Surprising Turnaround: New Xbox Console Soars to Top of Sales Chart!
A recently launched Xbox console exclusive game disappoints as it falls short of securing a spot in the top 20 on a crucial sales chart during its initial weeks
Highlights
Boxed sales of Forza Motorsport in the UK have been underwhelming, possibly attributed to the decrease in consumers purchasing physical video games and the increasing preference for digital sales.
The availability of Xbox Game Pass may be responsible for the decline in sales of Forza Motorsport, as players can now enjoy the complete game through their Game Pass subscription instead of purchasing it at the original price.
The data provided by GfK, which focuses solely on physical sales, does not take into account digital sales. Hence, it is possible that Forza Motorsport is still performing strongly in the digital market.
According to GfK's boxed sales data, the newly-released exclusive Xbox game, Forza Motorsport, failed to make it into the top 20 highest-rated games sold in its debut week in the UK. Although previous Forza games had strong physical sales debuts, the underperformance of the latest installment may be attributed to the declining popularity of physical game sales. It is rumored that some retailers might even discontinue selling boxed Xbox games due to the increasing dominance of digital sales. Moreover, playing first-party Xbox games digitally is much cheaper compared to purchasing them brand new.
Best-Selling Games in the UK
It is highly plausible that the underperformance of Forza Motorsport in its first week can be attributed to the influence of Xbox Game Pass. Why would consumers opt to purchase Forza Motorsport at its full price when they can enjoy unrestricted access to the entire game with just their Game Pass subscription? Additionally, it is worth noting that GfK's data does not encompass digital sales; thus, it is possible that Forza Motorsport could still be thriving in the digital market, even considering the impact of Game Pass.
1. EA Sports FC 24
2. Assassin's Creed Mirage
3. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
4. Lords of the Fallen
5. Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope
6. Red Dead Redemption
7. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
8. The Grinch: Christmas Adventure
9. Hogwarts Legacy
GfK's report has unveiled the UK's top 10 most popular games for the week ending October 14. Predictably, EA Sports FC 24 claimed the first position, closely trailed by Assassin's Creed Mirage, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, Lords of the Fallen, Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope, the reissued version of Red Dead Redemption, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, The Grinch: Christmas Adventure, Hogwarts Legacy, and Minecraft.
Without Xbox Game Pass, the new Forza Motorsport may have easily reached the top 10 instead of just the top 20. Microsoft has acknowledged that Xbox Game Pass negatively impacts game sales, suggesting that the absence of Game Pass would have resulted in significantly higher sales for the racing game. Microsoft is focused on maximizing Xbox Game Pass subscribers, even if it means sacrificing direct sales. Fans of racing games can either purchase Forza Motorsport directly or enjoy it through Xbox Game Pass. With mostly positive reviews, the game appears to be a reliable option for racing enthusiasts.
Forza Motorsport is out now for PC and Xbox Series X.
Source: GamesIndustry.biz
