Over on the PlayStation Blog, Justin Massongill has compiled a list for the PlayStation Stores Top Downloads of 2019. This is just the North American chart but it’s still gives a good idea. It also should go without saying but it’s digital only but with digital sales catching up and in some developers cases over taking physical these sales charts will be a good heartbeat check for PlayStation games sold. 

There is a fair amount of surprises from the charts including missing games, games that made it and placement of games. Firstly some of the more notable omissions from the chart include Death Stranding, Control, Resident Evil 2, Sekiro, and Devil May Cry 5. These were some of the most critically acclaimed games of the year so it’s a little shocking that not one of them made the top 20, granted they are a little niche but they have cult like followings. 

Unsurprisingly, Modern Warfsre topped the charts. If probably would’ve placed first even if it was just another copy of previous games but the team at infinity ward delivered a good campaign and excellent multiplayer while introducing a new engine with new physics and audio. Notable New games that made the list include Days Gone at 10th, Fallen Order at 11th and Borderlands 3 at 12th. 

I am surprised to see Days Gone on the charts considering the notable omissions as well as the negative critical response it received.  It is good news for Sony and more specifically Bend who seem to have a good base should they decide to pursue a sequel.  It’s hard to get a new IP off the ground. Other games that have laid good foundations include Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order just missing the top 10 on the year after placing 2nd on the NPD for the month of November. I think EA and Respawn should be very pleased with the sales based on time available and have a lot to build off for a sequel. Finally, the placement of Borderlands 3 might be telling that people weren’t as hungry to see the series return as it seemed and maybe there is still some franchise fatigue.

The list also including some of the classic mainstays you would expect to see including Minecraft, GTAV, R6 Siege, Rocket League as well as the usual sports entries. Surprising older games that made the list include God of War, Spider Man but the one that caught me the most was Star Wars Battlefront 2 at 8th. This game has been called everything under the sun and shamed for its poor monetize systems built in at launch but clearly it just keeps turning with the help of the theatrical releases. 

As for the other categories Beat Saber was the top downloaded VR title and the free to play winner goes to Apex Legends with Fortnite being second.This is just more great news for EA and the team at Respawn with the surprise success of Apex. Don’t feel too bad for Fortnite as all ten of the top downloaded DLC and expansions went to the Epic games cash factory.