With an estimated value of over $215 billion, it’s hard to deny how lucrative the gaming industry has become. But since its inception, the gaming industry has always been a powerhouse, boasting a strong line-up of blockbuster billion-dollar titles year over year. Here’s a look at the cream of the crop of a billion-dollar industry with 20 of the best-selling video games of all time.
1. Minecraft
Since its release in 2011, Minecraft has been nothing short of a phenomenon. From its humble beginnings on the PC to becoming an industry titan, Minecraft has been ported over to pretty much every console and device imaginable. With over 238 million copies sold, it’s no question that Minecraft is the best-selling game of all time.
Imag by InoxyBuild from Pixabay
2. Grand Theft Auto V
Continuing in the footsteps of its record-breaking predecessors, Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto V has defied all expectations since its release in 2013. With its detailed open-world design, witty and compelling storyline, and immersive multiplayer, GTA V has managed to sell more than 185 million copies.
3. Tetris (EA)
Although not the original version of Tetris, this mobile version of the classic game has been immensely successful for developer EA. Its simple yet addictive gameplay was perfectly adapted for the world of mobile gaming, resulting in over 100 million copies sold to date.
4. Wii Sports
As a bundled title for one of the highest-selling video game consoles of all time (Wii), it’s easy for naysayers to downplay this game’s inclusion on the list. Nonetheless, this fun and engaging couch multiplayer juggernaut was able to sell about 82.9 million units, while cleverly demonstrating the prowess of the Wii.
pauldwaite on Wikimedia Commons
5. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)
As the progenitor of the modern-day Battle Royale genre, it’s no surprise that PUBG would be included in this list. Its tense and strategic competitive multiplayer was the first of its kind and instantly drew in millions of players, to the tune of 75 million copies sold to date.
6. Mario Kart 8/Deluxe
A fan favourite amongst college dorms and family gatherings, Mario Kart 8 (and its corresponding deluxe version for the Nintendo Switch) has proven to be one of Nintendo’s best-selling titles. With over 53.8 million copies sold it’s easy to see how this title has become the phenomenon that it is today.
7. Red Dead Redemption 2
Another in a long line of immensely successful titles from famed developer Rockstar Games, Red Dead Redemption 2 is nothing short of a modern-day masterpiece. Its expertly crafted open-world portrayal of the American frontier combined with a complex narrative and engrossing gameplay has ensured its success to the tune of over 50 million copies sold worldwide.
8. Super Mario Bros.
Single-handedly saving the video game industry is no easy feat, but if anyone’s going to do it, it’s everyone’s favourite mustache-sporting plumber. With over 58 million copies sold, Super Mario Bros. is an undeniable classic that brought Nintendo to the forefront of gaming almost forty years ago; and it hasn’t looked back since.
9. Overwatch
In the over-saturated world of online multiplayer shooters, Overwatch has successfully managed to hold its ground and stand out among the rest. Its blend of fast-paced action, eclectic characters, and vibrant maps, has made it a hit with gamers — amassing over 50 million players to date.
10. Pokémon Red/Green/Blue/Yellow
The game that started it all, these 4 slightly different versions of the same base game have collectively sold a whopping 64.7 million units. Captivating players with its unique and addictive game design, Pokémon was an instant hit upon release in 1996, in turn spawning a billion-dollar franchise that’s still going strong to this day.
11. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Released at just the right time, Animal Crossing: New Horizons hit store shelves (or e-store shelves to be exact) at the onset of the pandemic. As millions were stuck indoors looking for a peaceful outlet, Animal Crossing became the perfect escape, selling over 22 million copies.
12. Terraria
This intricate sandbox builder has much more to offer, often described as simply a 2D version of Minecraft. Due to its seemingly simplistic visuals, many overlook the game's intricate worlds and creative depth. Luckily, millions of people were able to look past the Minecraft comparisons, leading to over 24 million copies sold.
Harry Wood on Wikimedia Commons
13. Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus
As the primary use for the Wii Balance Board peripheral, Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus served as unexpendable additions to the Wii library. Providing players with a wide variety of physical activities for their newly purchased hardware add-on, Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus have collectively sold over 43.8 million copies.
U.S. Navy photo by Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Juan Pinalez on Wikimedia Commons
14. Pac-Man
As one of the most iconic video games of all time, Pac-Man was all the rage in the early 80s. Its dot-eating protagonist became an instant pop culture phenomenon and captured the hearts of millions. The first iteration of the game alone managed to sell a staggering 43 million copies.
Robert Anders from Hamburg, Germany on Wikimedia
15. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
With a litany of stiff competition over the years, earning the title of the best-selling fighting game ever is no small feat. But with its massive roster of beloved characters, easy-to-learn controls, and strategic depth, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has taken the top spot in the fighting game totem pole with over 30 million copies sold.
RuinDig/Yuki Uchida on Wikimedia Commons
16. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
Another in a long line of record-breaking Nintendo Switch titles, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild effectively put the console on the map and served as its first “killer app”. With its innovative gameplay and unmistakable charm, Breath of the Wild has gone on to sell an impressive 30 million copies since its release in 2017.
17. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
This reboot of the classic title of the same name was met with overwhelming acclaim in 2019, with over $600 million in sales within the first 3 days of release. Offering a gritty, realistic narrative and refined multiplayer mode (including battle royale), this COD sequel has sold in excess of 30 million copies, making it one of the most successful games in the franchise’s long history.
dronepicr on Wikimedia Commons
18. Diablo III and Reaper of Souls
This sequel to one of the most prominent hack-and-slash RPGs of all time has paid great dividends to famed developer Blizzard Entertainment. Its deep lore and addictive gameplay struck a chord with fans of the beloved series, leading to a whopping 30 million copies sold.
Sergey Galyonkin on Wikimedia Commons
19. FIFA 18
As the highest-selling iteration of the longstanding sports simulator series, FIFA 18 has rightfully earned its place on this list. The game not only successfully built upon the accomplishments of previous entries, but also introduced the new Journey mode, leading to an impressive 22 million copies sold.
dronepicr on Wikimedia Commons
20. Cyberpunk 2077
Despite an underwhelming release riddled with bugs and extensive criticism, Cyberpunk 2077 was able to overcome its issues and became a breakout success in spite of everything. With its rich narrative, immersive world, and breathtaking graphics the game was eventually able to win over naysayers and sell over 25 million copies.
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