Top selling video games for January 2023

A look at the most in-demand video games of the new year's first month.

The gaming industry continues to thrive with new and exciting releases each month. This month’s chart reflects a mix of established franchises and new arrivals, showcasing the diversity and popularity of the gaming world. From first-person shooters and sports simulators to role-playing games and platformers, there is something for every type of gamer on this month’s charts. Whether you’re a fan of fast-paced action or intricate storylines, this list of top selling video games for January 2023 has something to offer everyone.

RankPrevious RankGamePublisher
11Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2Activision Blizzard
2Dead Space Electronic Arts
34Madden NFL 23Electronic Arts
45FIFA 23Electronic Arts
5Fire Emblem EngageNintendo
67Elden RingBandai Namco
7ForspokenSquare Enix
83God of War: RagnarokSony
9One Piece OdysseyBandai Namco
102Pokemon: Scarlet/VioletNintendo
1136The Last of Us: Part ISony
126Sonic FrontiersSega
1368Monster Hunter: RiseCapcom
149Mario Kart 8Nintendo
1514MinecraftMultiple
168Need for Speed: UnboundElectronic Arts
1712Just Dance 2023 EditionUbisoft
1811NBA 2K23Take 2 Interactive
1921Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles MoralesSony
2027NHL 23Electronic Arts
Source: NPD Group

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 remains at the top of the gaming charts this month. This first-person shooter game, developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision Blizzard, is the nineteenth installment in the Call of Duty franchise. Modern Warfare 2 has received widespread critical acclaim for its intense multiplayer mode and engaging single-player campaign, which has been hailed as one of the best shooter campaigns of all time. The game’s popularity is a testament to its ability to consistently deliver a thrilling and immersive experience.

Dead Space

The remaster of Dead Space makes its debut at number two on the charts this month. The original game was released in 2008, developed by Visceral Games, and published by Electronic Arts, while the remake was developed by EA Motive and published by Electronic Arts. Players take on the role of Isaac Clarke, an engineer tasked with repairing a mining ship overrun by monstrous creatures. With its atmospheric setting, intense action sequences, and well-crafted storyline, Dead Space has become a classic in the survival-horror genre.

Madden NFL 23

Madden NFL 23 moves up two spots to number three on the charts. This American football simulation game, developed by EA Tiburon and published by Electronic Arts, is the latest installment in the Madden NFL franchise. With its realistic gameplay, comprehensive franchise mode, and extensive online multiplayer options, Madden NFL 23 continues to be a staple of sports gaming.

FIFA 23

FIFA 23 holds steady at number four on the charts. This association football simulation game, developed by EA Vancouver and published by Electronic Arts, is the latest installment in the FIFA franchise. FIFA 23 features updated player models and animations, improved AI, and new modes like UEFA Champions League and Europa League. Its realistic gameplay and attention to detail make it a popular choice among soccer fans, as it has for many years.

Fire Emblem Engage

Fire Emblem Engage debuts at number five on the charts. This tactical role-playing game, developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo, is part of the Fire Emblem franchise. Fire Emblem Engage features a cast of memorable characters, a compelling storyline, and challenging tactical battles. The game’s success is a testament to the enduring popularity of the Fire Emblem franchise.

Elden Ring

Elden Ring moves up two spots to number six on the charts. This action role-playing game, developed by FromSoftware and published by Bandai Namco, is the latest creation from legendary game director Hidetaka Miyazaki accompanied by the creative vision of world-class writer George R.R. Martin. Elden Ring features a vast open world, intense combat, and impeccable world-building that is hard to find anywhere else. Its success demonstrates the ongoing popularity of Miyazaki’s signature style of gaming and the consistent appeal of FromSoftware games.

Forspoken

Forspoken debuts at number seven on the charts. This action role-playing game, developed by Luminous Productions and published by Square Enix, is set in a fantasy world filled with magic and mythical creatures. Forspoken features fast-paced action, stunning visuals, and an engaging storyline. Its success highlights the ongoing demand for high-quality role-playing games.

God of War: Ragnarok

God of War: Ragnarok falls five spots to number eight on the charts. This action-adventure game, developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony, is the latest installment in the God of War franchise. God of War: Ragnarok features an improved combat system, breathtaking environments, and a compelling storyline that builds upon the excellence of the first game. Despite its drop in the charts, God of War: Ragnarok remains one of the most highly-regarded games of the year, which has left fans wanting even more.

One Piece Odyssey

One Piece Odyssey debuts at number nine on the charts. This action role-playing game, developed by Ganbarion and published by Bandai Namco, is based on the popular manga and anime franchise One Piece. One Piece Odyssey features fast-paced action, colorful characters, and a vast open world. Its success highlights the enduring popularity of the One Piece franchise and the demand for games based on beloved anime and manga series.

Pokemon: Scarlet/Violet

Pokemon: Scarlet/Violet drops eight spots to number ten on the charts. This role-playing game, developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, is the latest installment in the Pokemon franchise. Pokemon: Scarlet/Violet features a new region to explore, updated graphics, and a new generation of Pokemon to catch and battle. Despite its drop in the charts, Pokemon: Scarlet/Violet remains a popular choice among Pokemon fans.

The Last of Us: Part I

The remaster of The Last of Us: Part I jumps 25 spots to number eleven on the charts. This action-adventure game, developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony, was first released in 2013. The Last of Us: Part I has received widespread critical acclaim for its storytelling, characters, and gameplay. Its recent surge in popularity is likely due to the success of the 2020 sequel to the first game — The Last of Us Part II.

Sonic Frontiers

Sonic Frontiers drops six spots to number twelve on the charts. This platform game, developed by Sonic Team and published by Sega, is the latest installment in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise. Sonic Frontiers features fast-paced action, colorful environments, and classic Sonic gameplay. Despite its drop in the charts, Sonic Frontiers remains a popular choice among platformer fans.

Monster Hunter: Rise

Monster Hunter: Rise jumps 56 spots to number thirteen on the charts. This action role-playing game, developed by Capcom, is the latest installment in the Monster Hunter franchise. Monster Hunter: Rise features a new setting, updated graphics, and new creatures to hunt. Its recent surge in popularity is likely due to the success of Monster Hunter: World and positive reviews from fans and critics.

Mario Kart 8

Mario Kart 8 holds steady at number fourteen on the charts. This kart racing game, developed by Nintendo EAD and published by Nintendo, is the latest installment in the Mario Kart franchise. Mario Kart 8 features updated graphics, new characters and tracks, and improved gameplay. Its continued popularity is a testament to the enduring appeal of the Mario Kart franchise.

Minecraft

Minecraft remains at number fifteen on the charts. This sandbox game, developed by Mojang Studios and published by multiple companies, has been a cultural phenomenon since its release in 2011. Minecraft allows players to build and explore vast 3D worlds and has become a staple in the gaming world. Its continued popularity is a testament to its timeless appeal.

Need for Speed: Unbound

Need for Speed: Unbound drops eight spots to number sixteen on the charts. This racing game, developed by EA Ghost Games and published by Electronic Arts, is the latest installment in the Need for Speed franchise. Need for Speed: Unbound features updated graphics, new cars and tracks, and improved gameplay. It is also the first Need for Speed game to feature anime stylization. Despite its drop in the charts, Need for Speed: Unbound remains a popular choice among racing fans.

Just Dance 2023 Edition

Just Dance 2023 Edition drops six spots to number seventeen on the charts. This rhythm game, developed by Ubisoft Paris and published by Ubisoft, is the latest installment in the Just Dance franchise. Just Dance 2023 Edition features updated songs, improved graphics, and new gameplay modes. Despite its drop in the charts, Just Dance 2023 Edition remains a popular choice among rhythm game fans.

NBA 2K23

NBA 2K23 drops seven spots to number eighteen on the charts. This basketball simulation game, developed by Visual Concepts and published by Take 2 Interactive, is the latest installment in the NBA 2K franchise. NBA 2K23 features updated player models and animations, improved AI, and a new mode — Eras Quick Play, which lets you play with historical teams. Despite its drop in the charts, NBA 2K23 remains a popular choice among basketball fans and sports game enthusiasts.

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales jumps six spots to number nineteen on the charts. This action-adventure game, developed by Insomniac Games and published by Sony, is a spin-off of the highly-acclaimed Marvel’s Spider-Man. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales features updated graphics, a new protagonist in Miles Morales, and improved gameplay. Its recent surge in popularity is likely due to the positive reviews and how well the first game was received by the community.

NHL 23

NHL 23 jumps seven spots to number twenty on the charts. This ice hockey simulation game, developed by EA Vancouver and published by Electronic Arts, is the latest installment in the NHL franchise. NHL 23 features updated player models and animations, improved AI, and new modes that keep fans engaged. Its recent surge in popularity is likely due to the ongoing excitement for ice hockey and sports gaming.