Best-Selling Video Games of All Time - Top 10 Updated List 2023
by Krishika M
Updated Jun 23, 2023
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Best-Selling Video Games of All Time
The title of "Best-Selling Video Games of All Time" represents the pinnacle of success within the gaming industry. These games have achieved unprecedented commercial achievements, captivating millions of players worldwide and leaving an indelible mark on popular culture. Here is the list of the best-selling video games of all time:
1
Minecraft
238.0M
2
GTA 5
175.0M
3
Tetris (EA)
100.0M
4
Wii Sport
82.9M
5
PUBG: Battlegrounds
75.0M
6
Mario Kart 8
60.5M
7
Super Mario Bros.
58.0M
8
Read Dead Redemption 2
50.0M
9
Pokémon Red/Green/Blue/Yellow
47.5M
10
Terraria
44.5M
S.no.
Games
Sales (units)
Top 10 Best-Selling Video Games of All Time
The list encompasses a diverse range of genres, platforms, and time periods, showcasing the universal appeal and wide-reaching impact of video games. From immersive open-world adventures to addictive puzzle challenges, these best-selling titles have pushed the boundaries of interactive entertainment, revolutionizing the way we play and experience games.
Their monumental sales figures reflect not only their commercial success but also their ability to engage and captivate players across generations. As we delve into the world of the best-selling video games of all time, we discover the stories, experiences, and innovations that have shaped the gaming landscape and cemented these titles as true icons of the medium.
1. Minecraft (238.0M)
Minecraft, developed by Mojang Studios and released in 2011, holds the title as the best-selling video game of all time, with an astounding 238.0 million units sold worldwide. This sandbox game has captivated players of all ages with its limitless creativity, exploration, and open-ended gameplay.
In Minecraft, players find themselves in a procedurally generated world made up of blocks that represent various materials and elements. They have the freedom to shape and manipulate the environment, building structures, crafting items, and exploring vast landscapes. The game offers different modes, including survival mode, where players must gather resources, fend off enemies, and manage their health, and creative mode, where players have unlimited resources and can focus solely on building and designing.
The key appeal of Minecraft lies in its boundless creativity and player-driven experiences. The game empowers players to build anything they can imagine, from simple structures to intricate cities, landscapes, and even working mechanical contraptions. The intuitive block-based building system allows for endless possibilities, providing players with a blank canvas to bring their visions to life.
Minecraft's multiplayer component has played a significant role in its success. Players can join forces with friends or connect with a vast online community to collaborate on projects, embark on adventures, or engage in friendly competitions. The game's cooperative and competitive aspects foster a strong sense of community and encourage players to share their creations, mods, and custom-made content.
Furthermore, Minecraft's modding community has flourished, with players creating and sharing modifications that add new features, gameplay mechanics, and even entire game transformations. This dedication to user-generated content has extended the game's lifespan and provided players with a wealth of additional experiences beyond the core game.
The game's pixelated art style, charming sound design, and enchanting music contribute to its distinctive atmosphere and overall appeal. The simplicity of the visuals allows players to focus on their creations and immerse themselves in the game's world, while the melodic soundtrack evokes a sense of wonder and exploration.
2. GTA 5 (175.0M)
Grand Theft Auto V, developed by Rockstar Games and released in 2013, has achieved monumental success, selling a staggering 175.0 million units worldwide. This open-world action-adventure game has captivated players with its immersive gameplay, expansive world, and compelling narrative.
Set in the fictional city of Los Santos, GTA V follows the stories of three protagonists: Michael, a retired bank robber trying to escape his criminal past; Franklin, a street-savvy hustler looking for better opportunities; and Trevor, a volatile and unpredictable criminal. Players navigate the sprawling city, engaging in missions, heists, and a wide range of activities that allow for freedom and exploration.
GTA V is renowned for its detailed and dynamic open world. Los Santos is a living, breathing city that is richly populated with diverse characters, bustling traffic, and a vibrant ecosystem. The attention to detail in the game's environment, from the stunning architecture to the varied landscapes, creates an immersive and realistic experience.
One of the game's standout features is its engaging narrative. The intertwining stories of the three protagonists provide a unique perspective on the criminal underworld and explore themes of loyalty, ambition, and the consequences of one's actions. The well-developed characters, sharp writing, and cinematic presentation contribute to a captivating storytelling experience that keeps players invested in the game's world.
The game's gameplay mechanics offer a seamless blend of driving, shooting, and open-world exploration. Players can participate in exhilarating heists, engage in high-speed chases, and engage in a wide range of activities, including golf, tennis, and base jumping. The vast array of vehicles, weapons, and customization options further enhance the gameplay experience, allowing players to tailor their own criminal adventures.
3. Tetris (EA) (100.0M)
Tetris, developed by EA Mobile and released in 2006, stands as one of the most iconic and best-selling video games of all time, with an astonishing 100.0 million units sold worldwide. This classic puzzle game has captured the hearts of players across generations with its addictive gameplay, simple mechanics, and timeless appeal.
Tetris challenges players to arrange falling blocks known as tetrominoes into complete lines. As the blocks descend, players must strategically rotate and position them to create solid rows without any gaps. When a line is completed, it clears from the playing field, creating space for more blocks. The goal is to prevent the stack of blocks from reaching the top of the screen, testing players' reflexes, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills.
One of the game's key strengths is its accessibility. With easy-to-understand mechanics, Tetris appeals to players of all ages and skill levels. The gameplay is simple yet endlessly engaging, allowing players to quickly grasp the fundamentals while providing a satisfying challenge as the speed increases.
Tetris' universal appeal lies in its addictive nature and its ability to provide moments of both tension and triumph. The game's "easy to learn, hard to master" design philosophy ensures that players can continually strive to improve their high scores and strive for that perfect game.
The sense of accomplishment that comes with clearing multiple lines and achieving high scores has made Tetris an enduring favorite among puzzle enthusiasts.
4. Wii Sport (82.9M)
Wii Sports, developed by Nintendo and released in 2006, stands as one of the most successful and influential video games of all time, with an astounding 82.9 million units sold worldwide. This groundbreaking title revolutionized the gaming industry with its innovative use of motion controls and its appeal to a wide range of players.
Wii Sports was a pack-in game that came bundled with the Nintendo Wii console, introducing players to the unique capabilities of the Wii Remote. The game featured a collection of sports mini-games that utilized motion controls, allowing players to simulate real-life movements while playing tennis, baseball, bowling, golf, and boxing.
The accessibility and intuitive nature of Wii Sports made it appealing to both seasoned gamers and newcomers to the gaming world. The game's simple controls and family-friendly design invited players of all ages to participate, turning the Wii console into a social experience that brought friends and families together.
Wii Sports offered a refreshing take on traditional sports games, allowing players to physically swing the Wii Remote to perform actions such as swinging a golf club or tennis racket. The game accurately translated these movements into on-screen actions, creating an immersive and interactive experience that was both engaging and entertaining.
Its multiplayer mode, where players could compete against each other or collaborate as teammates, added a social element that contributed to the game's appeal. The competitive nature of the sports, combined with the interactive gameplay, encouraged friendly competition and lively gatherings.
5. PUBG: Battlegrounds (75.0M)
PUBG: Battlegrounds, developed by PUBG Corp and released in 2017, has taken the gaming world by storm, amassing a staggering 75.0 million units sold globally. This battle royale phenomenon has captivated players with its intense gameplay, competitive spirit, and addictive multiplayer experience.
PUBG: Battlegrounds drops players onto a vast, open-world map where they must compete against numerous opponents in a fight to be the last person or team standing. The game's realistic graphics, immersive environments, and dynamic gameplay mechanics have contributed to its immense popularity.
At the start of each match, players parachute onto the map with no equipment, and they must scavenge for weapons, armor, and supplies to increase their chances of survival. The shrinking play area, known as the "Blue Zone," forces players into tense encounters as they navigate the ever-shrinking safe zone, leading to exhilarating firefights and strategic gameplay decisions.
PUBG: Battlegrounds offers a variety of gameplay modes, including solo, duo, and squad, allowing players to team up with friends or compete as individuals. The game's emphasis on teamwork, communication, and strategic planning adds depth to the gameplay experience, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among players.
6. Mario Kart 8 (60.5M)
Mario Kart 8, developed by Nintendo and released in 2014, has enjoyed incredible success, selling a remarkable 60.5 million units worldwide. This installment in the beloved Mario Kart series has captured the hearts of players with its thrilling races, engaging gameplay, and iconic cast of characters.
Mario Kart 8 offers an exhilarating racing experience set in the colorful and whimsical world of the Mario franchise. Players can choose from a diverse roster of characters, including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Bowser, each with their unique abilities and characteristics. The game features a variety of creative and imaginative tracks, ranging from classic circuits to inventive new courses inspired by Nintendo's vast universe.
One of the game's defining features is its polished and accessible gameplay, making it suitable for both casual players and seasoned veterans. The intuitive controls, responsive handling, and strategic use of items create a dynamic and competitive racing experience.
Players can utilize a plethora of items, such as shells, bananas, and mushrooms, to gain an advantage or hinder their opponents, adding an element of unpredictability and excitement to each race.
Mario Kart 8 also introduces anti-gravity sections, where players' karts can defy gravity and drive on walls or upside down. This mechanic not only adds a visually stunning element to the races but also allows for strategic maneuvers and new racing dynamics.
The game's multiplayer modes have been a significant contributor to its popularity. Mario Kart 8 supports local multiplayer, where friends and family can compete against each other on the same console. Additionally, online multiplayer enables players to race against opponents from around the world, adding a competitive and social aspect to the gameplay experience.
7. Super Mario Bros. (58.0M)
Super Mario Bros., released by Nintendo in 1985, is an iconic platforming game that has achieved legendary status in the gaming industry. With an impressive sales record of 58.0 million units sold, it has become synonymous with the success and enduring popularity of the Super Mario franchise.
Super Mario Bros. introduced players to the beloved Italian plumber, Mario, as he embarks on a mission to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of the villainous Bowser. The game's side-scrolling gameplay and imaginative level design captivated players, offering a unique blend of precise platforming, power-ups, and challenging enemies.
The game's simplicity, yet addictive gameplay, played a significant role in its success. Players maneuver Mario through various themed worlds, navigating obstacles, avoiding enemies, and collecting power-ups such as the iconic Super Mushroom and Fire Flower. These power-ups not only enhanced Mario's abilities but also provided strategic advantages in defeating enemies and overcoming obstacles.
Super Mario Bros.'s impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. It revitalized the video game industry after the North American video game crash of 1983, becoming a flagship title for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Its success helped solidify Nintendo's position as a leading player in the gaming market and set a new standard for platforming games.
Beyond its innovative gameplay, Super Mario Bros. left an indelible mark on popular culture. Mario and his sidekick, Luigi, became iconic characters recognized worldwide. The game's memorable soundtrack, composed by Koji Kondo, is instantly recognizable, and its catchy tunes have become ingrained in the minds of gamers for generations.
8. Read Dead Redemption 2 (50.0M)
Red Dead Redemption 2, developed by Rockstar Games and released in 2018, has garnered immense acclaim and commercial success, with a staggering 50.0 million units sold worldwide. This critically acclaimed open-world action-adventure game has captivated players with its rich narrative, immersive gameplay, and stunningly detailed portrayal of the American frontier.
Set in the late 19th century, Red Dead Redemption 2 takes players on an epic journey through the Wild West, following the story of Arthur Morgan, an outlaw and member of the Van der Linde gang. The game's expansive and meticulously crafted world allows players to freely explore the vast landscapes, from rugged mountains to bustling towns, while encountering a diverse cast of characters and engaging in a wide range of activities.
One of the game's standout features is its narrative, which is lauded for its depth, emotional impact, and morally complex themes. Red Dead Redemption 2 tells a compelling tale of loyalty, redemption, and the harsh realities of the fading outlaw era. The well-written characters, intricate relationships, and thought-provoking storytelling create an immersive experience that keeps players invested in Arthur Morgan's personal journey.
In addition to its compelling narrative, the gameplay of Red Dead Redemption 2 is highly immersive and diverse. Players can engage in intense gunfights, engage in thrilling horseback chases, hunt wildlife, fish in serene lakes, engage in poker games, and even participate in heists.
The attention to detail in the game's mechanics, such as realistic horse riding and complex environmental interactions, adds a layer of realism that further enhances the overall experience.
9. Pokémon Red/Green/Blue/Yellow (47.5M)
Pokémon Red/Green/Blue/Yellow, developed by Game Freak and released in 1996, stands as one of the most iconic and influential games in the Pokémon franchise, having sold an impressive 47.5 million units worldwide. This seminal role-playing game introduced players to the captivating world of Pokémon, forever changing the landscape of gaming and pop culture.
In Pokémon Red/Green/Blue/Yellow, players embark on an epic journey as a Pokémon Trainer, tasked with capturing and training a diverse array of creatures known as Pokémon. With the goal of becoming a Pokémon Master, players traverse the regions of Kanto, encountering wild Pokémon, battling other Trainers, and unraveling the mysteries of the Pokémon League.
The game's success can be attributed to its addictive gameplay loop. Players must navigate through various towns, cities, forests, caves, and other locations, all while capturing Pokémon and building a well-rounded team. Each Pokémon possesses unique abilities, attributes, and types, creating a strategic element in battles.
The satisfaction of evolving and strengthening Pokémon, as well as discovering new species, offers a sense of progression and achievement throughout the game.
The social aspect of Pokémon Red/Green/Blue/Yellow cannot be overlooked either. The game fostered a sense of community and camaraderie, as players traded Pokémon with friends using the Game Boy Link Cable. This feature encouraged collaboration, completion of the Pokédex, and friendly competition between Trainers, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon.
10. Terraria (44.5M)
Terraria, an indie game developed by Re-Logic, has become a sensational success since its release in 2011, boasting an impressive sales record of approximately 44.5 million units sold worldwide. The game's enduring popularity can be attributed to its unique blend of exploration, crafting, combat, and adventure.
In Terraria, players are transported to a 2D pixelated world filled with procedurally generated landscapes, vast underground caverns, and diverse biomes. The game offers a sandbox experience that encourages players to dig, mine resources, build structures, and interact with the environment in countless ways.
One of the game's standout features is its emphasis on exploration. As players delve deeper into the depths of Terraria's underground world, they encounter a multitude of creatures, both friendly and hostile, and uncover hidden treasures, rare items, and powerful weapons. The sense of discovery and anticipation that accompanies each new area explored contributes to the game's addictive nature.
Terraria also excels in its crafting system, which allows players to combine various resources they've collected to create new items, weapons, armor, and tools. This aspect of the game provides a satisfying progression system as players acquire better equipment to tackle more challenging foes and environments.
The combat mechanics in Terraria are dynamic and engaging. Players must strategically navigate battles with a diverse array of enemies, including towering bosses that offer epic encounters. The game's responsive controls and wide selection of weaponry provide players with an enjoyable combat experience.
What is the Top 10 Best-Selling Video Games Ever?
Minecraft has achieved a remarkable feat by outselling the combined forces of two highly popular games developed by industry giant Rockstar, namely Grand Theft Auto 5, which holds the second position in terms of sales, and Red Dead Redemption 2, ranking at number eight. This astounding achievement can be attributed to several factors that have contributed to Minecraft's immense popularity.
One key aspect that sets Minecraft apart is its simple gameplay, which lacks predefined goals or objectives. Instead, players are given the freedom to explore and interact with the virtual world in any way they choose. This open-ended nature of the game allows for endless possibilities and encourages creativity among players.
Another significant factor behind Minecraft's success lies in its creative structure. The game empowers players to construct and shape the game world according to their imagination. With a vast array of building blocks and materials, players can create intricate structures, landscapes, and even complex mechanisms.
This creative aspect of the game serves as a strong appeal, attracting players of all ages and fostering a sense of accomplishment as they bring their visions to life within the Minecraft universe.
Best-Selling Video Games of All Time - FAQs
The best-selling video game of all time is Minecraft, with over 200 million copies sold across various platforms.
Minecraft holds the record for the highest number of sales, surpassing other popular titles like Tetris and Grand Theft Auto V.
Grand Theft Auto V has sold over 145 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling games in history.
Yes, Tetris remains one of the best-selling video games of all time, with over 200 million copies sold since its release.
Several factors contribute to a game becoming a best-seller, including innovative gameplay, captivating storylines, multiplayer features, strong marketing campaigns, and the ability to appeal to a wide range of audiences.