The best-selling video games ever. Top-10
In this review, we will talk about the top 10 best-selling video games. We want to share our impressions of these games and discuss why they have become so popular worldwide.
The compilation of the most commercially successful games in history
Tetris EA – 520 million
Minecraft – 238 million
Grand Theft Auto 5 – 180 million
Wii Sports – 82.9 million
PUBG – 75 million
Mario Kart 8/Deluxe – 62.2 million
Super Mario. Bros – 58 million
Red Dead Redemption 2 – 53 million
The Witcher 3 – 50 million
Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow/Green – 47.5 million
The most interesting entry on this list is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, with a sales figure surpassing 50 million copies. This makes the game the ninth best-selling video game in the history of the gaming industry.
However, when we closely examine the numbers, it becomes even more astonishing.
As you can see on this list, The Witcher 3 is ranked ninth. But if we consider the games above it, three of them were never sold at the full price of $60: Minecraft, Tetris, and PUBG. While The Witcher 3 has also been discounted frequently, it’s important to note that most games, even the already affordable ones, go on sale over time. Additionally, some Nintendo games benefited from being bundled with Nintendo consoles on a large scale, such as Wii Sports, Mario Kart 8, and the original Super Mario Bros.
Therefore, if we focus solely on full-priced, non-bundled games, we have GTA 5 (which is unlikely to be surpassed except by GTA 6), Red Dead Redemption 2, and The Witcher 3. Considering these statistics, I would wager that The Witcher 3 will eventually surpass Red Dead 2 at some point in the future. The key takeaway here is that, regardless of any caveats, The Witcher’s achievement is undeniably remarkable.
Tetris – 520 million
Date of First Release: June 6, 1984 (Elektronika 60, USSR)
Platforms: Most
Considered by many as one of the most enduring video games of all time, Tetris proudly holds the top position on the list of bestsellers with an impressive 520 million copies sold, according to The Tetris Company. This figure encompasses sales across various platforms, with a significant portion originating from mobile devices. As of 2014, Tetris had accumulated 425 million paid mobile downloads, as confirmed by Henk Rogers, the managing director of The Tetris Company.
Originally developed for the Soviet Union’s Elektronika 60 computer, Tetris has since been adapted for over 50 different platforms. Notably, it played a pivotal role in the success of the Game Boy, selling an astounding 35 million copies for Nintendo’s handheld console.
Even in modern times, new iterations of this beloved classic continue to emerge. Tetris Effect: Connected introduced a captivating twist to the puzzler on current-generation consoles, evoking emotional experiences. Furthermore, in 2020, SEGA released Puyo Puyo Tetris 2, further extending the legacy of Tetris.
Why is the game so popular?
Tetris is exceptionally popular for several reasons. Its simple yet addictive gameplay mechanics make it easy to learn but challenging to master, appealing to players of all skill levels. The game’s timeless appeal lies in its universal nature, transcending language and cultural barriers.
The satisfaction of clearing lines and achieving high scores creates a rewarding experience. Tetris’ availability on a wide range of platforms, including mobile devices, has contributed to its widespread popularity. Its enduring success can also be attributed to its ability to captivate players with its engaging gameplay, strategic decision-making, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with conquering its ever-increasing speed and difficulty.
Minecraft – 238 million
Date of First Release: May 17, 2009 (Classic Version)
Supported Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, PC, Virtual Reality (VR), Mobile, and other compatible devices
As of April 2021, Microsoft reported that Minecraft had sold 238 million copies, and it’s likely that the sales total has continued to rise in the year since then. This number encompasses the sales across all 22 platforms where the game is available. Furthermore, Minecraft’s influence has extended beyond the realm of gaming, with endeavors in film, Netflix, education, toys, and various other projects. It has truly transcended the medium in a manner that few others have achieved before.
Why is the game so popular?
Minecraft is popular due to its limitless creativity and immersive sandbox experience. The game allows players to explore a procedurally generated world and build structures using various blocks. Its multiplayer feature enables collaboration and community building.
Minecraft’s extensive modding community further expands its possibilities. The game’s accessibility, appealing to players of all ages and skill levels, contributes to its broad appeal. Its simple yet engaging visual style and the freedom it offers to players have made Minecraft a beloved and enduring game.
Grand Theft Auto 5 – 180 million
Date of First Release: September 17, 2013
Supported Platforms: PS5, PS4, PS3, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PC
Grand Theft Auto 5 holds the record as the best-selling console/PC-only game in history, with sales exceeding 170 million units as of September 30, 2022. Notably, this achievement is exclusive to consoles and PCs, as the top two entries on this list also have mobile versions available. The sales figure accounts for the game’s performance across three console generations and PC platforms from 2013 to 2022.
GTA 5 also secured the title of the fastest entertainment release to generate $1 billion across all mediums. Moreover, the game’s ongoing success has garnered Rockstar and Take-Two billions more, solidifying it as the most profitable entertainment release, at least as of 2018.
Why is the game so popular?
Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA 5) is popular for several reasons. Its expansive open world, immersive storytelling, and engaging gameplay provide players with a thrilling and dynamic experience. The game offers a vast range of activities, including missions, heists, and a detailed multiplayer mode.
The captivating characters and intricate narrative keep players invested in the game’s storyline. Furthermore, GTA 5’s attention to detail, realistic graphics, and seamless gameplay mechanics contribute to its popularity. The game’s ability to provide both thrilling action and a sandbox environment for exploration and creativity has made it a favorite among gamers worldwide.
Wii Sports – 82.9 million
Date of First Release: November 19, 2006
Supported Platforms: Wii
Based on official sales figures from Nintendo, Wii Sports claims the title as the company’s highest-selling game. Unlike many other entries on this list, Wii Sports was included as a bundled game with the Wii console in almost all regions from the beginning. With sales reaching nearly 83 million copies, it holds the distinction of being the best-selling exclusive for a single platform in history.
Why is the game so popular?
Wii Sports gained immense popularity due to its innovative and accessible gameplay that capitalized on the unique motion controls of the Wii console. The game revolutionized the gaming experience by allowing players to physically participate in virtual sports like tennis, bowling, and golf. Its intuitive and engaging mechanics made it appealing to both casual and non-gamers, attracting a broader audience to the world of video games.
The inclusion of Wii Sports as a bundled game with the Wii console further amplified its popularity, ensuring that a vast number of players had access to the game. Its approachable nature, social playability, and novelty factor made Wii Sports a cultural phenomenon.
PUBG – 75 million
Date of First Release: March 23, 2017 (Early Access)
Supported Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Stadia
Considering its significant contribution to the surge in popularity of battle royale games in recent years, it comes as no surprise that PUBG has achieved remarkable sales success. According to Krafton’s creative director, Dave Curd, PUBG sold 75 million copies by December 2021. This is likely the final sales figure, as the game transitioned to a free-to-play model a month later in January 2022.
Although free mobile downloads are not included in the sales count, it is worth mentioning that PUBG Mobile surpassed 1 billion downloads as of March 2021. This highlights the immense reach and widespread adoption of the game on mobile platforms.
Why is the game so popular?
PUBG gained immense popularity due to its groundbreaking battle royale gameplay, which captivated players with its intense and competitive nature. The game offered a thrilling and immersive experience, where players fought for survival in a dynamic and ever-shrinking battleground. Its realistic graphics, vast open world, and strategic gameplay mechanics appealed to both casual and hardcore gamers. PUBG’s multiplayer aspect also contributed to its popularity, allowing players to team up with friends and engage in exhilarating cooperative gameplay. Furthermore, its availability on various platforms, including mobile, made it accessible to a wide audience, further fueling its widespread appeal and establishing it as a cultural phenomenon.
Mario Kart 8/Deluxe – 62.2 million
Date of First Release: May 29, 2014
Supported Platforms: Switch, Wii U
According to Nintendo, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has sold over 53 million copies as of March 31, 2023, making it the top-selling game for the Switch. When including the sales of the original Wii U release, the total surpasses 62 million, securing its position as the sixth-best-selling game in history. However, it is improbable for MK8 to climb further on this list, given the significant 15-million-unit sales gap between it and the next-best-selling game.
Why is the game so popular?
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe enjoys immense popularity for several reasons. Its accessible and enjoyable gameplay appeals to both casual and hardcore gamers of all ages. The game combines exciting racing action with iconic Nintendo characters, vibrant tracks, and a wide variety of power-ups, creating a thrilling and competitive experience.
Mario multiplayer mode allows friends and family to race against each other, fostering social interaction and friendly competition. The game’s polished graphics, smooth controls, and extensive content, including additional tracks and characters, provide long-lasting entertainment. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s enduring popularity stems from its ability to deliver fun-filled racing excitement in a charming and accessible package.
Super Mario. Bros – 58 million
Date of First Release: September 13, 1985
Supported Platforms: NES/Famicom, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Virtual Console (Nintendo Wii, Wii U, 3DS)
With an estimated 40.24 million copies sold on the NES console alone, Super Mario Bros. holds the distinction of being the best-selling game in NES history. This figure includes sales from other versions, such as the Game Boy Color remake Super Mario Bros. Deluxe (approximately 5 million copies), the GBA’s Classic NES Series: Super Mario Bros. (around 2 million copies), and Virtual Console sales (about 0.66 million copies).
In addition to the platforms mentioned, various iterations of this iconic platformer were released for arcade, Game & Watch, PC-88, Sharp X1, Nintendo’s PlayChoice-10, SNES (via Super Mario All-Stars), NES Classic, and Nintendo Switch (via Nintendo Switch Online).
Why is the game so popular?
Super Mario Bros. became immensely popular due to its groundbreaking gameplay, iconic characters, and enduring charm. The game introduced side-scrolling platforming to a wide audience, captivating players with its imaginative levels, challenging obstacles, and precise controls. Its immersive world, vibrant visuals, and memorable music created a captivating experience that resonated with players of all ages.
Super Mario Bros. also revolutionized the gaming industry, establishing the blueprint for future platformers. Mario’s lovable character, combined with innovative gameplay mechanics, made the game accessible and enjoyable for both casual and hardcore gamers. Its influence on the industry and its timeless appeal have solidified Super Mario Bros.’s status as a beloved and iconic video game.
Red Dead Redemption 2 – 53 million
Date of First Release: October 26, 2018
Supported Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Red Dead Redemption 2, the latest addition to the top ten list, has garnered substantial success. According to Take-Two’s recent financial report, the expansive western saga from Rockstar has sold more than 46 million copies as of September 30, 2022. This achievement solidifies its place among the best-selling games, reflecting the widespread acclaim and popularity it has garnered since its release.
Why is the game so popular?
Red Dead Redemption 2 achieved significant popularity due to its immersive open-world experience, compelling narrative, and meticulous attention to detail. The game’s vast and visually stunning world, combined with its rich storyline and complex characters, drew players into an immersive Wild West adventure. The realistic graphics, dynamic gameplay mechanics, and extensive range of activities and missions offered a deep and engaging gameplay experience. Red Dead Redemption 2 also received critical acclaim for its storytelling, exploring themes of morality, loyalty, and the harsh realities of the time period. Its deep immersion, meticulous craftsmanship, and captivating storytelling propelled it to become a beloved and highly popular game.
The Witcher 3 – 50 million
Date of First Release: May 18, 2015
Supported Platforms: PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
In May 2023, CD Projekt Red made an exciting addition to the list as The Witcher 3 reached a milestone of 50 million copies sold. The remarkable success of this RPG epic contributed to the overall series sales, which have now surpassed 75 million.
Building upon this achievement, the developer is currently engaged in the development of various new Witcher games. Among these projects are The Witcher 4, which promises to deliver another captivating installment in the series, and a highly anticipated remake of the original Witcher game, revitalizing the beloved tale for both new and existing fans.
Why is the game so popular?
The Witcher 3 has achieved remarkable popularity due to its exceptional combination of compelling storytelling, an immersive open world, and engaging gameplay. The game’s intricate narrative, filled with richly developed characters and morally complex choices, captivates players and keeps them invested in the story. The vast and visually stunning open world, brimming with diverse environments and quests, offers a sense of exploration and adventure.
The Witcher 3’s polished gameplay mechanics, including its deep combat system, intricate skill progression, and dynamic world interactions, provide an immersive and satisfying gameplay experience. Its high production value, impressive visuals, and attention to detail further contribute to its enduring popularity.
Pokémon Red/Blue/Yellow/Green – 47.5 million
Date of First Release: February 27, 1996
Supported Platforms: Game Boy, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch
Pokémon, developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, is a renowned video game series within the Pokémon media franchise. Created by Satoshi Tajiri with assistance from Ken Sugimori, the first game, Pocket Monsters Red and Green, debuted in 1996 for the Game Boy in Japan. They were later released worldwide as Pokémon Red and Blue. The core series, a collection of role-playing video games (RPGs) often called the “core series” by developers, has consistently evolved on Nintendo’s handheld consoles. Most recently, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the latest core series installment, arrived on November 18, 2022, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
Why is the game so popular?
The Pokémon Red, Blue, Yellow, and Green games gained immense popularity for several reasons. Firstly, they introduced a captivating concept of collecting, training and battling a wide variety of unique creatures, which resonated with players’ sense of adventure and exploration. The games also fostered social interaction, with players trading Pokémon and engaging in battles with friends via link cables. Additionally, the simple yet addictive gameplay, memorable characters like Pikachu and Charizard, and the sense of nostalgia associated with these games contributed to their enduring popularity. The Pokémon franchise as a whole has continued to evolve and expand, but these original games laid the foundation for its immense success.
Conclusion
The world of video games has witnessed remarkable success and unprecedented growth over the years. From the early days of simple pixelated graphics to the advanced and immersive experiences of today, video games have become an integral part of our lives, shaping entertainment and revolutionizing interactive storytelling.
Throughout the history of gaming, several titles have emerged as true juggernauts, captivating millions of players and generating staggering sales figures. These best-selling video games have left an indelible mark on the industry, setting new standards for innovation, gameplay, and narrative.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, we can expect new contenders to rise and claim their place among the best-selling titles. The advent of virtual reality, augmented reality, and cloud gaming presents exciting opportunities for developers to push the boundaries of what is possible and create even more immersive experiences.
Ultimately, the success of these best-selling video games is a testament to the power of interactive entertainment. They have not only entertained us but also inspired us, sparked our imagination, and brought people together in ways that few other mediums can. The future of gaming holds endless possibilities, and we eagerly await the next chapter in this extraordinary journey of interactive storytelling.
