In a stunning turn of events, Hogwarts Legacy has made waves in the gaming industry by becoming the best-selling boxed game in the UK, effectively ending EA Sports’ decade-long reign. The game has not only raked in over $1 billion in revenue but has also broken records by dethroning EA Sport’s annual football game, a position that had been unyielding for the past ten years.
The Decade-Long Streak Shattered
For the past decade, EA Sports had successfully maintained its hold on the best-selling boxed game award in the UK, primarily due to the immense popularity of its FIFA games. However, this streak was abruptly disrupted when Hogwarts Legacy emerged as the game of choice for UK gamers, marking the first time in ten years that EA’s dominance was challenged. The last occurrence of a similar upset was in 2013 when GTA V claimed the top spot.
EA Sports' Decline and Hogwarts Legacy's Triumph
Notably, EA faced adversity this year as it lost the FIFA license for the first time in over 30 years. This significant loss likely impacted their sales, leading their latest installment, EA Sports FC 24, to slip to the sixth position in the UK boxed charts. Despite this setback, digital sales could potentially salvage EA’s position as the best-selling game of the year. Conversely, Hogwarts Legacy’s overwhelming success propelled it to the forefront of the UK boxed charts, transcending the competition with its captivating appeal.
Platform Dominance and Controversy
According to GameIndustry.biz, over half of Hogwarts Legacy’s sales were on the PlayStation 5, solidifying its position as a top contender in the gaming market. However, amidst its triumph, the game faced controversy as it was conspicuously absent from the 2023 Game Awards nominations. Speculations arose, attributing the snub to J.K Rowling’s controversial remarks, which garnered polarizing reactions. Despite attempts to boycott the game due to Rowling’s comments, the resounding success of Hogwarts Legacy demonstrated its resilience against the negative publicity.
The Top Ten Games of December
The GFK boxed top ten for the final week of December showcased the significant shift in the gaming landscape. Notably, EA’s football title, which traditionally held the top spot, faltered to sixth place, while Hogwarts Legacy surged from third place to claim the summit. The top ten was as follows:
1. Hogwarts Legacy
2. Super Mario Bros. Wonder
3. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
4. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
5. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
6. EA Sports FC 24
7. Grand Theft Auto V
8. Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate
9. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
10. Nintendo Switch Sports
Conclusion
Hogwarts Legacy’s meteoric rise to the top of the UK boxed charts has marked a pivotal moment in gaming history, challenging the status quo and reshaping the competitive landscape. Its astonishing achievements have not only disrupted the dominance of longstanding franchises but also underscored the unwavering support of its dedicated fan base. As the
gaming industry continues to evolve, the impact of Hogwarts Legacy’s success will undoubtedly reverberate, setting a new precedent for the future of gaming.
