2025 marked a significant downturn for Xbox consoles in the UK, with sales plummeting nearly 40% compared to the previous year. This decline positions 2025 as the worst year on record for Xbox hardware, highlighting a troubling trend for Microsofts gaming division. While the entire console market faced challenges, with PlayStation 5 sales also declining by 19%, the sharper drop in Xbox sales raises questions about Microsofts strategic shift. The company has increasingly moved away from traditional console exclusives, opting instead for multiformat releases that have seen titles like Gears of War and Forza Horizon make their way to PlayStation.

In a surprising turn of events, Ubisoft’s latest installment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise, titled Assassin’s Creed Shadows, has emerged as the best-selling console game of 2025, excluding sports titles and shooters. Despite facing a wave of online criticism, this game has captivated a significant audience, proving that engaging gameplay can often overshadow negative discourse. According to a recent report by industry analysts at Newzoo, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has managed to secure its position at the top of the sales charts, even amidst fierce competition from established franchises like Electronic Arts’ sports titles and the Battlefield series.