All the hate, smear campaign, and high praise for Battlefield 1 still wasn't enough to keep Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare out of the top slot. CharlieIntel reports that the latest game in the COD franchise, while selling less than Black Ops 3, still finished out 2016 as the top selling game of the year in the United States. Activision confirmed the news and released the following statement...

“Call of Duty is retail’s #1 grossing console franchise in the U.S. for the 8th consecutive year and the boldly innovative Infinite Warfare is the #1 grossing console game of the year at retail in the U.S.,” said Eric Hirshberg, Activision’s CEO. “In addition to our annual blockbuster release, Call of Duty is about engaging fans year around. Black Ops 3 has had amazing engagement all year and now with the classic, boots on the ground gameplay of Modern Warfare Remastered, and the thrilling new experiences of Infinite Warfare, we have a great experience for every Call of Duty fan this holiday.”

Not to say I saw this coming, but I knew it was going to take more than dislikes on YouTube and competition to knock one of the most successful game franchises out of the top spot. As much as people love to hate it, it has one of the most consistent and lasting fan bases across titles. 

Will the series ever be unseated? I guess 2017 will bring another oppurtunity.