In an unprecedented gaming industry twist, Microsoft’s Forza Horizon 5 has become 2025’s best-selling PlayStation 5 game, surpassing 3 million copies and outselling major first-party Sony exclusives. This remarkable achievement validates Microsoft’s multiplatform strategy.
2025 PlayStation 5 Best-Selling Games Ranking
| Game | Publisher | PS5 Sales | Launch Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forza Horizon 5 | Microsoft | 3 million+ | March 2025 |
| Monster Hunter Wilds | Capcom | 2.9 million | 2025 |
| Assassin’s Creed Shadows | Ubisoft | 2 million | 2025 |
| Elden Ring Nightreign | FromSoftware | 1.4 million | 2025 |
| Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 | Sandfall Interactive | 1.3 million | 2025 |
Microsoft Game Outsells Sony Exclusives
According to Alinea Analytics data, Forza Horizon 5 achieved remarkable sales velocity on PlayStation 5, selling 2 million copies in just 25 days. This performance significantly outpaced Sony’s own first-party exclusives, including Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, which sold only 1 million copies in the same timeframe.
Even more impressive, the racing game’s sales momentum exceeded Astro Bot, last year’s Game of the Year winner, which took three months to reach 2 million copies sold on PlayStation platforms.
Strategic Success for Microsoft’s Multiplatform Approach
This sales triumph represents a validation of Microsoft’s controversial decision to bring Xbox exclusives to PlayStation platforms. The strategy appears designed to offset declining Xbox console sales and stagnating Xbox Game Pass subscriptions through expanded market reach.
The success demonstrates how quality gaming experiences can transcend platform boundaries, with PlayStation 5 owners embracing Microsoft’s acclaimed racing franchise despite its origins as an Xbox exclusive.
Forza Horizon 5’s Continued Appeal
Playground Games’ racing masterpiece continues attracting new audiences across platforms. The game’s open-world Mexico setting, stunning visuals, and accessible gameplay mechanics have resonated strongly with PlayStation users seeking premium racing experiences.
The title’s success on PlayStation 5 since its March 2025 launch proves that compelling gameplay and technical excellence matter more than publisher allegiances in today’s gaming landscape.
Industry Implications
This milestone signals a significant shift in the gaming industry, where traditional console exclusivity gives way to multiplatform accessibility. Microsoft’s willingness to share its premier franchises with competing platforms may reshape how publishers approach game distribution strategies.
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FAQs
How many copies did Forza Horizon 5 sell on PlayStation 5?
Forza Horizon 5 has sold over 3 million copies on PlayStation 5 since March 2025.
Which Sony exclusives did Forza Horizon 5 outsell on PS5?
It outsold Death Stranding 2 and Astro Bot in comparable launch periods.
