The Top 10 Best-Selling Video Games Of All Time.
Video games have evolved from a niche form of entertainment to a mainstream cultural phenomenon. Some games have transcended the limits of popularity, becoming global sensations that sell millions of copies worldwide. Among the multitude of titles that have graced gaming consoles, a few stand out for their exceptional sales numbers. Below, we present a ranked list of the top 10 best-selling video games of all time.
10. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – 50 Million+
Released in 2015, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt became a landmark in the RPG genre, praised for its vast open world, intricate plot, and engaging characters. Developed by CD Projekt Red, the game broke records and won numerous Game of the Year awards. The blend of rich storytelling with a dynamic world has allowed it to remain a favorite even years after its release. With expansions and continuous support, The Witcher 3 continues to sell steadily, pushing it to over 50 million copies.
9. Terraria – 58.7 Million
Terraria, a 2D sandbox game created by Re-Logic, has captivated millions of players worldwide with its exploration, crafting, and building mechanics. Launched in 2011, the game offers nearly endless possibilities and a fun, pixelated aesthetic that keeps fans hooked. Despite its seemingly simple visuals, Terraria offers depth and complexity, making it a unique and endlessly replayable experience. Regular updates, including cross-platform releases, have kept Terraria relevant for nearly a decade, resulting in impressive sales of 58.7 million copies.
8. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – 60 Million
Released in 2011, Skyrim continues to be one of the most influential and successful open-world RPGs ever made. Developed by Bethesda Game Studios, it allows players to explore the vast world of Tamriel while embarking on quests, battling dragons, and uncovering ancient secrets. Skyrim became a cultural phenomenon, praised for its world-building, storytelling, and modding community. Even after multiple re-releases and continued updates, its sales have exceeded 60 million copies, solidifying its place as a top contender in the gaming industry.
7. Red Dead Redemption 2 – 64 Million
Rockstar Games delivered a cinematic masterpiece with Red Dead Redemption 2, an action-adventure game released in 2018. The game immerses players in the life of Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang in the American frontier. The stunning open-world environment, deep narrative, and realistic gameplay made it an instant hit. Red Dead Redemption 2 not only became one of the best-selling games of all time, with 64 million copies sold, but also set a new benchmark for storytelling and game design in the open-world genre.
6. Mario Kart 8 + Deluxe – 70.43 Million
Mario Kart 8 has been a staple of the Nintendo franchise for years, offering high-speed fun with colorful tracks and iconic Mario characters. Initially released on the Wii U in 2014, the game’s enhanced version, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, was launched on the Nintendo Switch in 2017 and quickly became one of the best-selling titles for the console. Known for its accessible yet competitive gameplay, Mario Kart 8 + Deluxe has sold 70.43 million copies worldwide, making it the most popular Mario Kart game to date.
5. PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) – 75 Million
PUBG popularized the battle royale genre, launching in 2017 and quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon. Developed by PUBG Corporation, the game introduced a fresh take on multiplayer combat by placing players on a massive map and having them fight until only one person remains. PUBG revolutionized the way online games were played and has sold over 75 million copies. It laid the groundwork for other battle royale games, including Fortnite and Apex Legends, and its success continues to inspire the genre today.
4. Wii Sports – 82.9 Million
The beloved Wii Sports game, bundled with the Nintendo Wii console in 2006, became one of the highest-selling video games of all time. With its motion-sensing controls, it allowed players to physically interact with the game in ways never seen before. The sports simulations offered in Wii Sports—including tennis, baseball, and bowling—were accessible to players of all ages, contributing to its widespread appeal. It remains a staple of the Wii’s success, with a staggering 82.9 million copies sold worldwide.
3. Grand Theft Auto V – 200 Million+
Released in 2013, Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) became one of the most successful video games ever made. Rockstar Games expanded its open-world crime drama, offering players a vast and immersive world of Los Santos. The game’s multiplayer mode, GTA Online, added even more longevity to the game, continuously updated with new content. GTA V has now surpassed 200 million copies sold, becoming one of the best-selling video games in history. Its success can be attributed to its gripping story, open-world freedom, and expansive online multiplayer mode.
2. Minecraft – 300 Million
Minecraft is a phenomenon that changed the gaming world. Created by Markus Persson and later acquired by Microsoft, Minecraft is a sandbox game that offers players the freedom to create, explore, and survive in a blocky world. Since its initial release in 2009, Minecraft has captivated players of all ages, thanks to its simple mechanics, engaging gameplay, and modding community. As of now, Minecraft boasts over 300 million copies sold, making it one of the most successful and influential video games in history.
1. Tetris – 520 Million
At the top of the list is Tetris, the iconic puzzle game that was first released in 1984 by Alexey Pajitnov. Despite its simple mechanics, Tetris became one of the most enduring and universally recognized video games in the world. Available on almost every gaming platform imaginable, the game’s addictive gameplay and challenging mechanics have helped it achieve a remarkable 520 million copies sold. Its influence extends far beyond gaming, having made appearances in films, pop culture, and being referenced as the most popular game of all time.
In conclusion, these ten games have revolutionized the gaming world, offering everything from immersive worlds and intense action to limitless creativity. While some games like Minecraft and Tetris have been around for years, their longevity and widespread appeal ensure their dominance in terms of sales.
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Others like Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2 set new benchmarks for open-world gaming, showing that the video game industry continues to thrive with innovative experiences that attract millions of players worldwide. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it's clear that these titles have made an indelible mark on entertainment history.
