FromSoftware’s critically-acclaimed Elden Ring has returned to the top of the charts in the UK, reclaiming its place among the best-selling games after a significant sales boost.
This revival coincides with the launch of the game’s highly anticipated expansion, Shadow of the Erdtree.
Elden Ring’s Erdtree Blooms with Renewed Sales
GamesIndustry.biz recently shared GSD data revealing Elden Ring’s impressive resurgence in the UK market. The title, which captivated gamers worldwide upon its release earlier this year, saw its sales skyrocket by a staggering 467% in June compared to the previous month.
This surge can be largely attributed to the release of Shadow of the Erdtree, the expansion that injects fresh content and challenges into the Lands Between.
The expansion’s global success is undeniable, selling over five million units within just three days of launch. This enthusiasm for Elden Ring’s continued journey translated to the UK market, propelling the base game back into the top five of the monthly sales charts.
A Competitive Landscape: Familiar Faces Top the Charts
While Elden Ring’s revival is impressive, it wasn’t enough to secure the coveted top spot. The June charts were dominated by established franchises, with two Electronic Arts sports titles – EA Sports FC 24 and F1 24 – occupying the first and third positions respectively. Rockstar Games’ evergreen juggernaut, Grand Theft Auto 5, maintained its position as a permanent favorite, taking the second spot.
F1 24: A Mixed Debut
While F1 24 marked its debut in the charts, its performance may not have met EA’s expectations. The racing title saw sales 44% lower compared to its predecessor, F1 23, within the same launch timeframe.
Charts Unveiling Consumer Preferences
The remaining positions in the top ten paint a vivid picture of the UK gaming landscape. Titles like Hogwarts Legacy, Sid Meier’s Civilization 6, and Red Dead Redemption 2 demonstrate the enduring appeal of established franchises.
The inclusion of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 reflects the enduring popularity of classic entries in the series. Additionally, Grand Theft Auto Online’s continued presence highlights the enduring appeal of online experiences. Rounding out the top ten is Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six: Siege, showcasing the strength of tactical shooters.
Console Market: A Mixed Bag
The hardware front presents a distinct picture. Console sales in the UK witnessed a 9% decline compared to June 2023. Despite this dip, PlayStation 5 continues to reign supreme, outselling its competitors combined.
However, sales figures for Xbox Series S|X edged slightly ahead of Nintendo Switch for this specific month. Notably, Nintendo and Microsoft’s consoles haven’t shown a significant disparity in sales year-to-date for 2024.
2024: A Year of Change for Console Sales
Overall console sales in the UK for 2024 paint a less optimistic picture. Compared to 2023, unit sales are down by 29%, with a corresponding 31% decrease in revenue. GamesIndustry.biz attributes this decline to PlayStation 5’s exceptionally strong performance in the first half of 2023, fueled by normalized stock levels. Additionally, the maturing Nintendo Switch may have exhausted its potential customer base.
A Bright Spot: Rise of Accessories
However, the UK gaming market isn’t all doom and gloom. Accessory sales witnessed a 16% increase compared to 2023. This surge is significantly driven by the DualSense controller, partly fueled by recent discounts.
Interestingly, sales figures reveal that as many DualSense controllers were purchased as PlayStation 5 consoles in June. This can be partially attributed to the controller’s compatibility with PCs, suggesting a portion of these sales likely originated from PC gamers.
Conclusion: Elden Ring’s Continued Journey
Elden Ring’s revival in the UK charts serves as a testament to the captivating world FromSoftware has crafted. The success of Shadow of the Erdtree demonstrates the game’s enduring appeal and the hunger for more content amongst players.
While the console market navigates a period of change, the rise of accessories like the DualSense controller indicates a continued investment in enhancing the gaming experience. One thing remains certain: the Lands Between continue to attract players both in the UK and worldwide.
Also Read: 2K Games: Dive Deep into a Mysterious Remake on the Horizon
