It is undeniable that the sales of games have far exceeded the sales of any other medium in terms of units, putting them on par with movies in terms of revenue generated upon release. However, games have gone beyond being considered solely for children, as their sales have shattered this stereotype.
The success and popularity of these games demonstrate the immense potential for growth in the gaming industry when companies prioritize both profit and employee stability. While the rankings may vary, securing a spot in the top fifteen best-selling games is undoubtedly challenging.
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Best-Selling Video Games of All Time
1. Tetris – 425 million
Considered by many to be the ultimate classic video game, Tetris holds the distinction of being one of the top-selling games of all time. The Tetris Company reports that an astonishing 520 million copies of Tetris have been sold worldwide.
This impressive figure encompasses sales across various platforms, with mobile sales leading the way. As of 2014, Tetris had amassed an impressive 425 million paid mobile downloads, as stated by Henk Rogers, the managing director of The Tetris Company.
One significant achievement of Tetris was its contribution to the success of the Game Boy. It played a pivotal role in the handheld console’s triumph, with an impressive sales record of 35 million copies.
2. Minecraft – 300 million
During this year’s Minecraft Live event, Mojang revealed that Minecraft has achieved an impressive milestone of selling more than 300 million copies by October 2023. This significant number represents the cumulative sales across various platforms.
Minecraft’s widespread popularity has extended beyond just being a video game, with successful ventures in film, Netflix series, educational initiatives, and toy lines. Minecraft has truly become a phenomenon that has surpassed expectations and left a lasting impact on the industry.
3. Grand Theft Auto V – 195 million
It was inevitable for Grand Theft Auto V to be included in the list of best-selling games. This popular open-world action game developed by Rockstar was first released in 2013 and continues to sell millions of copies every few months.
Its total sales have now reached over 195 million and are still growing. Initially launched for Xbox 360 and PS3, the game was later made available for Xbox One, PS4, and PC. Furthermore, it received updated graphics and features for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
In addition to its impressive sales, the game generates significant revenue through its highly popular GTA Online multiplayer mode. Moreover, the mentioned 195 million sales figure does not even include the number of players who may have enjoyed GTA 5 during its availability on Xbox Game Pass.
4. Wii Sports – 82.9 million
The initial Wii Sports game was included as a package deal with the Nintendo Wii console, which significantly contributed to its impressive sales. Thanks to being bundled with the console, it managed to sell a substantial number of copies. According to Nintendo’s most recent data, it has sold a staggering 82.9 million copies.
Wii Sports was a game that introduced many individuals to the unique motion controls of the Wii console. The experience of swinging the Wii Remote and witnessing the corresponding action on the screen, whether it was hitting a tennis shot or bowling a ball, was truly remarkable.
A sequel called Wii Sports Resort was released in 2009, offering additional games such as frisbee and basketball. Later on, a successor named Nintendo Switch Sports was launched for the Nintendo Switch console, continuing the legacy of engaging gameplay.
5. PUBG Battlegrounds – 75 million
PUBG has been a huge success in terms of sales, playing a significant role in the increasing popularity of battle royale games. According to Krafton creative director Dave Curd, PUBG has sold a staggering 75 million copies as of December 2021.
However, this is expected to be the final sales count for the game, as it transitioned to a free-to-play model in January 2022. It’s important to note that the sales count does not include free mobile downloads, but it’s worth mentioning that PUBG Mobile has been downloaded over 1 billion times as of March 2021.
6. Mario Kart 8 + Deluxe – 64 million
According to Nintendo, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is the top-selling game for the Nintendo Switch, with over 55 million copies sold by June 30, 2023.
If we include the sales from the original Wii U release, the total number of copies sold increases to almost 64 million, making it the sixth best-selling game of all time.
7. Red Dead Redemption 2 – 61 million
Rockstar, a popular gaming company, has made it to the list of the top 10 best-selling games of all time with two of their games. Red Dead Redemption 2, released in 2018 has sold an impressive 61 million copies.
This game serves as a prequel to the 2010 hit Red Dead Redemption, which fans eagerly anticipated for almost a decade. Red Dead Redemption 2 takes players back in time and provides insight into the events that occurred before the original game.
8. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – 60 million
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, was initially launched by Bethesda Game Studios in 2011. Since then, it has not only achieved great success upon its release but has also maintained consistent sales over the years.
The game’s immense popularity has even become a meme among gamers. It has been made available on numerous platforms, showcasing its widespread availability. Todd Howard, the game director, has provided insights into the reasons behind this extensive porting.
9. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – 50 million
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, developed by CD Projekt Red, has achieved unprecedented success, becoming the best-selling game in the franchise with a staggering 50 million copies sold across all platforms.
Since its release in 2015, The Witcher 3 has consistently gained popularity and maintained its strong sales performance. Despite being frequently discounted, the game’s immense sales figures remain unaffected.
The launch of the Netflix TV series also contributed to the overall success of The Witcher series, which has sold a remarkable 75 million units. Out of the entire series, The Witcher 3 accounts for 50 million units sold, solidifying its position as the most successful installment.
10. Super Mario Bros. – 50 million (pack-in sales included)
One of the top-selling games of all time is the original Super Mario Bros. for NES. This classic game, released in 1985, has sold an impressive 50 million copies.
Although Mario had appeared in previous video games, Super Mario Bros. gained immense popularity and played a significant role in the success of the Mario franchise. The game is known for its iconic levels, memorable music, and challenging enemies.
11. Overwatch – 50 million
According to a report from Bloomberg in April 2022, Overwatch, an incredibly popular hero shooter game developed by Blizzard, has sold an impressive 50 million copies.
Overwatch revolutionized the hero shooter genre with its exceptional game design, meticulously designed heroes, and continuous support for esports.
However, in October 2022, Overwatch was succeeded by its highly anticipated free-to-play sequel, Overwatch 2.
12. Pokemon Red, Green, Blue, Yellow – 47 Million
Pokemon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow are the first generation video games in the Pokemon franchise, released by Nintendo in the late 1990s.
These games are set in the fictional world of Kanto and follow the journey of a young Pokemon Trainer who aims to become a Pokemon Master.
13. Animal Crossing: New Horizons – 45 million
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a highly popular and beloved life simulation video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch console. Released in March 2020, it quickly gained widespread acclaim for its charming and relaxing gameplay.
In the game, players assume the role of a customizable character who moves to a deserted island after purchasing a getaway package from Tom Nook, a recurring character in the Animal Crossing series.
The main objective is to build and customize a thriving community of anthropomorphic animals and create a cozy and personalized island paradise. The game allows players to engage in a wide range of activities, including fishing, bug catching, fossil hunting, and gardening.
14. Terraria – 44 million
Terraria is a popular sandbox game that was first released in 2011. It is often compared to Minecraft due to its similar gameplay mechanics and open-ended nature. In Terraria, players are tasked with exploring and building in a procedurally generated 2D world.
They can gather resources, craft tools and weapons, and fight various enemies and bosses. The game offers a wide range of activities, including mining, fishing, farming, and crafting, allowing players to create their own unique experiences.
Terraria also features multiplayer functionality, enabling players to collaborate or compete with friends in their adventures.
15. Pac-Man – 42 million
Pac-Man is a classic arcade game that was first released in 1980 by Namco. It quickly became one of the most popular and recognizable video games of all time.
The game revolves around a yellow, circular character named Pac-Man, who must navigate through a maze filled with pellets while avoiding four colorful ghosts.
The objective is to eat all the pellets in the maze, while also eating power pellets that allow Pac-Man to temporarily turn the tables on the ghosts and eat them.
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