Accio Accolades! Hogwarts Legacy Conjures Historic Sales Figures

The halls of Hogwarts are echoing with more than just whispered spells; they’re reverberating with record-breaking sales figures. Avalanche Software’s open-world adventure game, Hogwarts Legacy, has become the top-selling title in the US for the year to date, according to market data provided by Circana (NPD). This achievement marks a significant turning point in the gaming industry, ending a 15-year reign by franchises like Call of Duty and Rockstar.

Launched in February 2024, Hogwarts Legacy lets players step into the shoes of a student attending the iconic wizarding school. Explore the sprawling castle, attend classes, brew potions, duel rivals, and uncover hidden secrets while unraveling a captivating storyline. The game’s faithful recreation of the Harry Potter universe and emphasis on player agency have resonated deeply with both devoted fans and new audiences.

This sales triumph breaks a long-standing trend.

Since 2008, either a Call of Duty title or a Rockstar Games release has consistently claimed the top spot on the annual US sales charts. This year, however, Hogwarts Legacy has dislodged both franchises, with titles like Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption relegated to lower positions.

Analysts attribute this shift to several factors.

The Harry Potter IP’s enduring popularity remains a key driver, with dedicated fans and newer generations eager to experience the Wizarding World firsthand. Additionally, the open-world format and customizable character creation offer a deep level of immersion and agency, appealing to players seeking a personalized experience.

When it comes to hardware, despite a relatively flat overall market, 2023 saw a changing of the guard in the console wars.

The PlayStation 5 reigned supreme, topping both unit and dollar sales, dethroning the Nintendo Switch and leaving Xbox Series X/S in the dust. Sony even shattered its own record in December, proving the PS5’s momentum remains strong. While hardware and accessory sales saw modest growth, it was content that carried the torch, pushing the industry past $57 billion in spending for the year.

Here are December 2023’s Top 10 Games:

1. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
2. Super Mario Bros. Wonder
3. Madden NFL 24
4. Hogwarts Legacy
5. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
6. Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
7. EA Sports FC 24
8. Mortal Kombat 1
9. NBA 2K24
10. Mario Kart 8

And here are the top 10 games for the full year (2023):

1. Hogwarts Legacy
2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III
3. Madden NFL 24
4. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
5. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom
6. Diablo IV
7. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II
8. Mortal Kombat 1
9. Star Wars Jedi: Survivor
10. EA Sports FC 24