The PlayStation blog has revealed the most downloaded games for February 2021 in the US/Canada and the EU across all of Sony’s platforms, including PS4, PS5, and PSVR. The lists contain a few games followers of the industry would expect, and riding on the top of the PS5 charts is Electronic Art’s premiere football game FIFA 21.
While it does not have as large a following in the United States, football (or soccer) is by far the most popular sport in the world. This popularity is reflected in video game sales, as FIFA 21 is just one part of a franchise that is one of EA’s most profitable components year after year. Despite allegations and lawsuits suggesting that Ultimate Team is a form of gambling, the FIFA train doesn’t seem to be slowing down in 2021.
Dominating the top of both the US/Canada and EU lists for PS5 downloads, FIFA 21 beats other popular titles including Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and the PlayStation exclusives Spider-Man: Miles Morales and Demon’s Souls. Madden NFL 21 makes the top ten on both continents, though it ranks much higher in the US. On the PS4 side, FIFA 21 continues to top the charts in the EU, while Grand Theft Auto 5 leads the charge in the US and Canada. The crime-sandbox game released on PS4 in 2014, and GTA 5 still maintains a thriving online community despite its age.
Appearing in the fifteenth spot of the US/Canada PS4 list is 2018's God of War. Meanwhile, in virtual reality, Beat Saber leads the chart, having sold over four million copies since its launch almost three years ago. Job Simulator and Superhot VR come in second and third respectively on both sides of the Atlantic.
FIFA is no stranger when it comes to performing well at console releases; FIFA 14 was the best-selling launch title on the PS4. The launch titles available on day one of a new console play a key role in that console’s success, and it makes sense that EA would want its most popular franchise available for the consumers who could get their hands on a PS5.
FIFA 21 sold considerably fewer units than its predecessor FIFA 20 at launch. Many in the industry believe this was a response from fans protesting the lack of innovation and new features, though it could possibly have been due to consumers waiting for the upcoming next-gen consoles. Regardless of the reason or outcome, FIFA continues to find its dedicated audience.
FIFA 21 is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
Source: PlayStation Blog