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[adamsapple]

For Q2. That's because DS2 released on the end of Q2 (26th of June) it will outsell it in July which is Q3. But don't let me stop you looking for those xbox wins.

*23rd June for deluxe and early access releases.

For a so called niche, that is a very good result for Death stranding 2, and in just a few days of June and July, considering it is exclusive. I'm happy for Ds2 success and also Doom Dark ages which also receive allot of bashing.

DS2 is a niche in terms of the kind of game it is, otherwise it has the full backing of a first party marketing behind it. Can't really consider it a small or niche title when you have ads for it playing almost every night on prime time TV.

Divisive is probably a better word to use for it.

 

[panda-zebra]

Doubting mats sales stats, now we're going places.

 

[Astray]

*23rd June for deluxe and early access releases.

Early Access is such a massive scam tbh.

For me it has had the opposite effect, why pay for a deluxe edition after launch when its biggest selling point is pressuring me to play it before it's out.

 

[Ozriel]

They started with Bethesda/ZeniMax. Announced in 2020, went through in

Yep. To grow first party content for GP. They've reiterated that strategy multiple times.

I don't understand. Why would people knowingly choose an xbox console if buying a PS5 gives you pretty much all the xbox games as well as give you access to ps5 exclusives. I'd have huge buyer's remorse if I chose and bought an xbox series X at launch only to see all the games I thought were exclusive appear on other consoles alongside those console's exclusives that I don't have access too. This is why xbox hardware sales are down 50% from last year ...

Sony had a very dominant generation with the PS4, so it's easy to imagine that anyone who went with an Xbox Series as their only console is someone who had no major issue with missing out on Sony's first party games.

I think there's also a lot of the Xbox buyers who have multiple consoles…which would also explain why around 49% of the total consoles is the Series S.

Finally, there's always GamePass as a console selling point.

That said, if I had to recommend a console to anyone who was cash limited, it'd likely be a PS5.

"Xbox Series X|S console sales have been declining, with significant drops reported in both hardware revenue and unit sales. Microsoft has reported a 42% decrease in hardware sales in a recent quarter, and January 2025 sales were down nearly 50% compared to the same period last year, according to VGChartz. While Microsoft highlights growth in content and subscription services, the decline in hardware sales is a notable trend."

Going multiplatform wouldn't have hurt, but there are other reason. You forget Xbox first party didn't really get going until 2023/24. Stagnation was already set in stone at that point.
Price hikes, delay in getting a steady cadence of games, Xbox being an after-thought in most areas and combined with terrible marketing…no surprise the hardware is in terminal decline even without the pivot to multiplatform releases.

Nah, MS will look at the numbers, realize they have more to gain selling games and let Gamepass die.

Sales are down on Xbox console, but that's just one release platform out of 4 they'll be supporting. PC, Steam, PS5 and Xbox.

You forget GP is also the backbone subscription service for their Cloud streaming ambitions.

 

[yogaflame]

*23rd June for deluxe and early access releases.



DS2 is a niche in terms of the kind of game it is, otherwise it has the full backing of a first party marketing behind it. Can't really consider it a small or niche title when you have ads for it playing almost every night on prime time TV.

Divisive is probably a better word to use for it.

True it is divisive because its very strange and unique, but even doubters, once they played the game, they enjoyed it so much and has allot of very addictive elements. Ds1 sales was not that big the first time, but as wise man says in gaming, legs is what matters most. It sold pretty well throughout the years especially on Ps4 and Ps5.

I think the paradigm of those who monitor sales numbers has to change and not base critical success on launch period, but base it on legs on sale throughout the years, maybe one to 2 years period.

 

[kaizenkko]

BennyBlanco pls update the OP with the revised list


T Three rn is like

Happy to see Death Stranding 2 in the top 10. It's an incredible and truly unique game—it deserves the highest recognition.

 

[th4tguy]

This is a nice thing for MS but I'm sure there are some MS execs looking at the high sales numbers and sweating hard.
Why?
Because I'm sure a big argument for bringing their games to other systems was not to drive a high number of sales, but to drive people to gamepass.
"Oh man, I love these games! But why would I buy it for $70 when I can subscribe to gamepass and play it for free!?"

If their intent is to release games on PS and see an uptick of subscribers to GamePass as a result, I don't know that they will actually see that happening.

 

[Insane Metal]

Damn. Green rats at it.

 

[Three]

*23rd June for deluxe and early access releases.

Any early access time you add to DS will apply to Doom so makes no damn difference. Point is that a greater chunk of Q2 was afforded to DTDA vs DS2. DS2 may even still chart in July, data that doesn't count here but DS2 well likely sell more in the 2 month period than DTDA. Keep reaching for that win.

 

[Ozriel]

This is a nice thing for MS but I'm sure there are some MS execs looking at the high sales numbers and sweating hard.
Why?
Because I'm sure a big argument for bringing their games to other systems was not to drive a high number of sales, but to drive people to gamepass.
"Oh man, I love these games! But why would I buy it for $70 when I can subscribe to gamepass and play it for free!?"

If their intent is to release games on PS and see an uptick of subscribers to GamePass as a result, I don't know that they will actually see that happening.

This speculation belongs in the same drawer as "PS5 ports to PC will drive more PC gamers to buy PlayStation consoles"

In reality, it's probably more likely that MS execs are happier with a system where much of the development costs can be covered by retail sales. This should make GP economics even more robust.

They're going to release FH6 on PS5 and Switch 2. I don't think anyone expects that to be a major driver for GP subs…except perhaps for word of mouth for potential XCloud adopters

 

[Clear]

I would expect DS2 to do really well over time.

Its a game that I absolutely expect to grow in reputation, because its a pretty extraordinary concoction with many memorable moments. That its also an extraordinarily good looking game that I suspect will really shine on high-end PC isn't going to hurt either.

 

[adamsapple]

Any early access time you add to DS will apply to Doom so makes no damn difference. Point is that a greater chunk of Q2 was afforded to DTDA vs DS2. DS2 may even still chart in July, data that doesn't count here but DS2 well likely sell more in the 2 month period than DTDA. Keep reaching for that win.

Was just correcting your mistake, no need to get so pent up over it

For reference, DTDA was able to crack into the top 20 sellers of the year in its launch month of May, DS did not crack that list in its launch month. So it'll be interesting to see but the smart money suggests DTDA will end up outselling DS2 through the year.

Kacho . I'm still solid on Delta also outselling DS2 through the year.

 

[Three]

Was just correcting your mistake, no need to get so pent up over it

What was the mistake? That I gave the actual release date and not the "early access" date? Woopdee f'ing doo. You just love correcting "wrongs" with the most pedantic shit don't you.

For reference, DTDA was able to crack into the top 20 sellers of the year in its launch month of May, DS did not crack that list in its launch month. So it'll be interesting to see but the smart money suggests DTDA will end up outselling DS2 through the year.

Kacho . I'm still solid on Delta also outselling DS2 through the year.

Cracking the YTD top sellers for the year is easier early in the year (early May in this case) when other games haven't accumulated sales. It's a bar that gets higher as the year progresses. It's whether you can sustain them the rest of the year that's important. It tells you nothing about which is outselling what now.

 

[Kacho]

Kacho . I'm still solid on Delta also outselling DS2 through the year.

Your unwavering confidence is making me uneasy

 

[adamsapple]

Your unwavering confidence is making me uneasy

Be forewarned tho, Delta is releasing on the 29th of the month, basically only with one day of reporting, so it might not exactly chart high in August's NPD, especially considering August is the Madden month.

But I'm still gonna stick to my prediction for what it's worth.

 

[Kacho]

Be forewarned tho, Delta is releasing on the 29th of the month, basically only with one day of reporting, so it might not exactly chart high in August's NPD, especially considering August is the Madden month.

But I'm still gonna stick to my prediction for what it's worth.

Relax bro. I don't blow my load that fast. Gotta give these things 2-3 months to shake out.

 

[Mr Moose]

Was just correcting your mistake, no need to get so pent up over it

For reference, DTDA was able to crack into the top 20 sellers of the year in its launch month of May, DS did not crack that list in its launch month. So it'll be interesting to see but the smart money suggests DTDA will end up outselling DS2 through the year.

Kacho . I'm still solid on Delta also outselling DS2 through the year.

What, a 32 year old multiplat IP might outsell Death Stranding 2? That's unheard of! I don't believe it.

 

[Kacho]

What, a 32 year old multiplat IP might outsell Death Stranding 2? That's unheard of! I don't believe it.

You too?

I'm in a box here!

 

[adamsapple]

What, a 32 year old multiplat IP might outsell Death Stranding 2? That's unheard of! I don't believe it.

The IP is 32 year old, this entry hasn't been selling for 32 years. Kojima has been a renowned creator for the same, probably even longer.

Damn man, one RetroGamingUK is enough

 

[SlimySnake]

Good to see DS2 make the chart despite only being out for a few days. I was depressed that it flopped.

I will say one thing thats already been said numerous times in this thread. MS spend $2.5 billion for Minecraft, $8 billion for indy, doom and oblivion, and $70 billion for cod. Forza horizon is the only one that they truly really made themselves, and i hope sony is looking at that and firing every single exec responsible for shutting down Evolution studios because they've clearly misread the market for these arcade racers. Even though DC had already sold 2.5 million in just under 8 months, and went on to sell 4.9 million units lifetime.

This industry is being ruined by CEOs who do not invest million in cultivating talent or IPs choosing instead to waste billions on buying everything that they cant afford to use as exclusives anyway. Moneyhatting at its worst. Imagine if sony hadnt shut down incognito and zipper in the ps3 era. They wouldve taken advantage of the influx of xbox 360 owners who loved playing shooters and who knows, MAG 2, Socom, and Warhawk 2 wouldve found a massive audience like pubg, fortnite and rainbow six did. They certainly wouldnt have had to invest billions into Bungie, Firesprite, Deviation games and Jade Raymond's new studio.

Imagine if sony had allowed ND, SSM, GG, and Sucker Punch to make multiple IPs instead of making one game at a time. We wouldnt be seeing such a dearth of exclusives down to literally 1-2 a year according to Herman Hulst.

Imagine if Phil had continued to invest in 2nd party studios like Playground Games instead of completely ruining relationships with Platinum Games, insomniac games, Remedy among others. No need to spend $100 billion to stay alive. In the end, it's fucking Nintendo that has a better relationship with PG, From, etc. while MS has to acquire people to make games for them.

 

[Flabagast]

DS2 is by very far the best game Sony has produced accross this entire generation, I hope it will continue to do well even if early signs regarding sales are mixed.

We need, collectively as gamers, this type of game to perform super well.

 

[DeVeAn]

Fucken hilarious. Nobody wants an Xbox, but they want Xbox games on a Playstation lmao. Maybe Phil actually knew something!

 

[Unfortunatecookie]

This is a nice thing for MS but I'm sure there are some MS execs looking at the high sales numbers and sweating hard.
Why?
Because I'm sure a big argument for bringing their games to other systems was not to drive a high number of sales, but to drive people to gamepass.
"Oh man, I love these games! But why would I buy it for $70 when I can subscribe to gamepass and play it for free!?"

If their intent is to release games on PS and see an uptick of subscribers to GamePass as a result, I don't know that they will actually see that happening.

You raise an excellent point. The more successful their games are on other platforms, the less interest shows up around Game Pass. If they thought they would be able to convert PS/Nintendo gamers into Xbox gamers, then they thought wrong. It's like Shawn Layden thinking that porting PS games to PC would convince PC users to buy a PlayStation. Delusional, out of touch thinking.

The fundamental problem with "Meeting people where they're at" is that you're giving them a reason to not meet you where you're at. Why would anyone buy an Xbox if Xbox games are available on their non-Xbox platform? The value proposition just isn't there.

 

[Ebrietas]

Dear Microsoft,

Congratulations on spending 100 billion dollars on publishers. Now, give us 30% of everything you make.

Love,
SONY

"Publishers who we used to pay for timed exclusivity or marketing deals but no longer have to because you killed your own console. Much appreciated!"

 

[Ebrietas]

You just know these boys are desperate for any win

I hope the EA fanboys also celebrate when FC and NBA tops the playstation charts.....

Oh wait.....

The Steam charts are all third party. What an embarrassment for Valve!

 

[Three]

This is a nice thing for MS but I'm sure there are some MS execs looking at the high sales numbers and sweating hard.
Why?
Because I'm sure a big argument for bringing their games to other systems was not to drive a high number of sales, but to drive people to gamepass.
"Oh man, I love these games! But why would I buy it for $70 when I can subscribe to gamepass and play it for free!?"

If their intent is to release games on PS and see an uptick of subscribers to GamePass as a result, I don't know that they will actually see that happening.

They will attempt to do a rugpull next gen with sequels, possibly fail, then return to day and date.

 

[kaizenkko]

You raise an excellent point. The more successful their games are on other platforms, the less interest shows up around Game Pass. If they thought they would be able to convert PS/Nintendo gamers into Xbox gamers, then they thought wrong. It's like Shawn Layden thinking that porting PS games to PC would convince PC users to buy a PlayStation. Delusional, out of touch thinking.

The fundamental problem with "Meeting people where they're at" is that you're giving them a reason to not meet you where you're at. Why would anyone buy an Xbox if Xbox games are available on their non-Xbox platform? The value proposition just isn't there.

Just a side note: wasn't it Herman Hulst who said that nonsense about making PC players buy a PlayStation? I'm not sure if Shawn Layden ever said the same thing at any point.

Anyway, Hulst made that statement directly in response to an investor, so technically it's a real strategy (something they actually believe, even if it makes no sense).

I wonder if that idea has changed in any way.

 

[twilo99]

Fucken hilarious. Nobody wants an Xbox, but they want Xbox games on a Playstation lmao. Maybe Phil actually knew something!

"Xbox has no games" has never sounded as relevant as it does now

 

[Aenima]

Xbox finally gets their first party lineup in order, and then releases all of it on Playstation.

Meanwhile, Sony's 1st party output has sucked and Microsoft is carrying the load for them.


What a weird industry lol.

If you ignore the fact that the only Xbox 1st party is Forza, and ignore the fact that all other MS published games were multiplatform IPs that would release on Playstation anyway before MS bought them.

 

[Baemono]

You just know these boys are desperate for any win

I hope the EA fanboys also celebrate when FC and NBA tops the playstation charts.....

Oh wait.....

I don't think they see it as a win, I mean it's not like they're making victory vide..

 

[EN250]

DS2 is a niche in terms of the kind of game it is, otherwise it has the full backing of a first party marketing behind it. Can't really consider it a small or niche title when you have ads for it playing almost every night on prime time TV.

Divisive is probably a better word to use for it.

No matter how many millions you throw at it and hollyweird actors you cram into it, it'll never make it not be a boring ass walking simulator where you deliver some random shit while some black goo rains from the sky and some goofy ass enemies show up sporadically to make you do something else, othen than press the left analogue stick forward

 

[Freelance Yakuza]

This is a nice thing for MS but I'm sure there are some MS execs looking at the high sales numbers and sweating hard.
Why?
Because I'm sure a big argument for bringing their games to other systems was not to drive a high number of sales, but to drive people to gamepass.
"Oh man, I love these games! But why would I buy it for $70 when I can subscribe to gamepass and play it for free!?"

If their intent is to release games on PS and see an uptick of subscribers to GamePass as a result, I don't know that they will actually see that happening.

Selling MP games on PS5 has the chance of increasing PS+ subscriptions lmao

 

[Radical_3d]

Jesus fucking Christ, people will buy anything that Miyazaki shits no matter what it is, aren't they.

 

[mayham2199]

Jesus fucking Christ, people will buy anything that Miyazaki shits no matter what it is, aren't they.

I kind of want to try it myself honestly. I know people who simply don't get it and thought the game was trash but once they played it were surprised by how much fun they had with it.

 

[kazuyamishima]

Mario Kart World No.1 on the Nintendo charts, and without Circana counting bundles, means that the numbers could be relative low for the titles in there.

Also, DS2 whilst only tracking a few days, its below Doom, unless Doom did the majority of the sales on PS5, the numbers for DS2 are possibly low.

 

[Mr Moose]

Mario Kart World No.1 on the Nintendo charts, and without Circana counting bundles, means that the numbers could be relative low for the titles in there.

Also, DS2 whilst only tracking a few days, its below Doom, unless Doom did the majority of the sales on PS5, the numbers for DS2 are possibly low.

It sold about 300k I think ( LordOcidax ?), or 1.3M including bunduru.

 

[poppabk]

Any early access time you add to DS will apply to Doom so makes no damn difference. Point is that a greater chunk of Q2 was afforded to DTDA vs DS2. DS2 may even still chart in July, data that doesn't count here but DS2 well likely sell more in the 2 month period than DTDA. Keep reaching for that win.

The early access time for Doom just adds to its tail - the early access for DS2 adds to the all important launch period. Plus thats still not great though. For a big budget exclusive to chart below a Neogaf Certified Flop™ and to maybe outsell it in the long run.

 

[kazuyamishima]

It sold about 300k I think ( LordOcidax ?), or 1.3M including bunduru.

If 300k units is the top, everything else is peanuts.

 

[Astray]

I don't think they see it as a win, I mean it's not like they're making victory vide..

D DestinRL 's content has been on a steep, downwards curve ever since he left IGN. Everyday is a new meltdown for him.

Mario Kart World No.1 on the Nintendo charts, and without Circana counting bundles, means that the numbers could be relative low for the titles in there.

Also, DS2 whilst only tracking a few days, its below Doom, unless Doom did the majority of the sales on PS5, the numbers for DS2 are possibly low.

This is dollar value-based, so each copy being $80 make a big difference probably.

Also Mario Kart is honestly an endlessly playable game, so paying $10 or $20 over MK8's price is not that big of a deal if you're a Mario Kart fan because you will get 100s of hours out of it.

 

[Three]

The early access time for Doom just adds to its tail - the early access for DS2 adds to the all important launch period. Plus thats still not great though. For a big budget exclusive to chart below a Neogaf Certified Flop™ and to maybe outsell it in the long run.

DS2 will outsell it with a very high probability. Doom didn't maintain any type of momentum so you're right about its tail in June being meaningless. For Death Stranding though it was still topping the top 10 PSN charts in the second week of July. The 1.8 weeks or so in Q2 wasn't enough to capture the majority of the sales. Whether this is good or bad for the franchise overal though I don't know. Probably below expectation but certainly higher than DTDA on PS5 alone.

 

[Woopah]

As a platform holder MS has failed. But I think they have a bright future as a third party

Mario Kart World No.1 on the Nintendo charts, and without Circana counting bundles, means that the numbers could be relative low for the titles in there.

Also, DS2 whilst only tracking a few days, its below Doom, unless Doom did the majority of the sales on PS5, the numbers for DS2 are possibly low.

MKW does cost 33% more than almost every other game on the chart, so that affects things too.

 

[demigod]

Death Stranding 2 is absent from the list

It has 13 days of sales data from 23rd June for EA till 5th July.
The bulk of the sales mostly came from the first week of sales for most titles, with an exception from games like RDR, COD, Minecraft, and Nintendo's evergreens.
Circana is revenue-based, and coming below titles with low MSRP is painting a dire picture for DS2's unit sales.
It seems DS2 has indeed underperformed on PS5 no matter which angle and perspective you look at it from.

Doubting mats sales stats, now we're going places.

And coincidently we had neogafs "MattyP" trying to suggest that "MS had the best selling game on PS5 for 2025". Both a bunch of hacks pushing incorrect MS PR or the same person, who knows.

Lol i hope not, after pretending to be the youtuber. Mat probably saw your post so he had to edit it. Look who laughed emoji my post, it must pain them that we were right.

 

[Astray]

Lol i hope not, after pretending to be the youtuber.

Glad I'm not the only one who remembers that rofl.

 

[StreetsofBeige]

Even Doom Dark Ages beat out Death Stranding 2.

 

[demigod]

Glad I'm not the only one who remembers that rofl.

There was another green rat that pretended to be a youtuber but he was permed on here. Not sure if you were there at the time, DonJuanSchlong.

 

[DenchDeckard]

So sad to see the Gaf flop which is Doom outselling death stranding 2. And thats only one platform sales.

I love me some death stranding and seeing it perform this badly with the audience thats supposed to buy these games is sad to see.

Hopefully it sells well on pc when it comes out. I need more batshit kojima in my life.

 

[Steve Holt]

So sad to see the Gaf flop which is Doom outselling death stranding 2. And thats only one platform sales.

I love me some death stranding and seeing it perform this badly with the audience thats supposed to buy these games is sad to see.

Hopefully it sells well on pc when it comes out. I need more batshit kojima in my life.

I see your biases and your need to console war are making you completely make stuff up now.

Publicly Hideo is saying he's satisfied and a reputable sales guy saying it's doing better than expected (or something along those lines)

 

[justiceiro]

So, the only 2 third party games that use a actual game card are the only ones charting(tamagotchi not withstanding)? Who could have thought?
I can't be that in 2025 cartridges is still the biggest detriment third party publishers face on Nintendo consoles.

 

[Fafalada]

and would have made Minecraft, CoD and Bethesda exclusive. Since many years ago MS knew their consoles weren't able to compete, so they decided to very slowly, step by step kill their console, switch to PS as their home platform

While overall situation you describe is happening, this part is giving them way too much credit.
Minecraft was acquired 12 years ago, and they (aggresively) burned money trying to make hw work for a full decade since.
Hell MS published games on PlayStation as far back as 2002, and I don't think anyone will argue they are were 'slowly killing' their console back then, at least not on purpose.

 

[Three]

So sad to see the Gaf flop which is Doom outselling death stranding 2. And thats only one platform sales.

I love me some death stranding and seeing it perform this badly with the audience thats supposed to buy these games is sad to see.

Hopefully it sells well on pc when it comes out. I need more batshit kojima in my life.

This has been discussed to death. DS2 is outselling Doom. DS2 only had 1.7 weeks of sales data here in Q2 (and even less if you use the real release date and not deluxe early copies).