15 Best Selling Video Games of All Time

The video game industry has seen tremendous growth in recent years. From the days of “Pong” to today’s cutting-edge virtual reality and immersive gaming experiences, video games have come a long way. Video games have become one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the world. With the rise of the internet, gaming has become an even bigger part of our lives, and with that has come to an incredible amount of success for some of the most popular titles.

In this blog, we’ll be taking a look at the best selling video games of all time. It’s an interesting list to explore since these titles have managed to capture the attention of millions of people all over the world. From classic titles like Tetris and Pac-Man to modern hits like Grand Theft Auto V and Overwatch, these games have certainly made an impact in the gaming world. Let’s start with the highest selling games of all time,

15 Best Selling Video Game of All Time

1) Tetris – 520 million+ copies

highest selling games of all time

Tetris, one of the most iconic puzzle games of the 20th century, has sold over 520 million copies worldwide since its 1984 debut. It’s a beloved classic that has been enjoyed by generations of gamers. The Russian-born game is widely credited with popularizing the puzzle genre, inspiring countless other titles, and earning it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records as the “Most Ported Video Game”. 

The addictive gameplay features simple controls and blocks called tetrominoes which must be rotated to fit into virtual grids onscreen. Players must think quickly as they stack these pieces in order to clear lines for points and eventual victory. Its enduring popularity is undoubtedly due to its simplicity and accessibility — anyone can pick up Tetris and enjoy it!

2) Minecraft – 237 million+ copies

most popular video games of all time

Minecraft is a popular sandbox video game that has been around since 2011. Since then, it has become a worldwide phenomenon and the numbers speak for themselves. Minecraft boasts over 237 million copies sold across all platforms, making it one of the best selling video games of all time. It continues to attract new players every day and there are currently over 126 million active monthly players who explore its blocky 3D world. 

The game was created by Markus “Notch” Persson and developed by Mojang Studios. Players can create their own virtual world using blocks, craft items, build structures, explore randomly generated lands, battle monsters, and other creatures as well as interact with other players in multiplayer mode.

3) Grand Theft Auto V – 170 million+ copies

Grand Theft Auto V, one of the most successful video games, has sold more than 170 million copies worldwide since its release in 2013. Developed by Rockstar Games, Grand Theft Auto V

(GTA V) is an open-world action-adventure game set in the fictional state of San Andreas. It has become the best selling game of all time, surpassing Wii Sports, which had held the title since 2009. This is a testament to the sheer popularity of the game and its huge success in the gaming industry.

So why has GTA 5 been so successful? Let’s take a closer look at the game and explore some of the reasons why it has become one of the most popular video games ever.

First, Grand Theft Auto V offers a highly detailed and immersive open-world experience that allows players to explore the city of Los Santos and its surrounding countryside. The game also has an incredibly detailed and interactive narrative, with a comprehensive mission system and a range of minigames to play.

Second, the game’s multiplayer mode is incredibly popular, allowing players to team up with friends or play against other players online. GTA V’s online mode has been praised for its expansive content, as well as its seamless integration with the game’s single-player campaign.

Third, GTA V has been praised for its visuals and its stunning attention to detail. The game features a range of stunning environments, with highly detailed vehicles and characters. Plus, the game has been optimized for the latest hardware, offering an incredibly smooth experience no matter what platform you are playing on.

Finally, Grand Theft Auto V has been commended for its excellent use of music. The game’s original soundtrack includes songs from famous musicians and an array of radio stations to choose from.

So, it’s easy to see why GTA 5 has become one of the most successful games. With its detailed open-world experience, multiplayer mode, and stunning visuals, it is no wonder why the game has sold more than 170 million worldwide.

4) Wii Sports – 82.9 million+ copies

Wii Sports is a revolutionary video game released in 2006 for the Nintendo Wii console. The game was an instant success, selling 82.9 million worldwide and revolutionizing the gaming industry. It made motion-sensing controls accessible to players of all ages, allowing them to participate in sports like tennis and bowling without ever leaving the comfort of their own homes. 

The main appeal of Wii Sports was its intuitive design and user-friendly controls; it had something for everyone, whether they were casual or hardcore gamers. Players could compete against each other both locally and online, making it incredibly easy to get involved with the game’s multiplayer features. Its success has spawned multiple sequels and spin-offs, ensuring that Wii Sports remains one of Nintendo’s most beloved franchises to this day.

5) PUBG – 75 million+ copies

PUBG, or PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, has become a phenomenon in the gaming world. It’s one of the most popular and well-known battle royale games out there and for good reason. With millions of players taking part in the game every day, it’s no wonder that the game has managed to sell over 75 million worldwide.

This success is due in large part to the game’s unique take on the battle royale genre. With its massive open-world maps and intense player-versus-player combat, PUBG was able to capture the attention of gamers everywhere. The game’s vast array of customization options and weapons also make it stand out as one of the most dynamic battle royale experiences available.

But PUBG’s success didn’t come without challenges. The game’s launch was plagued by a range of technical issues, ranging from laggy servers to glitches. Despite these issues, the game’s passionate fanbase kept pushing for fixes and updates, and the developers responded in kind.

The result is a game that has become a mainstay of the gaming community. PUBG has become a global phenomenon, with millions of players from around the world taking part in its battles. The game’s vast selection of weapons, customization options, and vehicles make it one of the most engaging battle royale experiences available.

Whether you’re a casual or hardcore gamer, there’s something for everyone in PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds. With its intense action, customization options, and massive open-world maps, it’s no wonder that the game has sold over 75 million worldwide. From China to Europe and beyond, PUBG has become a global success.

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6) Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – 56.80 million+ copies

greatest video games of all time

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is one of the most successful games for Nintendo Switch, boasting 56.80 million+ copies sold worldwide since its release in 2017. It has everything that you love about the Mario Kart series, with tons of characters, courses, and items to choose from. The graphics are smooth and bright, giving players a truly immersive experience as they race online or offline against friends or AI racers.

It also gives access to Battle Mode, which lets players challenge each other in a variety of game modes across numerous maps. The wide selection of karts and customizable parts provides plenty of options to tailor your gaming experience. With all these features plus more, it’s no surprise why Mario Kart 8 Deluxe continues to be loved by gamers around the world.

7) Overwatch – 50 million+ copies

top video games of all time

Overwatch has become one of the most popular video games with over 50 million copies sold worldwide. It is a team-based multiplayer shooter game where players control an array of unique characters, each with their own special abilities and skills. The game has received critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay, vibrant graphics, and interesting lore. Players can play in one of four different game modes: Quick Play, Competitive Play, Arcade Mode, or Custom Games.

The objectives vary from map to map; however, the overall goal remains the same: defeat the opposing team. Each match usually takes about 10-15 minutes as players compete to eliminate enemy players and capture objectives. Different maps also offer different challenges and strategies, adding to the replay value of Overwatch. From beginner players to seasoned veterans, Overwatch offers something for everyone.

8) Super Mario Bros. – 48 million+ copies

most sold games of all time

Super Mario Bros. is one of the most iconic and successful video games of all time. Originally released in 1985 by Nintendo, it forever changed the face of gaming and spawned numerous copycat titles. In the game, players take control of the titular character to explore various worlds while collecting coins, power-ups, and avoiding enemies.

It’s quite a simple concept, but its lasting influence cannot be understated as it has sold over 48 million worldwide and spawned countless sequels. To this day, Mario remains a beloved figure in popular culture due to his legendary games like Super Mario Bros., which undoubtedly laid the groundwork for modern gaming as we know it today.

9) Pokemon Gen 1 – 47 million+ copies

best selling video game of all time

Pokemon Gen 1 was an incredibly popular game, first released in 1996. It went on to become a phenomenon that spanned generations and sold over 47 million worldwide by 2021. This makes it one of the most successful game franchises of all time. The RPG game was a huge success due to its bright graphics, deep and engaging story, numerous characters, and the ability to battle other players via trading cards or through the link cable.

With its massive following over two decades later, Pokemon Gen 1 continues to be a fan favorite and is still growing with new updates and sequels coming out. Each generation has added something new while still remaining true to its core gameplay mechanics and basic storyline. Whether you’re a fan from the original days or just getting into everything Pokemon today, there’s no doubt that the original Gen 1 titles are some of the best games ever made.

10) Red Dead Redemption 2 – 46 million+ copies

best selling video games of all time

The release of Red Dead Redemption 2 has been an incredible success, with over 46 million copies sold across the world since its launch in 2018. This open-world Western-themed action-adventure game, developed and published by Rockstar Games, is the third installment in the Red Dead series and is widely considered to be one of the best video games ever made.

The story is set in 1899, in a fictionalized version of the American Old West, and follows the life of Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang. The player takes control of Arthur as he and his gang try to survive in a world that’s constantly changing and becoming increasingly hostile. They’ll have to contend with both the law and the criminal underworld as they fight to stay alive. The game features an incredibly detailed open world, with an impressive range of activities available to the player. From hunting down wanted criminals to robbing trains, you can live life as an outlaw in the Wild West.

The game also features an intricate and detailed character system, with players able to customize their character’s looks, abilities, and equipment. With a range of weapons, items, and abilities available to them, players can develop their character’s skills and abilities to become the ultimate outlaw. The game also features an online component, where players can join up to seven other players in a world open to exploration and adventure.

RDR2 has been praised for its incredible graphics, detailed environments, and immersive storytelling. The game has won numerous awards, including Game of the Year at the 2019 Golden Joystick Awards and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Video Games Awards.

The success of RDR2 shows just how much love and dedication Rockstar Games put into the game. It’s no wonder that it has sold over 46 million worldwide, making it one of the best selling video games of all time. With its incredible story, detailed open world, and engaging online component, RDR2 is sure to remain a gaming classic for years to come.

11) Terraria: 44.5 million+ copies

Terraria

When it comes to popular video games, few have achieved the success that Terraria has. Released in 2011, the sandbox adventure game has sold over 44.5 million copies and continues to be a top seller on Steam and other digital platforms.

Terraria has always been known as a sandbox game, meaning that it has no set objectives or goals, and players are free to explore, build, and generally do whatever they want. This freedom of choice has been the driving force behind its success, as players can create their own unique experience with the game.

The game’s popularity has only grown over the years, as the developers have released new content, such as new biomes, bosses, and items. This content has allowed players to experience something new each time they play, and also keeps the game feeling fresh and exciting.

The game’s visuals are also a major factor in its success. Terraria has a unique art style that’s often called “retro-inspired,” and this style is part of what makes the game so visually appealing.

Terraria is also known for its difficulty. The game is designed to be challenging, with enemies that are hard to defeat and puzzles that require creative solutions. This difficulty is part of what makes the game so replayable and enjoyable.

Finally, Terraria has a vibrant and dedicated community of players. There are countless online forums and social media groups dedicated to the game, and these places are great sources of information and support for players.

Terraria’s success is a testament to its playability, visuals, and difficulty. The game’s community also contributes to its success, and its longevity is a testament to the developer’s dedication to the game. With over 44.5 million copies sold, it’s clear that Terraria is here to stay.

12) Wii Fit / Plus: 43.8 million+ copies

The Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus are a pair of interactive games released by Nintendo in 2007 and 2009 respectively. Along with introducing gamers to the world of fitness, these two games have become incredibly popular, selling over 43.8 million worldwide as of 2020. Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus allow users to track their exercise routines accurately through the balance board provided and in turn provides entertainment too.

With an array of choices between yoga, aerobics, strength training, muscle toning, and balance games, users are able to customize their workouts for both body and mind. The game also provides rewards for progress allowing gamers to be motivated in pursuing their fitness goals.

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13) Pac-Man: 42 million+ copies

Pac-Man is one of the most popular video games of all time and has sold more than 42 million+ worldwide since its release in 1980. Developed by Namco, Pac-Man is an arcade game where the player navigates the maze-like map while consuming pellets and avoiding monsters. Its iconic eight-directional joystick control, bright and colorful graphics, and catchy music made it a hit with fans around the world.

The game also had a cultural influence, inspiring popular culture references such as cartoons, music videos, and merchandise. The success of Pac-Man spawned numerous sequels and spinoffs. Today, Pac-Man remains one of the most recognizable gaming franchises with millions of players still enjoying the classic arcade game or its various iterations on almost every major platform available.

14) The Witcher 3: 40 million+ copies

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is one of the best selling video games of all time, having sold more than 40 million worldwide. It’s an action role-playing game set in a beautiful open world with lush forests, mountains, and castles to explore. Players take on the role of Geralt of Rivia as he embarks on a quest to find his adopted daughter. Along the way, you will battle monsters, make alliances, and complete side quests for rewards.

The game features deep character customization allowing players to tailor their experience, including new abilities and equipment as well as choices that can drastically alter the story. With its compelling storyline and stunning visuals, it’s no wonder that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has become such an enduring classic among gamers. The series has become so popular that Netflix announced a live-action adaptation based on the books upon which the game is based.

15) Mario Kart Wii: 37.38 million+ copies

Mario Kart Wii, the popular racing game developed by Nintendo and released in 2008, has sold an impressive 37.38 million around the world. The game is a hit among gamers of all ages, as it features characters and tracks from the Mario universe that have been loved for decades. This makes it immensely popular with retro gamers and newcomers alike.

The game offers an exciting experience both single-player or through online multiplayer races with up to 12 people around the world at once. With its simple controls and cartoonish charm, Mario Kart Wii has become one of the most beloved titles on the Nintendo platform. It also stands out from other racing games thanks to its wide selection of special items that can be used to gain advantages over opponents during races.

FAQ

What Was the Most Expensive Video Game Ever Made?

The question of what the most expensive video game ever made is one that has been asked by gamers and non-gamers alike. While the answer may vary depending on the perspective, there is no denying that the video game industry has seen its fair share of high-cost productions. From the early days of arcade shooters to the modern era of expansive open-world adventures, video games can cost a pretty penny.

So which video game takes the cake for being the most expensive production ever? The answer is GTA 5, developed by Rockstar Games and published by Take-Two Interactive. The production and marketing costs for GTA V are estimated to be somewhere between $265 and $280 million, making it the most expensive video game ever made.

This is an impressive figure, considering that the game was released in 2013 and has since gone on to become one of the most successful video games of all time. It has sold over 140 million copies and earned over $6 billion in revenue, making it one of the most successful entertainment products ever created.GTA 5

was a revolutionary game that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the video game industry. It featured an expansive open world set in the fictional city of Los Santos, an incredible level of detail, and an unprecedented level of realism. The result was a highly immersive experience that allowed players to truly immerse themselves in the game’s world.

The game’s large development cost was due to the massive amount of detail and complexity that went into creating the game. The development team had to create an incredibly detailed 3D world, a realistic physics engine, and a huge number of characters and interactions. All of this required a lot of manpower, resources, and time, which led to a hefty price tag. Grand Theft Auto V

was an incredibly ambitious project that was an incredible success. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the development team and the financial support of Take-Two Interactive that made the game possible. The game is a testament to the fact that, with a lot of hard work, innovation, and passion, it is possible to create something truly remarkable.

Is It Possible to Get Paid for Playing Video Games?

Yes, it is possible to get paid for playing video games. Professional gamers can make a living off streaming their gameplay or competing in esports tournaments. Through streaming platforms like Twitch, successful gamers are able to monetize their gaming sessions by acquiring subscriptions and donations from viewers. Professional esports players also have the opportunity to win cash prizes at gaming tournaments. Top players can earn millions of dollars through tournament winnings and sponsorships from major gaming companies.

Additionally, aspiring gamers may be able to find positions as game testers or video game writers that offer salary options. Lastly, many YouTubers create videos playing video games and make money through monetization of ads on their channel as well as product reviews and endorsements from companies related to the gaming industry. All in all, there are multiple ways for people to make money playing video games if they have the skill, determination, and enthusiasm needed.

Read: 15 Best Roblox Games To Play

Conclusion

In conclusion, the popularity of video games has grown immensely over the past few years. With the rise of online gaming, technological advances, and increased acceptance, the gaming industry is only set to become even more popular. Whether you’re a casual gamer or an avid enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in the gaming world.

Junaid Kayani
Junaid Kayani

As a technology enthusiast and passionate gamer, Junaid writes about the latest trends in video gaming and technology. Follow him for in-depth guides and expert insights on the intersection of gaming and tech.

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