There was no lack of video game titles or sales, even during a pandemic when many people lost their jobs. Video games provide a welcome diversion from stress, tension, and no matter what your favorite genre, there was something to please everyone.
Leading up to the holiday, game rankings fluctuated significantly, but by Dec. 12, most people had already decided on the games they were buying for themselves or as gifts. The following were the best-selling games during the Dec. 2020 gift-giving season.
The game accrued 8 million pre-sales before its launch, making it No. 1 in sales in the U.S. and No. 2 in the UK before sales began to taper off. In the open world, players can customize their mercenary, fight in melee and ranged combat, and acquire a variety of skills ranging from hacking to mechanical.
It’s been out for a while, but still managed to come in at No. 2, despite a 12 percent drop in sales. Players have new game modes, better customization and new map dynamics. The game was inspired by actual events during the Cold War.
Coming in at No. 3, the game experienced a 28 percent increase in sales and looks to be the best-selling game ever for the Switch. Customize a character, catch fish and insects, dive for sea creatures, take a dream journey, visit other islands, and catch shooting stars all while filling the museum’s need for fossils, specimens, and artwork.
4. Madden NFL 21
Coming in at No. 4, sales dropped by 12 percent but many sports games were discounted during Black Friday sales which helped in keeping it in its current position. MVP Lamar Jackson is the cover athlete. It has all the usual features, along with a Yard and Franchise mode.
It’s managed to maintain its 5 th place positioning, despite little fanfare or promotional discounts. It features epic raids, a ruthless fighting style, and the ability to grow a settlement in true Viking fashion.
No video game collection would be complete without a Mario Kart version and sales were up by 25 percent, along with Switch sales, earning it the No. 6 spot. It’s second only to Animal Crossing for the Switch. Customize a kart and take to tracks that includes 32 courses of which 8 are anti-gravity, four new items to throw, 8 cups, and 16 more that are downloadable.
7. NHL 21
A lot or work went into promoting the title and it paid off, earning it the No. 7 position. It features four separate modes, an expanded career mode, customizable players, and the ability to be a free agent.
8. Just Dance
The No. 8 top-seller was Just Dance® for the Switch. The title is highlighted by 40 chart toppers, along with the ability to customize it for young players in Kid mode.
9. Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Taking the No. 9 position, sales have tapered off but still earned it a respectable showing. The character has all his usual abilities and can acquire Venom Blast, Camouflage, and Mega Venom Blast, along with access to a variety of unique gadgets.
The latest in the Zelda saga ranked No. 10 in sales, partly due to the saga’s fan base and increased sales of the Switch. It takes place in an alternate timeline, 100 years before events in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
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