The latest iteration in EA’s mega-franchise, FIFA 14, has entered the UK’s all-formats chart at number one, forcing Grand Theft Auto V into second spot, retail analysts Chart-Track can reveal. Though the footballing simulator sold 24% less than its predecessor, FIFA 13, on the first week of release, it was still enough to tackle Rockstar’s ludicrously successful crime opus from the summit.
Here’s this week’s chart in full courtesy of UKie:
1. FIFA 14
2. Grand Theft Auto V
3. Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition
4. Pro Evolution Soccer 2014
5. The Last of Us
6. Disney Infinity
7. Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist
8. Saints Row IV
9. Diablo III
10. Rayman Legends
Though FIFA 14 entered at number one, the aforementioned sales dip from last year’s release hints towards an underlying hesitation regarding the upcoming transition to new hardware; with many players biding their time to pick up the game on either PlayStation 4 or Xbox One in November. In terms of the other titles, though, Minecraft: Xbox 360 edition retains its steadfast hold of the top five, with Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist and Saints Row IV performing consistently since their launches last month. What’s more, Ubisoft’s Rayman Legends re-entered the charts courtesy of a sales promotion.
Emulating the sales of GTA V – which went on to amass $1 billion in just three days – is unquestionably a great feat for EA’s sports franchise. However, it’s worth noting that FIFA 14 launched on eight different platforms in comparison to Grand Theft Auto V, which was available on two upon launch. Moreover, while it witnessed a staggering 82% drop in sales since last week, based on the first week of sales, Grand Theft Auto V remains the UK’s fastest selling game of all time.
Looking ahead to the next seven days, we have F1 2013, NBA 2K14 and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD all poised for release. Though we’ll just have to wait and see if they impact the standings come next week. Until then, let us know your thoughts about FIFA 14’s chart-topping success in the comments.