Summary
The newly-released Xbox console exclusiveForza Motorsporthas failed to reach the top 20 highest-rated games sold in its debut week in the UK, according to GfK’s boxed sales data. PreviousForzagames had much stronger physical sales debuts in the UK, but there could be a very reasonable explanation as to why the newForza Motorsporthasn’t made as big of a splash in the physical sales market.
Physical sales in general are not nearly what they used to be, with fewer consumers buying boxed video games than ever before. In fact, rumors indicate that some retailers may go as far asending their sales of boxed Xbox gamesas the platform has become increasingly digital. Not only are digital sales on the rise, but all first-party Xbox games can be played at a fraction of what it would cost to buy them new.
It seems highly likely that Xbox Game Pass is the reason whyForza Motorsportfailed to crack the top 20 in its debut week. After all, why would consumers buyForza Motorsportat full price when they can get access to the entire game fornothing more than their Game Pass subscription fee. It’s also worth pointing out that GfK’s data doesn’t take digital sales into account, meaningForza Motorsportcould still be doing well digitally, even with Game Pass in mind.
- Lords of the Fallen
9. Hogwarts Legacy
10. Minecraft
GfK’s report has revealed the top 10 best-selling games in the UK for the week ending on October 14, withEA Sports FC 24unsurprisingly taking the top spot.EA Sports FC 24was followed byAssassin’s Creed Mirage,Star Wars Jedi: Survivor,Lords of the Fallen,Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope,theRed Dead Redemptionre-release,Mario Kart 8 Deluxe,The Grinch: Christmas Adventure,Hogwarts Legacy, andMinecraft.
It’s possible if Xbox Game Pass didn’t exist that the newForza Motorsportwould have had no trouble reaching not just the top 20, but the top 10. Microsoft itself has admitted thatXbox Game Pass cannibalizes game sales, and so it’s likely that a world without Game Pass would’ve seen the new racing game perform much better in terms of sales.
Forza Motorsportis out now for PC and Xbox Series X.
MORE:Forza Motorsport Continues a Troubling Trend for PC Game Pass Releases
