A list of the best-selling PS5 games has been published, showing several Sony exclusives sandwiched between Call Of Duty and Hogwarts Legacy.
Sony’s PlayStation 5 celebrates its fifth anniversary this week, and while there have been some notable games within that time, it’s hard to argue that it’s been anything other than a generation of untapped potential.
The resources invested into failed live service projects, and rising development costs at large, are mostly to blame, which has led to a first party drought where Ghost Of Yōtei and Death Stranding 2 were the only Sony-published games in 2025 – and only one of those was made by an internal studio.
Some commentators, particularly Xbox execs, have tried to claim that exclusives are an outdated concept, but that’s not how it looks when you see a list of the best-selling PlayStation 5 games in the US, across the entire generation so far.
To mark the console’s fifth anniversary, Circana boss Mat Piscatella shared the top 10 PlayStation 5 games ranked by dollar sales.
Unsurprisingly, Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 is in the top spot, with previous entries Modern Warfare 2 and Modern Warfare 3 claiming the third and fifth spots, respectively.
There’s the usual glut of sports games, like EA Sports College Football 25, which made a massive splash in the US last year, claiming the fourth spot. NBA 2K25 and NBA 2K24, meanwhile, close out the top ten. (The chart would likely be little different in the UK, just with the sports titles swapped for FIFA/EA Sports FC).
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The only other third party title in the top 10 is Hogwarts Legacy, which was a huge hit when it launched in 2023. A sequel is currently in development.
The remaining three spots are all occupied by Sony first party games, namely Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 in second, God of War Ragnarök at number seven, and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales at number eight. All of these have since made their way to PC.
While Sony has released other PlayStation exclusives aside from these, such as Returnal and Astro Bot, you might be wondering why Sony hasn’t pushed for more first party titles in this same mould, given how well they’ve sold.
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales was a cross-gen launch title for the PlayStation 5, so it would naturally be a big-seller, but Sony hasn’t released any half-sequels in the years since, which would, in theory, help curb the long development time between titles.
There have been rumours of a God Of War half-sequel in the same vein, but considering we’ve heard nothing about it since 2022’s God Of War Ragnarök, it’s starting to feel less likely.
Insomniac is rumoured to be working on a Venom sequel to Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 but, again, this hasn’t been officially announced, and with the studio launching Marvel’s Wolverine next year, it might not materialise until 2027 at the earliest.
For a point of comparison, there was only a two year gap between 2018’s Marvel’s Spider-Man and Spider-Man: Miles Morales, so these shorter-than-usual turnarounds are certainly achievable even with triple-A games. Similarly, 2017’s Uncharted: The Lost Legacy came out only a year after Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End.
It all suggests Sony’s priorities have changed quite drastically in recent years, with less notable games to show for it. The main kicker might be whether these high sales actually recoup the budgets, with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 costing over $300 million to make – triple the budget of the first game.
Either way, this list is a clear sign of what works for PlayStation; it just needs to find a cost effective way to execute on it.
If this year has been light on PlayStation exclusives, 2026 might be a slight improvement, with Saros and Marvel’s Wolverine both slated for next year.
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Great summary! It’s always interesting to see how exclusive titles impact sales and player experiences. Spider-Man: Miles Morales definitely made a strong impression on fans.
Thanks for your thoughts! It’s fascinating to see how exclusives not only drive sales but also shape the overall gaming landscape, often leading to unique gameplay experiences that can’t be found elsewhere. Miles Morales, for example, really showcases the potential of storytelling in games.
Absolutely, it’s interesting to see how exclusives can create a unique gaming experience that sets a console apart. Games like Miles Morales really highlight how character development and storytelling can resonate with players, making them more than just sales figures.
standard for what players expect. It’s also worth noting how these exclusives can drive console sales, as fans often buy a system just for a specific title. The impact of such games really shapes the overall gaming landscape!
Absolutely, exclusives definitely play a significant role in driving console sales. They create a unique value proposition that can attract gamers to a particular platform. Plus, the quality of titles like Miles Morales really showcases how exclusives can enhance the overall gaming experience.
You’re right! Exclusives not only boost sales but also foster a unique gaming community. Games like Miles Morales showcase how powerful storytelling and character development can elevate a franchise, making them memorable experiences for players.
Absolutely! Exclusive titles often create a sense of belonging among players. It’s interesting to see how games like Miles Morales not only excel in sales but also enhance storytelling and character development, making them memorable experiences.
how exclusives can shape gaming communities and drive discussions. They really do enhance the overall experience and sometimes even elevate the console’s appeal. Plus, with games like Miles Morales, the storytelling and unique gameplay can really set a title apart!
That’s a great point! Exclusives can definitely create a unique sense of identity within gaming communities. They often spark debates about which titles are truly the best, like the ongoing discussion around Miles Morales and its place in the Spider-Man franchise. It’s interesting to see how these conversations evolve as new games are released.
Absolutely! They not only shape player experiences but also drive console sales. It’s interesting to see how games like Miles Morales can influence the overall perception of a franchise and keep fans engaged for longer.