Forza Horizon 5 has become the best-selling game on the PS5 in 2025, selling over 3 million units since its April launch.
Xbox’s Open Approach Dominates PlayStation Charts
Xbox’s Forza Horizon 5 has officially snagged the top sales spot on the PlayStation 5 for 2025, moving more than 3 million copies since its PlayStation debut in April. This impressive performance significantly outpaces Sony’s own major PS5 exclusive, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, which sold approximately 2 million units in its first 25 days. The data comes from a recent sales report by Alinea Analytics.
Analysts suggest that while Death Stranding 2 boasts critical acclaim, its niche gameplay appeals to a long-term audience. Conversely, Forza Horizon 5 benefits from the established popularity of the Forza franchise and its broad, mainstream appeal. The racing title has not only become the year’s top seller on PS5 but has also surpassed Astro Bot, the 2024 Game of the Year winner, setting a new benchmark for Xbox titles within the PlayStation ecosystem.
Xbox’s Multi-Platform Strategy Gains Momentum
Microsoft’s recent push to release Xbox first-party titles on platforms like PS5 and Nintendo Switch has yielded notable successes. Games such as Sea of Thieves, Grounded, Hi‑Fi Rush, and Pentiment have all found favor with new player bases. The strong sales of Forza Horizon 5 further validate this cross-platform strategy, paving the way for more Xbox titles to enter the PlayStation market. A prime example is the upcoming August release of Gears of War: Reloaded, scheduled for simultaneous launch on Xbox, PC, and PS5.
PlayStation’s Exclusive Dominance Faces New Challenges
Historically, PlayStation’s allure has been its stable of highly anticipated exclusive games, including beloved series like God of War and The Last of Us. However, the widespread success of Xbox’s flagship titles on PS5 underscores a growing demand for diversified gaming experiences and challenges the traditional console-bound model. Sony appears to be recognizing this shift, announcing that Helldivers 2 will also launch on Xbox Series X/S. This move, timed alongside the Gears of War: Reloaded release, signals a clear industry trend toward cross-platform play. The question remains whether Xbox’s strategy can continue to expand, potentially reshaping the console landscape.
