14 DAY TRIAL // The PC platform hasn't been going through the best of times in recent years, but it is still continuing to sell quite a lot of games, even though piracy is a big problem for it. In order to see just what titles are selling and which aren't, here is our weekly PC Sales Charts, with data from the NPD Group for retail sales, and Steam and Direct2Drive for digital distribution.
In the retail sector, it's business as usual, with Wrath of the Lich King and Sims 2 dominating their opponents. Empire: Total War makes an interesting claim to the number-three spot, but what is really surprising is the presence of Fallout 3 and the Fallout Trilogy, which demonstrate just how much lasting appeal they generate for gamers.
To almost nobody's surprise, the Steam charts are spearheaded by Team Fortress 2, which both enjoys a free weekend culminating with Memorial Day and has seen its price cut in half during said period. Killing Floor still manages to fight the good fight and is showing strong momentum. The rest of the spots are occupied by the usual suspects, with one exception, namely Codemasters' Damnation steampunk shooter, which has recently gone on sale.
Direct2Drive charts are all over the place, with a surprising Bioshock occupying the number-one spot. After it, there are two editions of Civilization IV, followed by Battlestations: Pacific. RPGs are still quite popular, as Sacred 2: Fallen Angel, Mass Effect and Fallout 3 have moved a lot of virtual copies. Rome: Total War Gold Edition is enjoying a lot of popularity, claiming the number-seven spot.
NPD Charts May 10-16
1. Wrath of the Lich King 2. The Sims 2 Double Deluxe 3. Empire: Total War 4. WoW Battle Chest 5. Left 4 Dead 6. Spore 7. World Of Warcraft 8. Fallout Trilogy 9. Fallout 3 10. The Sims 2 Apartment Life
Steam Charts as of May 26
1. Team Fortress 2 2. Killing Floor 3. Left 4 Dead 4. Plants vs Zombies 5. The Orange Box 6. Counter-Strike Source 7. Damnation 8. Call of Duty 4 9. Empire: Total War 10. Fallout 3
Direct2Drive Charts May 17-23
1. Bioshock 2. Civilization IV 3. Civilization IV: The Complete Edition 4. Battlestations: Pacific 5. Sacred 2: Fallen Angel 6. Mass Effect 7. Rome: Total War Gold Edition 8. The Sims 2 Double Deluxe 9. Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter 2 10.Fallout 3
Overall, things are still going great for the PC platform, demonstrating the great variety of gamers out there.