spoke about the next game being developed at Hazelight Studios, which he went on to note that will be even better than last year’s Split Fiction. Going into more detail, he also discussed how the studio’s philosophy “to keep f***ing s*** up,” also has to be pulled off responsibility.

Split Fiction is available on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch. For more details, check out our review.

“I don’t even know this word ‘pressure’. I feel extremely confident of everything we’re doing. I can easily say that our next game is better than Split Fiction,” he said. “We’re on a good path. Hazelight is a very respected studio that people look up to and get inspired by. And the key thing is to keep f***ing s*** up.”

As for the risks often taken in game development, Hazelight Studios’ ethos has been described by Fares as being to “f*** s*** up”. He further explained that the studio isn’t afraid to take risks, regardless of what constraints might be placed on it due to budgets. This mentality, he said, goes hand-in-hand with the studio managing its real-world responsibilities as well.

“The f*** s*** up mentality, without f***ing up, is important, because we take things to the next level,” he says. “We can explore. If you are limited, because of risk and being scared, it’s not good for the game. So, for us, it will always be like that, whatever the budget.”

“With that said, obviously, there’s a responsibility. People need money to pay the rent, and there’s a responsibility to who’s paying for the budget, and to actually deliver the milestone, to do a great game, to not slack, to do something really well.”

Fares described how the studio goes further by simply removing its limitations from developers. He noted that many stumbles in creative works tend to arise from the limitations people have placed on themselves, with many of these limitations coming from their own minds.

“It’s easier said than done because people put a lot of limitations on themselves, and it’s mainly coming from their mind,” he said. “Once you stop listening to that, s*** will start happening. And how do you do it? Well, first, you practically push that person… in a nice way, obviously. You say, ‘not this’, ‘let’s do that’. ‘That’s been done before, let’s try this way’. And eventually they come into this ‘f*** s*** up’ mentality where they’re like, ‘okay, there are no limits’. And then you make that person feel confident that there really are no limits. People have so many possibilities inside them, and that’s not only for creating games, but in general. It’s just, stop listening to this [points to head] and just feel it instead.”

Split Fiction was released on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch last year. The title has proven to be a hit, with the company confirming back in May that it had already sold 4 million copies before its Switch release. For more details about the co-op-only action adventure game, check out our review.

But as with every other genre we’ve covered, some games have just surged ahead of their peers thanks to unique features and gameplay innovations that make the experience they offer unforgettable and very entertaining to play. And of course, one of them does the job so well it’s our favorite one of the year.

Without further ado, here are the nominees for the best action-adventure game of 2025.

1. Mafia: The Old Country

Going back to the early days of organized crime, this romp through the Sicilian countryside in a story that was quite interesting brings everything that’s good about the Mafia franchise to the table. Its visuals were outstanding, complementing the narrative while the gameplay remained as exciting as it has always been in the franchise.

Enzo’s tryst with the Torrisi family is a title worth checking out if you happened to miss it earlier this year. If we were to complain, it would only be to lament that there isn’t more of it to play.

2. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

Blending the best of the original experience and Sigma 2, this one took us right back to fond memories of the game, while getting to revisit any of Ryu’s adventures is always going to draw us in. But having three new characters to play, while New Game Plus mode is an option, makes this an action title that can have you very invested in its systems and mechanics.

It’s also quite rewarding, with the combat system allowing you to pull off some spectacular combos in battle, provided you know how to wield your weapons effectively. Give this one a go for some old-school fun.

3. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Hunting down the Shinbakufu across ancient Japan was an absolute delight in the game’s take on a very interesting time period. With a world designed for Naoe’s unique brand of parkour and combat that allowed Yasuke to truly shine as a great take on a tank character, this was among our favorite ones to explore to its fullest.

The new and improved stealth mechanics can have you clearing out entire castles without anyone even realizing you were there, which is always welcome in an Assassin’s Creed title. We recommend making the most of its Exploration Mode if you’re looking for an authentic experience.

4. Split Fiction

Mio and Zoe’s excellently written story is definitely something you want to bring a friend along to. Split Fiction ticks all of the right boxes with some incredible level designs, great bosses and enemies, and a premise that sets the stage for the game to truly shine.

It’s full of wit, charm, emotional heft, and references to some very popular names in modern entertainment for you to tease out. While the AI does allow you to experience the game fairly well, this one shines when there’s a second player at your side. It’s a game that’s so much fun you’d probably just dive right back in for the heck of it.

5. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Playing as Samus in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a complete blast, and despite a few unwelcome enemies on your journey this time around, this is a game that blends an excellent world with an intriguing setting that sucks you in with an explosive introductory sequence and then sets you on your way to a lot of fun.

Samus gets some powers, too, and using them to navigate the world around you and also in combat could be the recipe for a lot of fun evenings if you decide to give this one a go.

6. Metal Gear Solid Delta Snake Eater

Konami did well to bring a near perfect remake of the original Snake Eater, allowing an entirely new generation of gamers to learn more about why this franchise enjoys the almost reverent respect that it does. Naked Snake’s first foray with forces beyond his world view is a pleasure to play through, and of course, there’s always FOX Hunt for some multiplayer fun.

This is a game that’s legendary, and Delta is certainly the best possible way to experience it. That’s partly due to several quality of life changes that Konami made, which make it feel like a more modern Metal Gear Solid experience.

7. Hell is Us

Remi’s travels across Hadea and his search for his parents might not be the most cheerful of adventures, but this is a game whose systems work very well to reward curious players with lore drops and useful items. However, only the most observant players are going to get to see more of its world, as this one has a lot to discover but almost no way to track it all other than your own wits.

It’s nice to see a game that’s as opaque as this one, and slowly peeling back the layers of its world and the events that transpired in the past is harrowing yet satisfying to progress through.

8. Echoes of the End

Although Ryn and Abram’s adventure hasn’t managed to capture as much of the spotlight as Deep Silver might have hoped, it’s still a solid game with a story that has many memorable moments, along with mechanics that make for fast-paced, satisfying combat. There are many memorable moments to experience in your time with this one, both part of its main story and the ones you get to make along the way.

Its voice actors do really well to sell the material they’re working with, while the entire experience comes together reasonably well enough to make this one entertaining the first time you play through it.

9. Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii

Getting Goro to go on a swashbuckling adventure where he takes command of his own crew of pirates competing with a ship is every bit as fun as you’d imagine, and then some. It’s a great story that sets the stage for Ryu Gya Gotuku to bring an experience that is a great showcase of Like a Dragon’s popularity.

The combat is a treat, and finally having a jump button is a nice way of acknowledging player feedback. The story is quite a rollercoaster, while a plethora of optional activities via side content means this one is going to keep you occupied for many an entertaining hour.

10. Shadow Labyrinth

It was a delight to join Puck and Swordsman #8 on their adventure across a mysterious world that seems intent on hindering their journey at every turn. It’s a punishing world that can push you to the limits of your skills and tactical ability, but it’s all the more worth it as a result.

The level design is top-shelf, as are the enemies and bosses you find, making this one a game that’s so good you’re going to keep coming back for more. There’s also a bunch of tongue-in-cheek references to other successful Bandai Namco titles and franchises if you keep a sharp eye out.

11. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

There’s a lot of action to be found across Mexico and Australia in this new adventure from Hideo Kojima, and a story that’s going to leave you gaping at what the current generation of games can achieve both visually and narratively. Everything that was good about the original Death Stranding is here, along with ambitious new additions that take the franchise forward in ways that must be seen to be believed.

It’s a game that will have you completely invested from the very moment it begins, and we’d probably leap at any excuse to start up a new playthrough just to enjoy as much of it as we can another time.

12. Ninja Gaiden 4

With enough of the franchise’s best features in it to make it a nod of respect to veteran players, while adding enough new content to make it welcoming to newcomers, Ninja Gaiden 4 has done well to bring the franchise back into relevance with style.

With Ryu taking on the Dark Dragon yet again, joined by a new protagonist who brings interesting new twists to the game’s combat, this long-awaited new addition to the franchise does a lot of things right, making it one of the year’s finest action titles whose main narrative can have you increasingly curious to know how things pan out.

13. Hollow Knight: Silksong

Silksong took the world by storm this year, and with good reason. Putting Hornet front and center of the story this time around allowed the game to take a new approach to its combat and traversal, while increasing its size and scope over the original Hollow Knight by a significant amount.

The result is a game that’s a near-perfect blend of exploration, traversal, combat, and story beats, which is just sublime to play despite survival being a challenging affair in its world.

14. Ghost of Yotei

The land of Ezo has turned out to be a great place for you to leap onto your horse and go out seeking adventure and any excuse to draw your weapons against deadly foes. Atsu’s story of revenge is certainly compelling, but it’s in the way you guide her towards rediscovering the home she left behind while making her a legend to be feared among the land’s villains that makes this one as endearing as it is.

Of course, its beautiful landscapes and brutal combat encounters make for action that’s probably going to be something we keep revisiting from time to time. This is a PlayStation exclusive that might even sell a few consoles this holiday season.

15. Dying Light: The Beast

Boy, was this one good! Kyle Crane’s latest tale might be darker and grittier than his past appearances, but that only serves to make this game more immersive as a result. The Beast is designed to balance exploring its excellent world against encounters with the Infected that could take nasty turns if you’re not smart about how you use your limited supplies.

The story is a perfect example of a Dying Light game, and franchise fans are quite happy with the cliffhanger it sets up. This is definitely a game that you can take on if you’re looking for some nail-biting action and a great story to frame it all.

While each of these titles has been special in its own right, we’re handed the challenge of picking one out of them all as a winner.

The winner of the best action-adventure game of 2025 is:

Ghost of Yotei

Atsu’s adventure is just so intricately crafted that wandering the lands of Ezo leads you to new things to engage with so organically that you could almost forget that there are numerous systems working behind the scenes to bring them to you. This one’s a masterpiece whose many systems click together in place to bring you an open-world experience like no other, while its combat is a deadly dance of blades that ends with only one of its practitioners standing around the devastation of those incapable of defeating the onryo.

And that’s a wrap on our list of the best action-adventure games of 2025. In the aftermath of a year that’s been this good, we can only grin with anticipation as we think of what’s to come in the next one!

Mario Kart World

The best Mario Kart in the series? Your mileage (pun fully intended) may vary, but it is by far the most feature-packed. Free Roam in an open world with P-Switch challenges and cosmetics to gather; new moves like hopping and wall-riding for a higher skill ceiling; brand new tracks that seamlessly link together; and new modes are just some of the things long-time fans can look forward to, and it all works well.

Kirby Air Riders

21 playable characters and 22 machines, each with unique abilities and stats respectively; brand new tracks and remasters from the first game; the return of Top Ride and City Trial, with the latter turned into a faux battle royale mode of sorts; boss fights; and a full-fledged story mode. But even if you want to hop on for a simple race or two, it’s pure unfiltered fun – just like the original.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A

While there’s plenty of criticism to be had for its visuals, Game Freak’s latest mainline Pokémon title manages to capture that same monster-collecting magic. Lumiose City is full of unique sights, sounds and Pokémon to collect, and new elements like the Z-A Royale and Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon, alongside simple delights like traversing the rooftops, make it stand out.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Catacomb-like levels, progressively unlocking new abilities and backtracking to uncover new areas, that expectation of something incredible around every corner – even after all these years, Retro Studios still knows how to capture that feeling. The new additions in Beyond, like Vi-O-La, also seamlessly slot in, and wouldn’t you know it, even the NPC companions, despite concerns pre-launch, aren’t terrible. More importantly, experiencing it with such fidelity, complete with mouse controls, elevates it to a new whole level.

Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2

Technically not a native Switch 2 release, experiencing two of the greatest platformers of all time in 4K is hard to resist. The new Storybook Chapters offer a bit of new content, but really, it’s all about scouring the galaxies once more, reliving the wonder of each planet and the discoveries they hold.

Donkey Kong Bananza

It almost seemed impossible that Jumpman’s worst nightmare would get his own starring role once more, but Bananza delivers on that and then some. Excellent platforming and bombastic visuals were a given – this is from the Super Mario Odyssey team after all – but the destruction elements work so well in tandem, resulting in a 3D platformer that’s more than worthy to stand side by side with Mario’s greatest adventures.

Hades 2

Supergiant follows up one of the best rogue-likes in years with – surprise, surprise – an incredible sequel. Between the sheer amount of stuff to do, whether you’re venturing into the Underworld or ascending into Olympus, the challenging and unique boss fights, or the sheer depth that each new weapon offers, Hades 2 feels like a massive step forward in every single way.

Split Fiction

Hazelight’s latest is one of the best co-op experiences of the year (and many before it), and feels tailor-made for Switch 2. Even if it’s not the most fully-featured port, being able to GameShare with local players or engage in cross-play, alongside the Friend’s Pass (which means not having to buy an extra copy), is still great.

Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road

You wouldn’t believe this took more than nine years and multiple delays to release, but that seems to be a theme for 2025. Regardless, Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road isn’t the most realistic adaptation of football so much as the best adaptation of the anime, complete with MAPPA’s cutscenes and over 5,400 recruitable characters. It’s truly unlike anything else out there and a blast once you get into it.

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Team Cherry’s long-awaited sequel is infuriating, frustrating, and challenging, but it’s also mesmerizing, addictive, and oh-so-good to control. The gameplay loop remains as finely crafted as ever, enhanced all the more with Hornet’s movement abilities, and the sheer attention to detail in areas, from their art to their secrets, will keep you coming back long after. It’s a tough bug to love, but Silksong is a stellar game.

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition

The prospect of Cyberpunk 2077 running on the original Switch was laughable years ago, and yet, here we are more than five years later, experiencing it on the Switch 2 in all its glory. From the excellent base game to the stellar Phantom Liberty, this is still one of the best RPG experiences, and the addition of touch screen gestures for the UI and gyro aiming makes it feel that much better on the Switch 2. Also, shipping the entire package on an actual cart instead of a Game-Key Card? Chef’s kiss.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

Truth be told, the new features – like the phone maps and QR codes for sharing Zonai machines – weren’t the most game-changing for Nintendo’s masterpiece. Nevertheless, it’s still a masterpiece, and being able to play it in 1440p/60 FPS with improved fidelity and faster loading is what we’ve always wanted. For that reason alone, it’s worth picking up.

Kirby and the Forgotten Land: Switch 2 Edition + Star Crossed World

For those who didn’t get their fill from Air Riders, the Switch 2 version of Kirby’s acclaimed 2022 adventure is well worth diving into. Star Crossed World offers a brand new storyline with new sections in old stages alongside new abilities, Mouthful modes and enemies to tussle with as you investigate a mysterious meteor. And of course, it’s a significant upgrade over the original’s already gorgeous visuals.

Cronos: The New Dawn

Bloober Team made a big impact with last year’s Silent Hill 2 remake, but its newest title channelled an altogether different survival horror vibe. A post-apocalyptic future with mutating monstrosities, time-traveling, a more enigmatic pace and protagonist, and more kept Cronos from feeling like a Dead Space rip-off. Even in handheld mode on the Switch 2, it’s a tense, terrifying ordeal.

Star Wars Outlaws

Ignored at launch, Massive Entertainment’s Star Wars scoundrel had a quiet but notable redemption this year, aided by its Switch 2 port. How the development team (in collaboration with Red Lynx) managed to deliver such great performance and ray tracing while retaining image quality, even with DLSS, is fascinating to behold. The fact that the game itself still looks so gorgeous while playing better than ever also doesn’t hurt.

And the Best Switch 2 title of 2025 goes to…

Donkey Kong Bananza

Did you really expect anything else, especially when a Donkey Kong game lets you rip chunks out of the environment to toss at enemies or surf on them with utter abandon? Bananza is more than just the Mario Odyssey formula, but with more destruction and a different protagonist. It’s a masterclass in pacing, deftly balancing the collect-a-thon aspects and real-time destruction with superb level design. Donkey Kong controls like a dream; the new Bananza Powers are as ridiculous as they are fun; and there isn’t an ounce of filler or unnecessary padding. For that reason, and many more that we could spend all day listing, it’s our pick for the best Switch 2 game of 2025.

Just to clarify, though: This isn’t a precursor to our own Game of the Year Awards or any sort of hint at what could win. Any title at this point is still fair game. We’re just discussing all the major contenders and their chances of winning across the industry as a whole. With that said, there is one that many consider to be a shoo-in for The Game Awards, if nothing else – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.

And how could it not be? It was the highest-rated new game among critics for months at a time – and no, those Switch 2 versions of Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom don’t count. For many gamers, it’s an experience that’s near and dear to their hearts in terms of narrative and characters; a success story that we hadn’t seen in a while from a group of developers who separated from a big triple-A publisher to pursue their creative vision.

Some loved exploring its Belle Époque world and taking in the stunning art direction. Others relished in its combat challenges, even though it was easy to over-level and unlock some truly broken builds by the end. Many found it to be the contemporary Final Fantasy that they’ve always wanted. Others, like me, felt like it set a new bar for $50 releases while sending a message to the utter messes that dared charge even $70.

It’s no surprise then that it would sweep the Golden Joystick Awards, winning Best Storytelling, Visual Design, Soundtrack, Supporting Performer, Lead Performer and Studio of the Year before nabbing the Ultimate Game of the Year prize. With 12 nominations at The Game Awards, the most in the show’s history, it’s a clear favorite to pull a Return of the King and dominate this awards season.

The only real competitor that truly comes to mind at this stage is Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. Granted, when the first game was released, its unorthodox gameplay, bizarre narrative and strong performances were enough for multiple nominations but only a few wins. Blame it on the inherent friction of the design, or whatever or just the fact that it was unlucky to release in the same year as Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Either way, it was a dark horse.

Not so with the sequel. It’s among the highest-rated new titles of the year, and the second-highest-rated among exclusives. It redefined visual standards for the generation with its gorgeous landscapes and impeccable character models. And while it’s always a toss-up how the story could turn out, Kojima Productions surprised us with some genuinely emotional hits on top of the usual twists, expanding on Sam’s story in so many welcome ways.

That’s before even getting to the gameplay, which accommodated so many other styles of play, resulting in a much more enjoyable experience. Long story short, it’s not just the prestige of Hideo Kojima’s name – Death Stranding 2 stands as a strong, well-rounded experience. No wonder then that it’s tied with another exclusive for the second-most nominations at The Game Awards, but we’ll get to that.

Instead, now would be a good time to talk about the truly beloved darlings that more than deserve to be in the Game of the Year discussion, but who are unlikely to win the big one. Blue Prince, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Split Fiction – it’s a shame because each of these games is incredible in what they do, be it in KCD 2’s world design and sheer immersion, or Split Fiction’s range of gameplay experiences within its co-op framework. And then there’s Blue Prince – a truly innovative take on the puzzle genre with enough mysteries to keep players running around, even after hundreds of hours. If any of these games had been released last year, they may have taken the crown, but 2025 is too packed.

Unfortunately, that may also apply to Ghost of Yōtei. Now, I loved Ghost of Tsushima to bits, flaws and all. To say that I had high expectations for Yōtei, even before it was announced, would be an understatement. And yet, it surpassed almost every single one of them. The combat, exploration, visuals, overall presentation and narrative – it all felt personable and pitch-perfect. So while it’s yet another title that I could see earning numerous awards for its soundtrack, performances, visuals, and whatnot, Game of the Year may be out of its reach.

The same goes for Hollow Knight: Silksong. Years and years of anticipation punctuated by endless memes of “Where Silksong?!” during showcases resulted in one of the greatest side-scrolling action-adventure games ever made. Heck, it’s perhaps the only title that managed to crash nearly every major storefront as soon as it launched. But while many were enthralled by Pharloom and its multitude of secrets on top of the unforgiving bosses, there were a scant few who weren’t feeling the magic or the challenge. Which is a shame for many reasons that I’ve discussed before, but I can see those many moments of frustration, even if they made victory taste that much sweeter, bringing the experience down for some players.

Then we come to the wildcards like Donkey Kong Bananza. For all the talk about how Xbox hasn’t been nominated for The Game Awards’ grand prize since 2010, it’s almost as surprising that no Nintendo exclusive has won since 2017 (with Breath of the Wild understandably taking the industry by storm). As much fun as Donkey Kong Bananza is, I can see it suffering the same fate, simply because of all the other contenders on the field. That doesn’t take away from how incredible a 3D platformer it is, and it’s probably guaranteed to mop up all the Nintendo-specific awards, even with Metroid Prime 4: Beyond coming up.

Hades 2 is a dark horse in many ways, exiting early access several weeks after Silksong and delivering a fantastic evolution of the original’s formula. The ending wasn’t nearly as well-received, but as a rogue-like, it remains at the tippity top of such experiences to play. Will that be enough to elevate it above the others? Probably not, even with its stellar combat, characters, and presentation, but the fact that it’s become undeniable brings a smile to my face.

Of course, you also have games which have much lower chances of claiming a ton of awards, despite leaving their own mark. I can see AdHoc Studio’s Dispatch winning some awards for its performances and writing, but it likely won’t go much further beyond that, which is a shame considering it’s one of the best narrative adventure games in years and years. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is as faithful a remake as you can get, but whether it’s due to the lack of boundary-pushing or the sheer number of other contenders, it may have to be content with winning top honors for remakes.

The same goes for Silent Hill f but in the horror category. As uncomfortably disgusting yet disturbingly compelling as it is, I don’t see it getting much mainstream recognition beyond the art direction and story. And as much as I like Absolum with its mix of rogue-lite mechanics, beat ’em up action and gorgeous 2D visuals, it’s unlikely to even win out in the indie category.

Regardless of all the above games’ chances and how many awards they accrue, they’re all fantastic titles that you should experience. Which one is your favorite to claim Game of the Year? Sound off in the comments and let us know.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organization.

30. Dynasty Warriors Origins

After the terrible open-world approach of Dynasty Warriors 8, it felt like curtains for the franchise. Fortunately, Dynasty Warriors Origins goes back to basics, focusing more on the large, cinematic battles that have defined the franchise. While the ability to play as multiple iconic heroes (at least for more than a few minutes) is sorely missed, it nails the combat and the sheer wonder of systematically tearing through armies.

29. Atomfall

As much as Fallout lays claim to the post-nuclear apocalyptic crown, Atomfall offered its own unique take on the formula. Set in the aftermath of the Windscale Fire, it’s full of mysteries to pursue, but you’ll need to actually gather the clues – combing the landscape, interacting with (and maybe trusting) untoward characters, and ultimately escaping. Or just kill everyone in your path. Either approach works.

28. Mafia: The Old Country

Family matters, especially in the Mafia series, where it can both unite and destroy. Much like Dynasty Warriors – which isn’t a comparison I would have made in this life, but here we are. The Old Country doesn’t try for a massive open world, nor does it waste your time. It tells a gripping story about family, loyalty and betrayal in early 1900s Sicily, presenting complex characters with excellent performances and more than enough fun gameplay (especially the new knife fights). No more and certainly no less.

27. South of Midnight

Hazel’s journey through the Southern Gothic world of South of Midnight may not be the most memorable among this year’s stories, but it’s certainly unique. Told through stunning stop-motion visuals, its combination of exploration and combat feels solid while keeping the focus squarely on the magical realism of its narrative and characters.

26. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

Leenzee’s first action RPG is heavily inspired by the first Dark Souls with its world design, and it shows. But it’s the customization, combat and mechanics – including madness – that set it apart. Wuchang’s late Ming Dynasty setting and lore also offer more than terrifying threats to combat – and more than enough options, both in melee and magic, to fight back. PC performance remains a stickler, but it’s surprisingly substantive for its price.

25. Starfield

So Bethesda’s latest doesn’t offer the best story or the best use of procedural generation or proper interplanetary or the most beloved companions – alright, I’ll stop by. But the gunplay, especially with the addition of zero gravity, is solid and that “just one more” feeling of discovering a new planet, laden with strange creatures and gorgeous vistas, is present. There’s still room for improvement, but it’s a solid base, if nothing else.

24. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2

“Suffering builds character” is seemingly Senua’s arc at this point. As she ventures to Iceland to save her people, the Furies return, and the Shadow remains as oppressive as ever, but it’s all par for the course, especially when caught in desperate battles for survival. Hellblade 2 isn’t a massive overhaul of everything its predecessor did well, instead enhancing the cinematic presentation for an even bloodier narrative. And that’s alright.

23. Ninja Gaiden 4

Speaking of bloody, Ninja Gaiden 4. Thank you for coming to my pseudo-review. But in all seriousness, for a series that ended as controversially as it did after the third game, it’s just so good. The exploration, the movement, the combat, the new Bloodraven techniques – even controlling Ryu Hayabusa, limited as his weaponry was, turned out to be a lot of fun. There are plenty of nitpicks, but Ninja Gaiden is officially back, and I couldn’t be happier.

22. Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector

“Wake up, Sleeper,” you’ll hear when starting. A familiar phrase, carrying far more weight this time as you traverse the Helion System’s asteroid belt. The clock is still ticking on your body, and it’s all you can do to take on jobs, hire companions, roll the dice, and try to survive. Additional mechanics such as Push and Stress offer even more twists and turns, but the series’ sharp writing and characterization remain as incredible as ever.

21. Dying Light: The Beast

I’ve missed Kyle Crane and seeing him move past the righteous but naive courier of the first game into the “My anger is healthy” protagonist in The Beast feels right. Techland wisely offers much more, though, from smarter enemies and a more perilous night with much more dangerous Volatiles to silky-smooth parkour and melee combat that could give Dead Island 2 a run for its money. All this combines for a fulfilling experience that doesn’t overstay its welcome.

20. Lies of P

NEOWIZ took us by surprise when it revealed Lies of P, a Souls-like take on the classic tale. Perhaps even better is the fact that it went above and beyond expectations, offering incredible combat and parrying mechanics with fun weapon customization and challenging bosses. As dangerous and devious as Krat felt, it was also alive, capturing that ruined beauty that defines so many of FromSoft’s greatest.

19. Cronos: The New Dawn

A new Dead Space may never happen, yet Chronos: The New Dawn is a surprisingly solid substitute. The story of the Traveller, their eventual shift from rigid and robotic to actually feeling emotions in this post-apocalyptic landscape of Cronenbergian horrors, is a compelling one. Throw in some classic limb dismantling and time traveling, and you have one of the more underappreciated horror games of the year.

18. Monster Hunter Wilds

The successor to Monster Hunter World. The mainline Monster Hunter for current-gen consoles that we’ve all waited for. Perhaps the best-selling Monster Hunter to date in terms of controls and actual combat…is also one that’s been perpetually on fire this year when it comes to performance, end-game, lack of “Monster Hunter-ness,” take your pick. Nevertheless, it’s only improved ever since, packing tons of worthwhile challenges and rewards with even more – like its first Elder Dragon, Gogmazios – on the way.

17. The Outer Worlds 2

Taking everything it learnt from the first game, The Outer Worlds 2 is a sleeker, smarter, and arguably more entertaining role-playing game as a result. Factions and companions remain the centrepiece, whether you’re deciding who to stab in the back (and hear complaining about you on the radio) or who to give up. But between all its branching decisions and multiple quest approaches, The Outer Worlds 2 is equally content to let you go on a killing spree.

16. Halo Infinite

Halo Infinite is officially in maintenance mode – what’s a fan to do without any campaign DLC? Quite a lot, thankfully, thanks to Forge Mode, new multiplayer maps, Exchange updates, and much more. For all its faults, from the controversial reveal to launch, it still offers some of the best gameplay in the series. Best to appreciate it all now before the player counts plummet for good.

15. DOOM: The Dark Ages

Credit to id Software – even after finding a formula that inspires utter joy and mixed emotions alike, it’s not afraid to create another that somehow, inexplicably, does the same. So yes, The Dark Ages is much slower than Eternal, but the methodical gameplay, punctuated by the incredible Shield Saw and more in-depth melee combat, still feels so good.

14. Assassin’s Creed Shadows

It’s kind of crazy that Shadows turned out to be one of 2025’s most controversial releases. Once you get past all that, its depiction of Japan is actually quite beautiful, while Naoe’s parkour and stealth remain some of the best in the franchise. Sure, there are qualms over the story, voice-acting and pacing, but infiltrating castles and assassinating your target – or breaking down the front door to challenge everyone to a fight – is fun, and backed by tons of other in-depth systems.

13. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered

Call it nostalgia that harks back to the days when Bethesda could craft a compelling world, but Oblivion Remastered is just such a breath of fresh air in so many ways. Interesting side quests with multiple outcomes, an intriguing story where you’re decidedly not the chosen one, numerous secrets – there’s so much to take in. Much of the quirkiness and bugs remain (with Virtuos sadly adding some new ones), yet it remains one of this year’s better open-world RPGs.

12. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl

What is the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone if not a microcosm of humanity itself, boiled down to our most base instinct? Depending on who you are, it can be a place of wonder, of Anomalies dancing about and causing havoc. It can be a place of community as various factions, friendly and hostile, go about their business without your input. Maybe it’s all of these things, wrapped in an unforgiving veneer, but at least there’s plenty of guns to go around. Whatever your reason for venturing into the Zone, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 promises an experience unlike anything else out there.

11. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Despite all the contemporary movie flops, adventure really does have one name, and it’s still Indiana Jones. The Great Circle, is an original tale through Indy’s eye. And while that first-person perspective may seem like the antithesis to an Uncharted or Tomb Raider, MachineGames pushes stunning locales where observation is as important as platforming and reflexes. Where stealth is optional and going in, fists swinging, is as viable as whipping enemies unconscious. With a lengthy campaign, immersive environments, sharp writing and phenomenal set pieces, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a standout in gaming as a whole.

10. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

From the very first hour, Clair Obscur pulls you into its bold, beautiful world and doesn’t let go. It dazzles with its brutality, enveloping you in a combat system that’s tactical yet active and oh-so-satisfying – especially when nailing every single parry and counter-attacking as a squad. The constant push ahead accompanies phenomenal art direction, an unforgettable soundtrack, and – my favorite – ten or so new mysteries to go with every answer. Sandfall Interactive has crafted more than an ode to the greatest turn-based RPGs of yore. It introduced us to a whole new world, full of possibilities, even if all roads lead to tragedy.

9. Blue Prince

This year saw no shortage of excellent rogue-like experiences, but from out of nowhere, Blue Prince emerged with a gameplay loop that had no business being as fun as it was. The premise is simple: As the heir to a massive estate, you must find the 46th room. Easy enough, right? Except you have to create the actual blueprint to reach it, pulling from a pool of rooms like architectural gacha. Will you put down that Observatory for the sake of something good? How about a coat check to carry over a tool to the next run? With a limited number of steps and a clean slate daily, Blue Prince is wholly addictive while challenging you to ponder every single possibility.

8. ARC Raiders

We’ve said a lot about why ARC Raiders is so good, even if you’re not an extraction shooter fan, but it’s still fascinating. Even after so many runs top-side, you never know what to expect, whether it’s a friendly Raider who could end up stabbing you in the back or a desperate struggle for survival against a Rocketeer. As varied as the experiences can feel, the fact that it’s backed by such great presentation and gunplay is just the cherry on top.

7. Split Fiction

Like many games, Hazelight Studios’ biggest, most expensive title to date was kind of buried beneath all the other great games this year. The curse of launching early, perhaps, but regardless, this is the co-op experience of the year. Between the simply awesome co-op setpieces, spanning futuristic settings with mech suits and fantasy worlds with giants and dragons, is the simply bizarre and borderline concerning. What more do you need?

6. Hollow Knight: Silksong

Even after all the other games that have been released this year, Silksong continues to call to me, its subtle tones belying the sheer humiliation that its toughest bosses wish to inflict. Despite the abundance of two-mask damage sources, the punishing platforming, the surprisingly dangerous enemies, and the runbacks, I still want to keep exploring Pharloom. I want to take in its sights, serenade strangers and friends with the Needolin, find some solace in our shared struggle, and conquer the lands. It’s an unhealthy obsession, sure, but such is the lure of song and silk.

5. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Henry’s latest visit was more than customary – it’s also one of the freshest RPG experiences in ages. Everything in Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 feels so organic and detailed, right down to identifying plants and cataloguing them or the entire blacksmithing process. There’s plenty to be had in terms of questing and testing your mettle or your sword against all kinds of opponents, but it’s just so refreshing to see a game react so naturally to your choices. The way you dress, how you address people, even whether you’re covered in blood or not – it all matters, and it’s amazing.

4. Forza Horizon 5

Racing games come and go, but only a few truly stick around, much less cement their legacy among tens of millions of players. Forza Horizon 5 is one such title, and if you haven’t journeyed to its version of Mexico, replete with stunning locales and heart-pounding races, you’re missing out. Everything about the Horizon experience feels fresh thanks to the revamped progression and Accolades system. Even if you aren’t chasing the Hall of Fame, however, there are hundreds of cars to collect and customise to your heart’s desire while rocking out to some incredible tunes.

3. Baldur’s Gate 3

The game that introduced – and reminded – millions of the magic of Dungeons and Dragons. However, it’s just so much more in every way, whether you’re seeking a reactive role-playing game where almost every decision can lead down a path of possibilities or an incredible cast of characters, penned to perfection and voiced beyond. Then there’s the turn-based combat, which doesn’t just reward build-crafting but environmental awareness and an urge to experiment. From a paragon of virtue to the truly evil at heart, from blade-singing wizards to a magical archer and everything in between, this is a role-playing title that truly lets you live out your fantasies, and then lets you loose in an unforgettable world.

2. Elden Ring

Almost four years and an expansion later, and we’re still thinking about The Lands Between. The realm where mythical figures collapsed – or did they? An easier task than most, laying claim to the Runes and ruins, but this is FromSoftware’s wheelhouse on a scale unlike anything ever seen before. It’s a journey of strength and madness – of overwhelming bosses and buried secrets. Where a simple jaunt down an elevator can lead to a vast underground city with a roof of stars and a palace devoted to blood. To say that Elden Ring is a Souls-like masterpiece would be selling it short. An experience that supplements the addictive challenge with a thirst for exploration, and an unending burrow of secrets – it’s simply essential for anyone and everyone.

1. Cyberpunk 2077

Future conversations about consumerism and technology overriding humanity to the point of utter dystopia? A typical day in Night City, where gun vending machines are found across from gangs across every corner, Arasaka owns the uptown districts, and a deranged rocker/revolutionary is running around in the player’s head. Cyberpunk 2077 doesn’t deviate too much from the action RPG/immersive sim-lite genre so much as drown you in Mike Pondsmith’s vision of a completely hopeless future, and it’s an unbridled success. But even with that pedigree, that attention to detail and the oh-so-invasive advertising that’s looking less like a parody every day, Cyberpunk 2077 is a phenomenal game in its own right, with excellent combat, incredible side quests, extensive build-crafting, and a memorable story. Whether you become a legend or never fade away, the Night City odyssey is a trip and a half.

Many of these titles could have been a lot more expensive considering the unique experiences they brought to the table. However, in a world where there are quite a few substandard titles at much higher price points, these titles stand out as shining beacons for gamers looking to enjoy solid games at reasonable prices.

With that in mind, here are a few amazing games that are currently priced at under 50 USD at the time of writing this article.

1. Clair Obscur: Expedition

Clair Obscur earns its place on this list with its poignant, riveting , beautiful visuals, entertaining gameplay, and a soundtrack filled with tracks that you will hum long after you’ve powered down your gaming system. It’s the complete package and a love letter to RPG fans from Sandfall Interactive.

2. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

It’s been a couple of weeks since Wuchang: Fallen Feathers hit the shelves, and it has more than earned its reputation as a solid Soulslike title that doesn’t break the bank while offering a lot to do in its gorgeous world.

Bai Wuchang’s single-minded determination to save her sister quickly evolves into a deadly Feathering disease that acts as a catalyst for some truly magnificent boss fights that will keep you on your toes for hours on end.

Pick this one up if you want a deadly world full of challenges to take on and secrets to tease out.

3. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Enhanced Edition

Ninja Theory’s cinematic work of art continues the story of Senua from its 2017 predecessor. It does so with aplomb, blending absolutely stunning visuals with a gritty, dark take on psychosis and unhealed trauma that is not only mature, but also quite poignant.

With incredibly designed levels, excellent voice acting from a talented cast, and a story that can haunt you long after you roll the credits on it, Senua’s PS5 debut is a title worthy of your time despite a rather bland approach to its puzzles and combat.

This is a game you must experience at least once.

4. Shadow Labyrinth

Pac-Man’s latest outing is Bandai Namco at its finest. Joined by the mysterious Swordsman #8, Pac-Man (or Puck) attempts to escape his prison in a mysterious world while uncovering the truth about events that put him there in the first place.

With a very unique art style, challenging exploration and combat, an interesting story full of references to other Bandai Namco franchises, and even its own backdoor pilot on Amazon Prime’s Secret Level, this is a game that’s entertaining and fun to play.

Just know that there’s a learning curve to its mechanics and combat, and you’re good to go.

5. Robocop Rogue City Unfinished Business

In the mood to just let loose and shoot some bad guys in the face? Robocop Rogue City: Unfinished Business packs everything that was good about the 2023 title into a condensed, fast-paced package that explores Alex’s origin story while pitting him against a villain who has quite the chip on his shoulder in the present.

Controlling Robocop is a lot of fun and is an excellent power trip for fans of the character’s deadpan line delivery and his views on serving up justice to those who need it. It helps that the story races along from start to finish, giving Robocop reasons and new ways to take down any who stands between him and his quarry.

Time to put the Auto 9 to good use!

6. Ninja Gaiden 2 Black

Team Ninja grabs another spot on this list with its remake of the 2008 classic. Ryu Hayabusa is a force to be reckoned with in the field of battle, not hesitating to dismember his enemies in order to negate the threat they present. The game’s story is nothing to scoff at either, and can be quite entertaining depending on your taste.

With its upgraded visuals and a very solid gameplay loop, this remake is definitely worth checking out and is a steal at under $50 USD.

7. The Alters

This survival game from 11 Bit Studios has been making waves since it released in June 2025 on account of a very unique premise and a gameplay loop that can quickly have you hooked. Jan Dolski’s reality-bending adventure, in which he creates alternate versions of himself in order to achieve his goals, is a lot of fun and also has a lot of replay value with multiple endings to the adventure.

The Alters stands out from the crowd and could have you sinking many hours into it once you get invested in its bizarre premise and novel mechanics.

8. Blue Prince

Blending strategy, puzzle-solving, and roguelike elements, Dogubomb and Raw Fury’s effort to create an experience like no other has largely paid off. Simon’s efforts to secure his inherited mansion by finding a hidden room within are a marvellous tale filled with compelling mysteries that are both challenging and rewarding in equal measures.

With only two rooms in the mansion remaining constant from day to day, navigating this maze is sure to win you over as you try to find ways to tease out the secrets it is trying to hide.

If you’re looking for a game that has you grinning to yourself even as you scratch your head in confusion, look no further than Blue Prince.

9. Mafia: The Old Country

Hangar 13’s return to the Mafia’s roots is sure to entertain and delight you with beautiful visuals and a gameplay loop that takes the best of the franchise’s past titles and adds in a story that sees its Sicilian protagonist join hands with the titular organization at a time when it was only beginning to spread its wings.

Authentic recreations of early Sicily and a story that is bound to feature the franchise’s traditional twists and turns could make this a game that can soon become one that you find quite hard to put down.

10. Split Fiction

Mio and Zoe’s efforts to save their hard work from the hands of a greedy corporation takes them on an adventure in which their respective imaginations place them in worlds that draw from the best of pop culture while being a very entertaining game all on its own.

The two writers’ budding friendship permeates the gameplay loop on offer, and Split Fiction is best enjoyed playing split-screen co-op with a friend. It’s the perfect game for buddies who just want to chill out on the couch and take on a game that doesn’t demand too much from them while managing to entertain them too.

11. Ready or Not

Like Split Fiction, Ready or Not is best enjoyed with friends. Unlike Split Fiction, it is not meant to be a relaxing game. Judge’s crusade against crime takes him and his team to places in which the stakes are high, and even a single mistake could mean that lives are lost.

Ready or Not is a demanding game that requires you to be on your toes and ready to improvise based on what’s waiting for you around the next corner. However, for those of you who are up to the challenge, this is a game that could be the centerpiece of many co-op sessions in which you and your team can truly work together to dominate.

12. Elden Ring Nightreign

Another one that should be enjoyed with your friends, although it’s quite easy to just dive into a run with total strangers, Elden Ring Nightreign marks FromSoftware’s successful debut in the roguelike genre. You control one of eight Nightfarers with unique abilities, tearing across the land of Limveld in search of the Nightlords.

With unique stories for each Nightfarer, and a host of incredible bosses from Elden Ring and the Dark Souls franchise, Nightreign is a perfect title to dive into after a long day for a fun time collecting gear, upgrades, and of course, taking down imposing threats with your team in tow.

13. The Midnight Walk

This fascinating take on finding the light even in the most crushing darkness is a simple, fun, and very entertaining adventure. It’s a story told over five chapters, each of which examines how light and darkness could essentially be two sides of the same coin, neither being able to exist without the other.

The Burnt One and Potboy’s combined adventure is a tale that you won’t want to miss, while the unique art style and excellent level designs keep you coming back for more.

14. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

Returning to Cyrodiil after all this time is going to be a huge draw for Elder Scrolls fans. Even if you haven’t been in touch with one of modern gaming’s most iconic franchises, Oblivion Remastered is a perfect opportunity to see what the fuss is about.

It’s a game in which you could truly get lost in, putting off the main campaign for as long as you like as you soak in the sights with its new Unreal Engine 5 makeover, while all of the side content and DLC of the original is now right there at your fingertips. Taking on The Mythic Dawn is a sure-fire way to keep you entertained for hours on end.

15. Days Gone Remastered

Deacon John’s melancholic tale of survival in a world gone horribly wrong continues to be a solid experience made even better by a remaster that brought some current-gen goodness to the table, making this the definitive way to take on hordes of terrifying zombies and living to tell the tale.

Just hopping on your motorcycle and cruising along in the game’s vast open world until something catches your attention is a viable way to enjoy this game, and is perhaps the best way to experience all it has to offer. Just be ready for its story to pull at your heartstrings along the way.

And that’s a wrap on our list of titles that are easy on your wallet but fairly challenging to get through fully. There’s a lot of value on offer in each of them, and if you’re looking for a new game to sink your teeth into, any one of these beauties will do!

According to the report, there have been a total of 71 million games sold in 2025 across PC and consoles in Europe, which marks a 6 percent drop over the same period from 2024. This data accounts for sales having taken place up to July 28. Of the 71 million game sales, 52 million were digital copies, while 19.7 million were physical copies. These are 3 percent and 9 percent reductions over the previous year, and around 74 percent of games sold this year in Europe have been digital, which, when it comes to percentages, is a 2 percent rise from 2024.

The best-selling game in Europe in 2025 has been EA Sports FC 25. The title was released back in 2024, and taking it into account, Assassin’s Creed Shadows currently sits in the number 2 spot for game sales overall in Europe across PC and consoles. The top 20 sales chart, which you can check out below, also include other games released this year, including The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, Elden Ring: Nightreign, and Nintendo Switch 2 launch title Mario Kart World. It is worth noting that digital sales data for Nintendo games hasn’t been revealed.

The data, coming from official European charts company GSD, also interestingly omits Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. It was noted as being missing because publisher Kepler Interactive hasn’t shared sales data for the game with GSD. An analyst from GSD, Sam Naji, also revealed some details about how game spending has changed for PC and consoles over the year.

In his analysis, Naji said that the first 19 weeks of 2025 saw spending drop by 2 percent compared to 2024, down to €1.33 billion, while the number of copies sold dropped by 9 percent. He attributed this to the average price of games having gone up by around 8 percent, with gamers spending an average of €29 per game, when compared to 2024’s average of €27 per game. He also noted that digital spending had gone up by 8 percent compared to a 6 percent drop in number of units sold, attributing it to a 15 percent rise in average price for digital games – €22 to €25 per game.

Best Selling Games in Europe for 2025 Across PC and Consoles:

1. EA Sports FC 25 (EA)
2. Assassin’s Creed Shadows (Ubisoft)
3. Grand Theft Auto 5 (Rockstar)
4. Red Dead Redemption 2 (Rockstar)
5. Hogwarts Legacy (Warner Bros)
6. Split Fiction (EA)
7. Monster Hunter Wilds (Capcom)
8. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (Activision Blizzard)
9. Mario Kart World (Nintendo)
10. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (Plaion)
11. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered (Bethesda)
12. Star Wars Battlefront 2 (EA)
13. Elden Ring: Nightreign (Bandai Namco)
14. It Takes Two (EA)
15. Grand Theft Auto Online (Rockstar)
16. NBA 2K25 (2K Games)
17. F1 25 (EA)
18. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Siege (Ubisoft)
19. Mario Kart 8: Deluxe (Nintendo)
20. Battlefield 1 (EA)