Two major releases are already defining the final quarter of 2025. Ghost of Yotei, Sucker Punch Productions’ follow-up to Ghost of Tsushima, has delivered a strong debut for Sony on PlayStation 5, while Battlefield 6 is off to a fast start with 1.8 million pre-orders on Steam before its official release. According to Rhys Elliot of Alinea Analytics, both titles represent significant milestones for their respective publishers, highlighting continued momentum across the AAA gaming landscape.
A Promising Start for Ghost of Yotei
After one week on the market, Ghost of Yotei has sold more than 1.6 million copies directly to players, with total sell-in to retailers surpassing 2 million units. That puts the game’s revenue near the $100 million mark. While its first-week performance falls short of Ghost of Tsushima’s 2.4 million in three days, the comparison is shaped by different market conditions. Tsushima launched during the pandemic, when gaming engagement peaked, and the PlayStation 4 had an install base exceeding 100 million units. With the PlayStation 5 currently at around 80 million, Yotei’s sales indicate consistent demand for the franchise.
According to Sucker Punch, the sequel recouped its reported $60 million development cost within two days of release. That figure matches the budget for Tsushima, suggesting Sony achieved strong efficiency on production. In an industry where blockbuster budgets often exceed $100 million, Yotei represents a rare example of a high-return, mid-cost success.
Ghost of Yotei Sony’s Biggest PS5 Launch
How Players Are Responding
Player data shows high engagement early on. Around 30 percent of Ghost of Yotei players have logged more than 20 hours of gameplay in its first week, signaling strong retention. The majority of players, roughly 93 percent, previously played Ghost of Tsushima, meaning the sequel has successfully re-engaged its existing fan base. There’s also notable crossover with samurai and action titles, including Sekiro and Assassin’s Creed Shadows, reflecting sustained interest in Japanese historical settings within the action-adventure genre.
Digital purchases currently make up 77 percent of Yotei’s total sales, consistent with Sony’s financial trend toward a digital-first model. The remaining 23 percent come from physical editions, which still hold value for collectors but continue to decline overall in share.
Ghost of Yotei Sony’s Biggest PS5 Launch
What Comes Next for Sucker Punch and Sony
Sucker Punch plans to expand Ghost of Yotei’s reach in 2026 with Yotei Legends, a co-op multiplayer mode releasing as free DLC. The first game’s Legends mode received positive reception for its design and replayability, and a new iteration could provide additional longevity. A Steam release is also expected sometime next year, based on Sony’s established pattern of bringing first-party games to PC roughly one year after console launch.
If Ghost of Tsushima’s PC release serves as a guide - selling over 2 million copies on Steam - Yotei could experience a similar resurgence. Cross-platform availability has proven to boost overall sales, not just on PC but also on PlayStation, as seen with Stellar Blade earlier this year.
Sony’s broader strategy continues to emphasize cinematic, narrative-focused single-player experiences that can later evolve through multiplayer updates and PC ports. With an anime adaptation scheduled for 2027 on Crunchyroll and a film in development from John Wick director Chad Stahelski, Ghost of Yotei is positioned as one of PlayStation’s most versatile and valuable IPs.
Ghost of Yotei Sony’s Biggest PS5 Launch
Battlefield 6 Draws Strong Pre-Launch Demand
While Ghost of Yotei leads the PlayStation conversation, Battlefield 6 is showing equal momentum on PC. The latest entry in EA’s long-running shooter franchise has surpassed 1.8 million pre-orders on Steam before launch, making it one of the most anticipated Battlefield releases in recent years.
Industry analysts credit the surge to renewed community interest following early gameplay previews and improvements to multiplayer systems. EA’s cross-platform support and early-access programs have also played a key role in driving pre-sales. With Battlefield 6 set to launch across PC and next-gen consoles, the franchise appears to be regaining traction after a mixed response to Battlefield 2042.
The Broader Impact
Together, Ghost of Yotei and Battlefield 6 illustrate the balance between narrative-driven exclusives and large-scale multiplayer franchises in today’s market. Sony continues to find success in focused, story-based design supported by post-launch expansions, while EA leans on the enduring appeal of competitive shooters and live-service frameworks. Both approaches highlight how publishers are adapting to the increasing costs and evolving expectations of the AAA space.
Source: Rhys Elliot, Alinea Analytics
Here is a complete list of all the games mentioned:
- Ghost of Yotei
- Battlefield 6
- Ghost of Tsushima
- Spider-Man 2
- Sekiro
- Assassin’s Creed Shadows
- Helldivers 2
- Stellar Blade
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Ghost of Yotei? Ghost of Yotei is an action-adventure game developed by Sucker Punch Productions, serving as the sequel to Ghost of Tsushima. It is exclusive to PlayStation 5 and continues the studio’s focus on samurai-era storytelling and cinematic combat design.
How many copies has Ghost of Yotei sold so far? The game has sold more than 1.6 million copies to players in its first week, with total shipments exceeding 2 million units worldwide.
Will Ghost of Yotei release on PC? While Sony has not confirmed a PC release, industry trends and the success of Ghost of Tsushima on Steam suggest a Ghost of Yotei port could arrive in 2026.
What is Yotei Legends? Yotei Legends is a cooperative multiplayer mode planned for release in 2026 as free DLC for existing Ghost of Yotei owners. It will expand the game’s replayability through co-op missions.
How much did Ghost of Yotei cost to make? According to developer estimates, Ghost of Yotei’s production budget was around $60 million, roughly the same as its predecessor.
How is Battlefield 6 performing before launch? Battlefield 6 has recorded more than 1.8 million pre-orders on Steam ahead of release, signaling strong interest from the franchise’s community.
When is Battlefield 6 releasing? EA has not provided an exact date, but Battlefield 6 is expected to launch later in Q4 2025 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
