Hey gamers, I'm back with the hottest scoop on 2025's gaming scene, and let me tell you, it's been absolutely bonkers! 🎮 As a pro player who's been glued to the latest releases, I can't help but geek out over the sales data pouring in. According to fresh reports from GSD, shared by The Game Business, Assassin's Creed Shadows has straight-up dominated the European market as the best-selling new game of the year so far. Yeah, you heard that right—despite heavy hitters like Monster Hunter Wilds selling over ten million copies globally and Mario Kart World hitting nearly six million thanks to its Switch 2 bundle, Shadows has outshone them all in Europe. And this isn't just some fluke; it's based on solid numbers up to July 28, 2025, covering a whopping 71 million games sold across the continent in the first seven months. Talk about setting the bar high! 😲
The Unstoppable Rise of Assassin's Creed Shadows
I mean, wow! Shadows isn't just leading; it's crushing the competition. While Capcom's Monster Hunter Wilds is a global beast—likely fueled by its massive fanbase in Japan—Ubisoft's latest assassin adventure has stolen the spotlight in Europe. 
This image alone gives me chills; it perfectly captures the game's epic vibe. Now, let's break it down: Shadows has outperformed other new releases like Split Fiction (which landed in sixth place), Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Elden Ring Nightreign, and even Oblivion Remastered. Oh, and Oblivion? Yeah, it sold millions despite launching on Game Pass, which is wild. But here's the kicker—I was totally surprised that Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 didn't make the top 20, especially with its European roots and Sandfall selling out physical copies fast. What a miss! 😅
Who Else Made the Cut? The Top Sellers Revealed
Alright, let's dive into the juicy details of Europe's top sellers. Unsurprisingly, most spots are filled with familiar faces, but Shadows is sandwiched right between EA Sports FC 25 and GTA 5. Yep, EA Sports FC 25 is the only game that managed to block Shadows from the number one spot—kudos to them! But honestly, I'm not sure if that's enough for EA, since they hinted last year that the FIFA rebrand wasn't meeting expectations. And GTA 5? Seriously, it's been 12 years, and with GTA 6 on the horizon, people are still buying new copies like crazy. Rockstar's backup juggernaut, Red Dead Redemption 2, snagged fourth place, proving its timeless appeal. Plus, it's awesome to see Star Wars Battlefront 2 in 12th after its recent resurgence—talk about a comeback story! 🚀
Here's a quick rundown of the top 20 best sellers based on the data:
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1. EA Sports FC 25 – The champ that edged out Shadows.
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2. Assassin's Creed Shadows – Our undisputed new king in Europe.
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3. GTA 5 – Still going strong after all these years.
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4. Red Dead Redemption 2 – A Rockstar classic holding firm.
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5. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Made the list despite being replaced by a newer title.
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6. Split Fiction – Solid but couldn't top Shadows.
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...and so on, with others like Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and Elden Ring Nightreign filling the ranks.
Why This Matters for Us Gamers
As a fellow enthusiast, I think this sales surge is a huge deal. It shows that even in a year packed with blockbusters, innovative titles like Shadows can capture hearts and wallets. Plus, with over 71 million games sold in Europe alone, it's clear that gaming is thriving like never before. But let's not forget Oblivion Remastered—it's proof that remasters can still rock the charts. 
Personally, I'm hyped to see how this plays out for the rest of 2025. Will Shadows maintain its lead? Only time will tell, but for now, it's a total win for Ubisoft and us fans. Game on, everyone! 💪