Even in 2026, looking back at the wild lockdown era, the video game industry's resilience is still legendary. While other sectors struggled, gaming became the ultimate stay-at-home savior, and the UK sales data from that period tells a story of pure, unadulterated dominance. The numbers are still mind-blowing today, proving that when the world hits pause, gamers hit play—hard.

Let's talk about the king that refused to be dethroned: Grand Theft Auto V. During the UK lockdown period (March 23 to June 13), this absolute unit of a game sold a staggering 438,902 copies. Like, seriously, how is this game still selling like it just dropped? By that point, it had already shipped a colossal 135 million copies worldwide across all platforms. That's not just a game; that's a cultural phenomenon with serious staying power. It's the gaming equivalent of a classic rock anthem that everyone knows. GTA V's performance is a masterclass in longevity, proving that a well-crafted open world is a gift that keeps on giving, year after year.

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Of course, the lockdown wasn't a one-horse race. The competition was fierce! Topping the charts was the perennial favorite, FIFA 20, scoring 506,572 copies sold. Right behind it, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare was racking up kills with 474,902 copies. This trio—FIFA, CoD, and GTA—formed the holy trinity of lockdown entertainment, selling like absolute hotcakes. It was the perfect storm: sports fans, FPS enthusiasts, and open-world explorers all finding their digital escape.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the gaming heavyweights during that period:

Game Title Publisher Copies Sold
FIFA 20 Electronic Arts 506,572
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Activision Blizzard 474,902
Grand Theft Auto V Rockstar Games 438,902
NBA 2K20 2K Sports 400,879
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Nintendo 206,069

Now, here's a pro-gamer tip for reading sales data: always check the fine print! The Entertainment Retailers Association (ERA) gathered both physical and digital sales, but some major players, like Nintendo and Bethesda, chose not to share their digital download numbers. This is key context! It's widely believed that games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which officially sold 206,069 copies, likely had massively higher actual sales through the Nintendo eShop. That game was everywhere on social media, defining the lockdown vibe with its chill island life. The reported number probably only scratches the surface of its true cultural impact.

The full lockdown entertainment top 40 is a fascinating time capsule, showing games holding their own against blockbuster movies and chart-topping albums. From Monopoly Plus (253,045 copies – who knew digital board games would be such a hit?) to Final Fantasy VII Remake (185,260 copies), the diversity was real. It wasn't just about the newest AAA titles; evergreen games and remasters found a huge audience. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Campaign Remastered sold over 200k copies, and live-service giants like Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Siege and The Sims 4 continued to pull in dedicated players.

Reflecting on this from 2026, the lockdown sales surge wasn't just a temporary blip. It was a massive acceleration of trends we see as standard now: the dominance of digital libraries, the incredible value of live-service and evergreen titles, and gaming's firm position as the leading form of interactive entertainment. The fact that a game like GTA V, originally released years before the pandemic, could sit comfortably in the top 5 during a period of peak demand speaks volumes about quality and replayability. It set a benchmark that developers today still strive for. So, next time you boot up an old favorite, remember—you're part of a legacy that helped define an era. Game on! 🎮✨