EA Sports FC 26 confirms its status as the Best Seller Europe 2025 by dominating almost all markets, according to the annual GfK rankings. Behind it, Pokémon Legends: Z‑A secures a solid second place driven by Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. Together, these performances reshape the Video Game Sales Ranking and illuminate the dynamics of the European gaming market at the dawn of a new year of releases and competitions.
The top three stabilize with Minecraft, whose rise benefits from the release of the film dedicated to the cubic universe. Meanwhile, strong signals emerge: the longevity of GTA V, the presence of EA Sports FC 25 on several national podiums, and the Czech exception, where Kingdom Come: Deliverance II takes first place. Among distributors, decisions become more refined: Léa, category manager at a major French retailer, adjusted her shelves after weeks dominated by EA Sports FC 26 SELL rankings, notably in weeks 44 and 48. This consistency between long-term and weekly results illustrates a Commercial Success in Games fueled by interactive football, the strength of Nintendo licenses, and a renewed appetite for cultural brands. In short, the Top Video Game Sales 2025 tells the story of a year of audience magnets and controlled margins.
EA Sports FC 26, Best Seller Europe 2025: the levers of sustainable leadership
EA’s football maintains the advantage thanks to two gameplay approaches: a realistic version and a sharp competitive mode. This duality broadens the audience, from casual players to e-sport teams. Furthermore, the international competition calendar kept interest alive all year long.
Commercial operations also played a role. At year-end, offers spotted around €49.99 boosted accessibility on PS5, Xbox, and PC. Finally, communication capitalized on regular updates, guaranteeing freshness for Ultimate Team and career modes.
GfK data: 16 out of 17 countries, the continent under football influence
According to GfK Entertainment, EA Sports FC 26 finishes number one in 16 of the 17 tracked countries. Only the Czech Republic crowns Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, a sign of strong local anchoring for the medieval RPG. In France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy, football dominates without dispute.
The European signal remains clear. In Portugal, Belgium, and the Netherlands, the EA series even places FC 25 on the podium alongside the 26th opus. This combination demonstrates a long adoption cycle, supported by a growing console base.
Pokémon Legends: Z‑A claims 2nd place: country strengths and Nintendo momentum
Pokémon Legends Z-A confirms a solid foothold: second in the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, third in Spain. The brand appeals to cross-generational audiences, driven by the Switch and an exploratory narrative. This base turns interest into lasting sales.
The Pokémon Legend Z-A success is fueled by robust word of mouth and a clear software offer for Christmas. Retailers observe a peak in family packs. Stocks kept pace, proving accurate volume forecasting.
Market readings: France, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain
In France, the duo EA Sports FC 26 and Pokémon Legends: Z‑A lead, with Minecraft completing the podium. In Germany, the order is similar with a very resilient Minecraft. In the United Kingdom, Hogwarts Legacy remains in close contact within the top 3, proof of a still-present IP power.
In Spain, the specificity comes from EA Sports FC 25, still on the podium. The country maintains a strong football focus. This contrast illustrates the depth of the EA base, cross-generational and multiplatform.
Top video game sales 2025: cross-cutting trends in the European gaming market
Minecraft marks a strong comeback with the support of the film, a catalyst for desires among younger audiences and a reminder for parents. EA Sports FC 25 appears on several podiums, as does Grand Theft Auto V in Central and Southern Europe. The longevity of blockbusters remains one of the market’s rules.
The Czech Republic stands out with Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, while Slovakia also highlights Mafia: The Old Country. These cases underscore the impact of local productions and historical narratives. The “global + local” model proves successful.
What shelves reveal: weak signals and confirmations
Léa, on the retail side, noticed an accelerated turnover of EA PS5 versions compared to the old-gen, a sign of a shifting console base. At the same time, the Switch maintains remarkable velocity thanks to Nintendo and a robust family-friendly offer.
On the competitive scene, e-sport coaches favor EA’s “competitive gameplay” for the Video Game Competition, while the realistic mode serves as a bridge for newcomers. This continuum fuels engagement year-round.
Consequences for 2026: pricing, calendar, e-sports, and publisher decisions
Publishers are reconfiguring their release windows around the giants. Practically, avoiding EA’s peak period becomes a prudent strategy for AA titles. Conversely, local productions leverage their strength through identity-driven narratives.
On prices, the psychological barrier of €49.99 served as a trigger at the end of 2025. Future promotions will aim more at cross-gen bundles and Deluxe editions. For e-sports, a clearer circuit will consolidate audience and weekly practice.
Three concrete levers to perform in the Video Game Sales Ranking
Mid-tier studios still have attack angles. First, betting on a clear positioning: competition, storytelling, or family game. Next, orchestrating strong marketing moments synchronized with social events (matches, movie releases, holidays). Finally, working on continuous updates.
These choices maximize discoverability and retention. Over time, they condition the place in the Top Video Game Sales and catalog profitability.
- Synchronize updates with major sporting events to capture organic attention.
- Offer relevant bundles (console + game) before holidays to broaden the audience.
- Exploit transmedia IP (movies, series) that boost demand, as seen with Minecraft.
- Adapt prices by market considering purchasing power and installed base.
- Anticipate logistics based on SELL and GfK signals to avoid stockouts.
Quick case studies: key countries and notable exceptions
France: EA Sports FC 26 remains first in weeks 44 and 48 according to SELL, with Pokémon Legends: Z‑A right behind. Germany: the EA–Pokémon–Minecraft hierarchy confirms and remains until the holidays. United Kingdom: Hogwarts Legacy maintains noteworthy traction.
Finland: EA Sports NHL 26 joins the top three, reflecting a strong hockey culture. Czech Republic: Kingdom Come: Deliverance II leads, supported by attachment to the medieval setting. These singularities demonstrate the importance of local context.
Product and experience: why EA Sports FC 26 endures
The duo “realistic gameplay” and “competitive gameplay” covers two contradictory expectations. Live updates support the meta, which feeds streams and tournaments. In stores, the clarity of the offer reassures the general public.
Result: a purchase preference expressed in Christmas baskets and then in form of in-game item repurchases. The complete equation explains the crown of Best Seller Europe 2025.
What are the three best-selling games in Europe in 2025?
According to GfK, the top three are EA Sports FC 26 in first place, Pokémon Legends: Z‑A in second, and Minecraft in third, helped by the film effect.
Why did EA Sports FC 26 dominate the ranking?
A winning mix: two gameplay modes (realistic and competitive), a calendar aligned with real football, regular live updates, and targeted promotions around €49.99 at the end of the year.
In which countries did Pokémon Legends: Z‑A particularly perform?
The game ranks second in the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, and third in Spain. The family Switch base strongly contributed.
What exceptions stand out on the European map?
The Czech Republic crowns Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. In Finland, EA Sports NHL 26 reaches the top 3, reflecting a very strong hockey culture.
What to anticipate for 2026 in the European market?
More staggered releases around the giants, growth of cross-media, and increased structuring of video game competition, with finer promotions by market.