Image Source: Game Informer
In a shocking turn of events, the video game industry faced its worst November sales figures since 1995, according to the latest U.S. video game market report from Circana. The report, revealed by senior director Mat Piscatella, highlights a notable decline in both gaming hardware and physical software sales during the crucial holiday shopping season.
During November 2025, just 1.6 million hardware units were sold across all platforms, marking a profound drop and the lowest unit sales recorded for this month since tracking began 30 years ago. This year, hardware spending plummeted by 27% compared to 2024, totaling approximately $695 millionâessentially the lowest November revenue from hardware since 2005.
Declining Software Sales and Consumer Spending Trends
In addition to hardware sales, physical game software spending has witnessed a staggering decline of 14% compared to November 2024. Piscatella noted that this dip resulted in the lowest recorded month of spending for physical software in the U.S., a disheartening statistic given that historically, November has been a flourishing month for game sales.
Interestingly, although video game content spending increased by 1% year-on-year, reaching $4.8 billion, this was largely driven by a surge in subscription services and mobile gaming revenues. Spending on subscriptions saw a notable 16% increase, balanced by only a slight growth in mobile games despite a decline in console and PC content spending.
Top Selling Games Amidst Poor Sales Climate
Despite the gloomy sales climate, certain titles have managed to shine. The highly anticipated Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 emerged as the best-selling game for the month, continuing a remarkable trend of 18 years where a Call of Duty title has claimed the top spot in November. However, this year, sales for the franchise saw a decline in full game dollar sales compared to the previous year, amid critiques from fans regarding the game’s overall quality.
The second position in game sales went to Battlefield 6, followed closely by NBA 2K26 and Madden NFL 26. The Nintendo Switch 2 and PlayStation 5 continued their dominance in hardware sales, with the PS5 being the best-selling console in both units and dollar sales as it celebrated its resurgence following the Nintendo Switch 2’s launch earlier in the summer.
Consumer Spending Patterns on Accessories
Spending on game accessories also saw a downturn, declining by 13% compared to the year before, with total accessory sales hovering around $327 million. The drop can largely be attributed to a significant reduction in controller sales, which fell by 19% year-on-year. Notably, the Midnight Black edition of the PlayStation Portal was the best-selling accessory of the month by dollar sales, while the PS5 DualSense controller secured the lead in units sold.
The Future of the Gaming Industry
The results from November 2025 raise questions about consumer engagement in the gaming sector, especially considering the impact of once-thriving sales figures. As the industry navigates this challenging landscape, it remains to be seen how companies will adapt to changing consumer behavior and if these trends will continue as we approach 2026.
FAQ
What caused the decline in video game sales in November 2025?
The decline is attributed to a combination of decreased consumer spending, a drop in hardware sales, and lower interest in physical game software.
Which game was the best-selling title in November 2025?
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 was the best-selling game, continuing a long-standing trend for the franchise despite facing criticisms.
How did subscription and mobile gaming perform in November 2025?
Subscription spending increased by 16%, helping counterbalance declines in console and PC game spending, showing a changing consumer preference.
What hardware units sold the most in November 2025?
The PlayStation 5 ranked as the best-selling hardware for the month, outperforming the Nintendo Switch 2 in both units and dollar sales.
Are video game accessory sales also declining?
Yes, accessory sales fell by 13% in November 2025, largely due to a significant decrease in controller purchases.
