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Call of Duty Tops US Gaming Sales Chart for January 2026
Circana's January 2026 US sales data shows Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 topping the all-format chart, driven by strong physical and digital sales. Sports titles NBA 2K26 and Madden NFL 26 followed, with Minecraft and Battlefield 6 rounding out the top five. Subscription services and hardware contributed to a modest 3% year-over-year increase in the gaming industry.
US video game consumer spending predicted to reach $62.8bn in 2026
US consumer spending on video games is projected to reach $62.8 billion in 2026, a 3% increase driven by anticipated sales of the Nintendo Switch 2 and Grand Theft Auto 6. Circana forecasts that 2026 could surpass the 2021 all-time high, despite potential headwinds from component costs affecting hardware sales. Strong software releases and subscription engagement are expected to bolster the market.
Resident Evil Requiem shows how sequels can drive sales of previous releases
Announcing new franchise titles, such as Resident Evil Requiem, Control: Resonant, and Ghost of Yōtei, significantly boosts sales and player engagement for their predecessors. This effect is amplified by targeted promotions, increased marketing, and strategic discounting, creating a "second launch period" for older games.
