European Video Game Sales in 2025: EA Sports FC 25 Claims Top Spot
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London, UK – August 19, 2025 - Despite a challenging market and anticipation for delayed titles like Grand Theft Auto VI, EA Sports FC 25 has emerged as the best-selling video game in Europe for 2025, according to data from The Game Business. The success of the football simulation title highlights a shift in consumer preferences and the growing dominance of annual sports franchises.
Delayed Blockbusters and Market Shifts
Many game developers strategically adjusted their release schedules in 2025 to avoid direct competition with the highly anticipated, but ultimately delayed, Grand Theft Auto VI (IGN Espanol). This resulted in a concentration of major releases during the first quarter of the year. While promising titles like Ghost of Yotei, Silent Hill f, and Silksong are still on the horizon, EA Sports FC 25 has already secured its position as the year’s top seller.
The Game Business’s analysis, covering the 15 largest European markets from January 1st to July 28th, reveals a dynamic landscape where established franchises continue to thrive. Data from The Game Business indicates that EA Sports FC 25 outperformed even the critically acclaimed assassin’s Creed Shadows in sales figures.
Did You Know? The video game market is increasingly influenced by live service models,with titles like EA Sports FC 25 benefiting from ongoing content updates and player engagement.
Overall Sales Decline Amidst Digital Growth
While EA Sports FC 25 leads the pack, overall PC and console game sales across Europe have experienced a 6 percent decrease compared to the same period in 2024. Approximately 71 million PC and console games were sold this year to date. However, this decline is partially offset by the continued growth of digital sales, which now account for 74 percent of all purchases, compared to 26 percent for physical copies. Only 19.7 million games were sold in physical format.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on digital sales platforms for exclusive deals and discounts, as they frequently enough offer significant savings compared to traditional retail purchases.
Top 20 Best-Selling Games in Europe (2025 – Through July 28th)
| Rank | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | EA Sports FC 25 |
| 2 | Assassin’s creed Shadows |
| 3 | Grand Theft Auto 5 |
| 4 | Red Dead Redemption 2 |
| 5 | Hogwarts legacy |
| 6 | Split Fiction |
| 7 | Monster Hunter wilds |
| 8 | Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 |
| 9 | Mario Kart World (Physical Copies Only) |
| 10 | Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 |
| 11 | The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered |
| 12 | Star Wars Battlefront 2 |
| 13 | ELDEN RING: Nightfreg |
| 14 | It Takes Two |
| 15 | Grand Theft Auto Online |
| 16 | NBA 2K25 |
| 17 | F1 25 |
| 18 | Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Siege |
| 19 | Mario Kart 8: Deluxe (Physical Copies Only) |
| 20 | Battlefield 1 |
The enduring popularity of older titles like Grand Theft auto V,Red Dead Redemption 2,and Hogwarts Legacy demonstrates the lasting appeal of quality game design and expansive open worlds. What does this longevity suggest about player preferences and the value of replayability in modern gaming?
The Evolving Landscape of Video Game Sales
The video game industry is in a constant state of flux,driven by technological advancements,changing consumer habits,and the rise of new business models. The increasing prevalence of digital distribution, subscription services like Xbox Game Pass, and cloud gaming are reshaping how games are purchased and consumed. According to Newzoo, the global games market is projected to reach $187.7 billion in 2025, with mobile gaming accounting for the largest share (Newzoo, 2024). This trend underscores the importance of cross-platform strategies and the need for developers to adapt to a fragmented market.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best-selling game of 2025 in Europe? EA Sports FC 25 currently holds the top spot.
- Has there been a decline in overall game sales in 2025? Yes, PC and console game sales have decreased by 6 percent compared to 2024.
- What percentage of game sales are now digital? Approximately 74 percent of game sales in Europe are now digital.
- Why are older games still performing well? Titles like Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2 maintain popularity due to their quality and replayability.
- What impact did the delay of Grand Theft Auto VI have on 2025 sales? The delay likely influenced release schedules, with developers avoiding direct competition.
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