In a remarkable turn of events, Hogwarts Legacy, the highly anticipated Harry Potter simulator, has shattered a 14-year streak by claiming the title of the best-selling game of 2023 in the United States. This groundbreaking achievement comes as a surprise as previous years have seen either a Call of Duty game or a title from Rockstar Games dominate the charts.

According to the latest data from Circana, Hogwarts Legacy managed to outsell its competitors and surpass the sales of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Although the exact number of copies sold in the USA remains unknown, the game had already reached a worldwide sales milestone of 22 million units by the end of the previous year.

This impressive feat marks a departure from the long-standing record set in 2009 when Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (PS3 version) claimed the best-selling game of the year title. Since then, either a Call of Duty installment or a Rockstar Games-developed title has reigned supreme in the American market. Notable examples include GTA V in 2013 and Red Dead Redemption 2 in 2018.

Hogwarts Legacy launched in February 2023, initially on the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC platforms. Later in the year, it was also released on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch. This multi-platform availability undoubtedly contributed to its success in dethroning the established leaders.

Marvel's Spider-Man 2 secured the fourth spot on the best-selling games list in the USA for 2023, demonstrating the popularity of superhero-themed titles. Meanwhile, Diablo 4 claimed the sixth spot, showcasing the enduring appeal of this action RPG franchise. Notably, Mortal Kombat 1 managed to secure the eighth position, generating significant buzz among fighting game enthusiasts.

In terms of platform popularity, the PlayStation 5 emerged as the best-selling platform in December, both in terms of units sold and revenue generated. Despite heavy discounts on Xbox Series X|S consoles, they were unable to outperform the Nintendo Switch, which secured second place.

The triumph of Hogwarts Legacy signals a potential shift in the gaming landscape as players embrace new and immersive experiences. With its captivating magical world and rich gameplay, the game has captivated fans and managed to break records, taking the crown as the best-selling game of 2023 in the USA.