European Video Game Sales Experience 12% Uptick in October, Driven by High-Profile Releases

Europe witnessed the sale of 18.5 million video games in October, marking a 12.4% increase compared to the same period last year. This surge can be largely attributed to the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, which was not available during the same period the previous year. The game's first two weeks of sales saw a 5% increase in unit sales compared to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, although this figure drops to 28% when compared to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. However, it's essential to note that Black Ops 6's availability on Game Pass has significantly impacted its sales, particularly on Xbox platforms, where a sharp decline in premium sales has been observed. In contrast, PlayStation versions of the game have seen a 26% increase in sales over Modern Warfare 3 and a 2% increase over Modern Warfare 2, suggesting a substantial rise in overall Call of Duty players this year. EA Sports FC 25 secured the second spot, with sales marginally lower than the previous year's game. The new Dragon Ball title, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero, debuted at number three, achieving sales more than double those of the fastest-selling Dragon Ball game to date. Other notable releases include Super Mario Party Jamboree, Silent Hill 2, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and the boxing game Undisputed, all of which have made the Top Ten. The console market saw a decline, with 422,000 consoles sold across tracked markets, representing a 26% drop from the same period last year. Accessory sales also decreased by nearly 13%.