If you’re curious about what the best-selling video games of all time are, you’re in the perfect place. Watch the list of titles that have sold hundreds of thousands of copies. Have you placed all of them?
Minecraft
- Developer: Mojang Studios
- Sales: 300 million
- Original release: November 18, 2011
Minecraft is a global phenomenon. The Mojang Studios hit is a sandbox game that allows players to build, explore, and survive in a blocky, procedurally-generated 3D world. Its open-ended gameplay, creativity-inducing environment, multiplayer capabilities, and regular updates have contributed to its incredible popularity. Thousands of players see Minecraft not as a mere video game but as a platform for self-expression and community-building. Since its premiere in 2011, Minecraft has been ported to many new platforms and received numerous updates, making it even more exciting.
Grand Theft Auto V
- Developer: Rockstar North
- Sales: 190 million
- Original release: September 17, 2013
Rockstar’s action-adventure blockbuster takes players to the fictional city of Los Santos. It offers a narrative-driven single-player mode and an incredibly popular dynamic multiplayer mode (GTA Online). Key elements include open-world exploration, carjacking, heists, and combat. Its popularity stems from its vast, immersive world, compelling storytelling, and the freedom it offers players to create their own experiences, either following the storyline or causing mayhem. People also fell in love with Michael, Fraklin, and Trevor, the three protagonists that you can switch between. We wonder if GTA VI will be able to replicate the incredible success of its predecessor and earn its place among the best-selling games.
Wii Sports
- Developer: Nintendo
- Sales: 83 million
- Original release: November 19, 2006
Nintendo hit the jackpot with Wii Sports, a sports simulation title comprising five distinct sports:
- tennis,
- baseball,
- bowling,
- golf,
- boxing.
The game’s unique selling point is its innovative use of the Wii Remote to mimic the actions of playing real-life sports. Each sport in Wii Sports offers fun and intuitive gameplay. For instance, in tennis, players swing the remote as they would a real racket, creating an immersive and interactive experience. This physical, motion-based gameplay was a novelty at the time of its release and convinced many players to buy the Wii console. The game’s multiplayer mode adds to its popularity, promoting social interaction and friendly competition.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
- Developer: PUBG Studios
- Sales: 75 million
- Original release: December 20, 2017
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) has taken the gaming world by storm and unexpectedly made the battle royale one of the most popular genres. In the game, up to 100 players parachute onto an island and scavenge for weapons and equipment to kill others while avoiding getting killed themselves. The available safe area of the game’s map decreases in size over time, directing surviving players into tighter areas to force encounters. The last player or team standing wins the round. Its high-stakes nature, where one wrong move can lead to elimination, creates intense, adrenaline-fueled matches. The game’s mechanics, such as weapon recoil and bullet drop, contribute to its steep learning curve and tactical depth.
Mario Kart 8/ Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
- Developer: Nintendo
- Sales: 65 million
- Original release: May 29, 2014
Mario Kart 8 is the latest installment in the popular series of racing games starring Mario, his friends, and other characters from Nintendo titles. Players compete on whimsical tracks filled with obstacles and power-ups that help overtake and frustrate rivals. The game’s appeal lies in its chaotic fun. Power-ups, like shells and bananas, can be used to speed up your own kart or hinder your opponents, adding an element of unpredictability to every race. Playing with friends locally or online in multiplayer mode brings a social aspect to the game, leading to fierce competition and shared fun. Originally, Nintendo published Mario Kart in 2014 for the Wii U. The updated version, called Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, was released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch.
Super Mario Bors.
- Developer: Nintendo
- Sales: 58 million
- Original release: September 13, 1985
It’s a legendary platform game that set a new standard for the genre. Players guide the protagonist, Mario, on a quest to rescue Princess Peach from the villainous Bowser, traversing through eight diverse worlds filled with enemies and obstacles. Power-ups like the Super Mushroom and Fire Flower provided Mario with unique abilities, making the game even more entertaining.
Super Mario Bros. also introduced iconic characters and elements that have become synonymous with the Mario franchise, such as the Goombas, Koopa Troopas, and green pipes. Super Mario Bros.’s influence is still felt in the gaming industry, cementing its status as a timeless classic.
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Developer: Rockstar Games
- Sales: 57 million
- Original release: October 26, 2018
The third installment in the Red Dead franchise surpassed its predecessor in every possible way. Red Dead Redemption 2 allows players to step into the boots of Arthur Morgan, an outlaw in the Van der Linde gang terrorizing America’s heartland and frontier. The game was praised for its polished gameplay, living open-world, immersive storytelling, and complex characters. Each mission unfolds organically, contributing to the overarching narrative. The game world is filled with random events and side quests, making exploration rewarding. Undeniably, Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most unforgivable video games ever released.
Overwatch
- Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
- Sales: 50 million
- Original release: May 24, 2016
Back in the day, Blizzard was known for rarely releasing new games. The compensation for this was the quality. Virtually each of its titles was a masterpiece. Overwatch, a team-based first-person shooter, was no exception here. Players and critics praised its colorful roster of heroes and dynamic gameplay. Overwatch emphasized the teamwork and strategy required to win exciting 6v6 matches. Each hero’s abilities can synergize with others, requiring coordination and cooperation for success. Unfortunately, currently, Overwatch 2 is just a shadow of its predecessor. We really hope Blizzard will finally figure out how to redeem it.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Developer: CD Projekt Red
- Sales: 50 million
- Original release: May 19, 2015
The Witcher series is a prime example of natural progress. Each subsequent installment of the series was more ambitious and surpassed the success of its predecessor. As a result, the final chapter in the Geralt of Rivia trilogy was a full-blown AAA title that is today considered one of the best action role-playing games ever released.
Players all over the world loved its compelling plot, richly detailed world, colorful characters, and thought choices that significantly impacted the plot. As a result, The Witcher 3 won tons of prizes, including Game of the Year at The Game Awards and Golden Joystick Awards. CD Projekt Red released two highly-praised expansions, Hearts of Stone and Blood and Wine.
Tetris (Nintendo)
- Developer: Nintendo
- Sales: 48 million
- Original release: June 14, 1989
Tetris is a game that needs no introduction. It was created by Alexey Pajitnov in 1985. Unfortunately, the engineer lived in the USSR; hence, he had to wait for years until he had a chance to capitalize on his groundbreaking game. Until now, countless versions have been released, giving Tetris the Guinness World Record for the most ported video game. The Nintendo version is one of the most renowned. It was released in 1989 for the NES and Game Boy, selling nearly 50 million copies. It’s also worth mentioning that the version of Tetris published by Electronic Arts for mobile devices in 2008 sold over 100 million copies. This makes it the best-selling mobile game.
Pokémon (Red, Green, Blue, Yellow)
- Developer: Nintendo
- Sales: 47,5 million
- Original release: February 27, 1996
With Pokémon Red/Green and its updated versions (Blue and Yellow), the studio started the series of Pokémon video games. Players fell in love with the possibility of becoming a Pokémon trainer and embarking on an adventure to capture, train, and battle dozens of those creatures. Moreover, players could use the Game Link Cable to trade Pokémon with friends. The first generation of Pokémon games sold over 47,5 units. No wonder it has been followed by multiple sequels that have increased the number of pocket monsters to catch.
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