Xbox’s Bold Strategy Pays Off: Microsoft Games Dominate PS5 Download Charts in April 2025
In an unexpected turn of events, Microsoft titles have taken the PlayStation world by storm. April 2025's PS Store charts reveal a surprising trend: Xbox games are dominating the best-selling lists on Sony's own PS5 console. This marks a significant shift in the gaming landscape, signaling the potential success of Microsoft's strategy to broaden its reach across platforms.
The top three best-selling games on the PS5 in both North America and Europe are all under the Microsoft umbrella: The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Minecraft, and Forza Horizon 5. Oblivion Remastered, in particular, has had an explosive start, quickly claiming the top spot in numerous regions. According to Circana's Mat Piscatella, in just its first week, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered has already become the third best-selling game in the US for 2025, trailing only Monster Hunter Wilds and Assassin's Creed Shadows.
This isn't just a flash in the pan. Microsoft's presence extends beyond these top three. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 also appears in the top 10 charts in both North America and Europe, demonstrating the continued power of the franchise. Indie darling Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 also saw success, landing in fourth place in Europe and sixth in North America.
The success of Microsoft's games on PlayStation comes as the company implements significant price increases for its hardware, accessories, and future software releases later this year. This shift in strategy, prioritizing software sales across all platforms, appears to be paying off handsomely. But how do diehard Xbox fans feel about this change?
Looking beyond the top titles, the PSN charts offer a glimpse into player preferences. Red Dead Redemption 2 continues to be a strong performer on the PS4, topping the download charts in both North America and Europe. In the PS VR2 category, Wanderer: The Fragments of Fate dominated, demonstrating the growing interest in VR gaming. Free-to-play juggernauts Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone remain at the top, solidifying their positions as mainstays in the gaming landscape.
Microsoft's broadened strategy marks a turning point for gaming. Is this a temporary trend, or will we see more Xbox titles consistently topping PlayStation charts? It prompts the question: Will this multi-platform approach become the new normal for major game publishers?
What are your thoughts on Microsoft's success on the PS5? Do you think this strategy is a win for gamers? Share your opinions in the comments below!
