Top Games by Copies Sold: H1 2026

The first half of 2026 highlights a significant shift in the gaming industry, characterized by the rise of low-fi social games and a definitive move toward a digital-only future for console platforms. The primary analysis focuses on sales performance across Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation, identifying Meccha Chameleon as the leading title by copies sold. Despite its viral success and nearly 13 million units sold, the game’s low price point places it outside the top revenue earners, illustrating the distinction between unit volume and gross financial performance.

Other top-performing titles for the period include FC 26, which reached 9.1 million copies, and Resident Evil Requiem, which surpassed 7.6 million units. Forza Horizon 6 and ARC Raiders also maintained strong momentum, with 7.4 million copies sold each, while Slay the Spire 2 demonstrated the impact of regional player bases, particularly in China, on early access success. These figures underscore the continued dominance of established franchises alongside the emergence of viral, low-cost independent hits.

A critical industry development is Sony’s announcement to cease physical disc production for new PlayStation games by January 2028. This strategic pivot aims to consolidate control over pricing, eliminate the secondary resale market, and maximize platform profitability. While this transition may offer developers minor operational efficiencies by reducing the pressure of early certification for physical media, it poses significant challenges to consumer ownership, game preservation, and the viability of specialist physical retailers. The move reflects a broader, long-term trend toward digital-only ecosystems, effectively ending the era of physical media as a primary distribution channel for major console publishers.