The 2025 holiday season was one of the most closely watched periods in the video game industry. With higher game prices, slower hardware growth, and fewer blockbuster releases than past years, the question wasn’t just what sold, but which games actually won the holidays.
By looking at sales performance, player counts, and engagement trends, clear winners emerged across console, PC, and live-service gaming.
Quick Answer
The biggest gaming winners of Holiday 2025 were Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Arc Raiders, and evergreen titles like Minecraft.
Traditional retail sales favored established franchises, while PC and digital storefronts rewarded strong word-of-mouth and long-term engagement. The holiday season confirmed a shift toward player retention and platform dominance, not just launch-week sales.
How Holiday 2025 Gaming Winners Were Measured
To determine the strongest performers, three key metrics were used:
- Holiday sales rankings (physical and digital)
- Active player counts and engagement
- Platform dominance during Black Friday through New Year
This approach reflects how modern success is measured across console and PC ecosystems, not just unit sales.
Best-Selling Games of Holiday 2025
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 once again dominated traditional sales charts.
- Top-selling game in the U.S. during November 2025
- Strong Black Friday and holiday bundle performance
- Continued the franchise’s annual sales streak despite broader market softness
Why it won:
Call of Duty remains the most reliable holiday franchise in gaming, benefiting from brand loyalty, cross-platform play, and aggressive holiday promotions.
Mini-summary:
Black Ops 7 was the retail sales winner of Holiday 2025.
The Biggest PC & Digital Winner
Arc Raiders
Arc Raiders emerged as the surprise breakout hit of the holiday season.
- Consistently ranked as the top-selling premium game on Steam
- Maintained strong concurrent player counts throughout December
- Outperformed several higher-budget AAA releases on PC
Why it won:
Arc Raiders benefited from positive reviews, strong streamer exposure, and a price point that resonated with holiday buyers looking for value.
Mini-summary:
Arc Raiders was the PC and Steam holiday champion, proving that new IPs can still break through.
Evergreen Games That Still Dominated the Holidays
Minecraft
Minecraft once again demonstrated why evergreen titles remain holiday powerhouses.
- Consistently high player activity across PC, console, and mobile
- Strong gift sales during Black Friday and December
- Continued relevance driven by updates, mods, and creator content
Why it won:
Minecraft’s accessibility and multi-platform reach make it a perennial holiday favorite, especially for families and younger players.
Mini-summary:
Minecraft was the engagement winner, not reliant on launch cycles.
Console & Platform Winners of Holiday 2025
PlayStation 5
PlayStation 5 led console sales during the holiday window.
- Highest market share during Black Friday 2025
- Strong bundle-driven sales
- Continued momentum over competing platforms
The strength of PS5 hardware sales helped drive software purchases across major franchises and exclusives.
Nintendo Switch Family
Nintendo Switch maintained strong holiday relevance.
- Continued success with family-friendly and evergreen titles
- Benefited from price accessibility and gift appeal
- Strong software attach rates despite aging hardware
Holiday 2025 Gaming Winners by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best-Selling Game | Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 |
| Best PC / Steam Performer | Arc Raiders |
| Highest Player Engagement | Minecraft |
| Best Console Seller | PlayStation 5 |
| Strongest Evergreen Performance | Minecraft |
What Holiday 2025 Sales Trends Reveal
Several clear trends defined the 2025 holiday season:
- Established franchises still dominate retail
- PC players reward quality and value over brand size
- Evergreen games outperform new releases in engagement
- Player retention matters more than launch-week hype
This marks a continued shift away from one-time purchases toward long-term ecosystems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the best-selling game of Holiday 2025?
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 led holiday retail sales in the U.S.
Which game performed best on Steam during the holidays?
Arc Raiders consistently topped Steam’s premium sales charts.
Did any new IPs succeed in Holiday 2025?
Yes. Arc Raiders was the standout new IP success.
Which game had the most players during the holidays?
Minecraft remained one of the most played games across all platforms.
Which console won Holiday 2025 sales?
PlayStation 5 led console sales during the Black Friday and holiday period.
Conclusion
Holiday 2025 showed that winning in modern gaming is no longer about a single metric. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 proved that blockbuster franchises still own retail sales, while Arc Raiders demonstrated the power of strong PC communities and word-of-mouth momentum. Meanwhile, Minecraft reminded the industry that long-term engagement beats short-term hype.
The biggest winners of Holiday 2025 were the games and platforms that combined visibility, accessibility, and sustained player engagement. As the industry moves into 2026, these trends are likely to shape how publishers approach future holiday releases.d