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Did Elden Ring Sell More on PC or Console? A Deep Dive into Sales Figures and Platform Performance

Elden Ring, FromSoftware’s magnum opus, took the gaming world by storm. Its sprawling open world, challenging combat, and rich lore captivated millions. A key question on many gamers’ minds has been: Did Elden Ring sell more on PC or console? The answer, based on initial sales data, is that Elden Ring sold best on PC, representing 44% of total sales, followed by PlayStation 5 (27%), Xbox (16%) and PlayStation 4 (13%). This trend is very unique, as most AAA games sell more on console.

Analyzing Elden Ring’s Sales Performance Across Platforms

Elden Ring’s success is undeniable. Its launch was a phenomenon, and its continued popularity speaks volumes about its quality. However, understanding the nuances of its sales across different platforms provides valuable insight into the gaming landscape and the preferences of players.

The PC’s Dominance

The fact that the PC platform led the sales charge for Elden Ring is noteworthy. Several factors might have contributed to this:

Visual Fidelity and Customization: PC gamers often prioritize graphical fidelity and the ability to tweak settings to achieve optimal performance. Elden Ring, with its stunning visuals, likely attracted players who wanted the best possible visual experience. The availability of mods also offers a unique appeal.
Accessibility: PC gaming is increasingly accessible due to digital distribution platforms like Steam.
Prestige: Some players simply prefer PC gaming for it’s prestige and the large array of other options it offers.

Console Sales: A Strong Showing

While the PC led in sales, the console versions of Elden Ring performed exceptionally well too. The PlayStation 5 claimed the second-highest sales percentage, highlighting the console’s popularity and the appeal of playing Elden Ring on a dedicated gaming device. The Xbox and PlayStation 4 versions also contributed significantly to the overall sales figures. This shows that Elden Ring was successful across all major gaming platforms, expanding its audience considerably.

The Impact of Platform-Specific Performance

It’s important to acknowledge that initial reports suggested that the PC version of Elden Ring suffered from performance issues, such as stuttering and frame rate drops. Despite these problems, which were later addressed with patches, the PC version still managed to outsell the console versions. This highlights the PC gaming community’s willingness to overlook initial flaws in exchange for the potential benefits of the platform.

Future of Elden Ring and PC vs. Console Sales

It is not possible to predict the future with complete accuracy, but it is plausible to speculate how Elden Ring might perform in the future. Here are some considerations.

Elden Ring DLC

DLC is certainly on the horizon. Many FromSoftware fans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to return to The Lands Between. It will be interesting to see how a DLC release will affect sales.

Potential Future Games

The future of the Souls-like genre is bright, thanks in no small part to the success of Elden Ring. I am very excited to see future releases from FromSoftware.

Elden Ring FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

To provide a more comprehensive understanding of Elden Ring’s sales and performance, here are some frequently asked questions:

How many copies of Elden Ring have been sold in total? As of March 2023, Elden Ring had sold over 20.5 million units worldwide.
Is Elden Ring the best-selling game of all time? No, the best-selling video game of all time is Tetris, with over 520 million copies sold.
Did Elden Ring outsell Dark Souls? Yes, Elden Ring has outsold both Dark Souls III and Sekiro combined.
Did Elden Ring have a poor launch on PC? While it sold best, the PC version of Elden Ring initially suffered from performance issues like stuttering and frame rate drops. These issues were later addressed with patches.
Is Elden Ring easier to play than Dark Souls? Elden Ring can be easier than some Dark Souls games, particularly if players utilize Spirit Ashes. However, some of Elden Ring’s encounters are considered very challenging.
What are some games similar to Elden Ring? The Dark Souls series, especially Dark Souls 3, is the closest experience to Elden Ring in terms of gameplay and combat.
Do PC gamers prefer Elden Ring over console gamers? It is difficult to say because preferences depend on the player. However, initial sales data suggested that PC gamers preferred Elden Ring.
How does Elden Ring perform on different consoles? Elden Ring runs well on all consoles, but some technical analysis suggests the PlayStation 5 offers the most stable performance.
Does Elden Ring require a powerful PC? Elden Ring has relatively modest minimum PC requirements, but for optimal performance, a more powerful PC is recommended. The minimum specs include an Intel i5-8400 or AMD R3 3300X CPU and an Nvidia GTX 1060 3GB or AMD RX 580 GPU.
What makes PC gaming advantageous compared to console gaming? PC gaming offers advantages like better customization options, superior graphics (depending on hardware), and support for mods. Gaming PCs offer advanced hardware, customization options, versatility, and often better multiplayer options and support for competitive gaming.
Is console gaming more popular than PC gaming? While console gaming is significant, PC gaming generates more revenue. In 2021, the PC gaming market generated 44.6 billion U.S. dollars, compared to 32 billion U.S. dollars from the console gaming market.
What can game developers learn from the sales of Elden Ring? Game developers can learn that high-quality games with compelling gameplay and stunning visuals can achieve massive success across multiple platforms. It also highlights the importance of PC optimization, even if the core gameplay is strong.
Will future FromSoftware games be more successful on PC or console? This is difficult to predict, as it depends on factors such as platform optimization, marketing strategies, and the evolving preferences of gamers. However, FromSoftware will likely continue to support both PC and console platforms.
What is Steam’s highest rated game? Steam’s highest rated game is Portal 2 with a 97.7% positive score.
What is the best-selling game of 2022? Elden Ring was the best-selling game of 2022 in the United States.

Conclusion

Elden Ring’s sales performance is a testament to its quality and widespread appeal. The fact that it sold best on PC is noteworthy, showcasing the platform’s strength and the preferences of PC gamers. While console versions also performed well, the PC’s dominance highlights the importance of considering the PC market when developing and marketing games. As the gaming industry evolves, understanding the nuances of platform-specific sales data will be crucial for developers and publishers looking to maximize their success.

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Did Elden Ring sell more on PC or console?