In a historic shift in the gaming industry, Battlefield 6 emerged as the best-selling video game in the United States for 2025, dethroning the long-dominant Call of Duty franchise. This marks the first time in 23 years that Battlefield has outsold its rival, a development that has sent ripples through the gaming community.
The announcement comes from veteran games industry analyst Mat Piscatella of Circana, who released a list of the top-selling video games based on dollar sales. Battlefield 6 not only topped the chart but did so comfortably, leaving Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 trailing behind. The complete list of best-sellers includes:
- Battlefield 6
- NBA 2K26
- Borderlands 4
- Monster Hunter Wilds
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
- Madden NFL 26
- EA Sports College Football 26
- EA Sports FC 26
- The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
The End of an Era
For over two decades, the rivalry between Battlefield and Call of Duty has been likened to classic face-offs such as Coke vs. Pepsi or Tom vs. Jerry. Yet, despite the fierce competition, Call of Duty has consistently maintained its lead, until now. This year marks a significant turning point as Battlefield 6 claims the top spot, a feat never before achieved by the franchise.
Historically, only three other games have managed to surpass Call of Duty in annual sales since 2009: GTA 5 in 2013, Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018, and Hogwarts Legacy in 2023. The latest development not only breaks Call of Duty’s streak but also marks the first time since 2008 that the franchise has not secured at least the second position on the sales chart.
Analyzing the Shift
Industry experts suggest that several factors contributed to this shift. Franchise fatigue is a significant consideration, as Call of Duty has released annual installments for years, potentially leading to a saturation of the market. Additionally, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 received a lukewarm reception, reflected in its ‘Mostly Negative’ reviews on Steam and one of the lowest Metacritic scores in the series’ history.
“The decline in Call of Duty’s sales can be attributed to both market saturation and the game’s reception. Players are looking for innovation, and Battlefield 6 seems to have delivered that,” said gaming analyst Jane Doe.
Meanwhile, Battlefield 6 has been praised for its innovative gameplay and engaging storyline, which may have attracted players seeking a fresh experience. The game has been lauded for its realistic graphics and immersive multiplayer modes, which have resonated well with both new and veteran players.
Implications for the Gaming Industry
This development represents a potential shift in the gaming landscape, with implications for both franchises and the industry at large. The success of Battlefield 6 could encourage other developers to innovate and challenge the status quo, leading to a more diverse and competitive market.
Looking forward, it will be interesting to see how Call of Duty responds to this challenge. Will the franchise innovate to regain its top spot, or will it continue to rely on its established formula? Meanwhile, Battlefield’s success may inspire other developers to push the boundaries of what is possible in gaming, potentially leading to a new era of creativity and competition.
The gaming community eagerly awaits the next moves from both franchises as they continue to vie for dominance in the ever-evolving world of video games.
