Command & Conquer Dominates European Game Charts in March 2024
The iconic strategy franchise Command & Conquer made a triumphant return to the European market in March, with five titles storming the Top Ten charts. This surge in popularity is attributed to EA’s recent release of a bundle of Command & Conquer games on Steam.
Command & Conquer Ascendant
Command & Conquer Generals led the charge, securing the coveted No.4 spot. The nostalgia-inducing classic was closely followed by Red Alert 2 (No.5), Tiberian Sun (No.6), Renegade (No.7), and Red Alert (No.8). In total, 11 Command & Conquer titles landed within the Top 20.
“Command & Conquer has always held a special place in the hearts of European gamers, and it’s clear that the nostalgia factor played a significant role in this resurgence,” said market analyst Chris Lee.
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EA Sports FC 24 Reclaims Top Spot
Despite the Command & Conquer invasion, EA Sports FC 24 managed to reclaim its position as the overall chart-topper. The football simulation juggernaut had briefly lost its No.1 spot to Helldivers 2, but the latter was dethroned in March, dropping to No.2.
New Releases Face Stiff Competition
The deluge of Command & Conquer titles had a noticeable impact on the performance of new releases. WWE 2K24, Rise Of The Ronin, and Princess Peach Showtime all charted lower than expected, as they struggled to compete with the enduring appeal of the strategy classics.
European Games Market on the Rise
The surge in sales of Command & Conquer and other titles contributed to an overall 35% increase in console and PC game sales across European markets in March. For the first quarter of 2024, game sales have grown by more than 9%, exceeding industry expectations.
PS5 Leads Console Sales, While Accessories Sales Dip
PS5 remained the best-selling console across Europe, despite a 31% year-on-year drop in sales. The console’s increased availability in the previous year likely contributed to this decline.
In terms of accessories, 1.2 million units were sold in March, a slight drop from the previous year. The DualSense controller for PS5 held its top spot, followed by the Xbox Series Wireless controller.
Conclusion
The Command & Conquer franchise has once again proven its enduring popularity in Europe. The recent surge in sales is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic strategy games and the power of nostalgia. As the European games market continues to grow, it will be interesting to see if Command & Conquer can maintain its dominance or if new releases will emerge to challenge the established order.