Top 10 Highest Grossing Video Games Of All Time.
Video games have become one of the most profitable industries in entertainment, surpassing movies and music in revenue. While many games achieve impressive sales numbers, only a select few have generated billions in lifetime revenue. These games have dominated the industry for decades, withstanding the test of time through continuous updates, re-releases, and massive player engagement.
Here’s a look at the top 10 highest-grossing video games of all time, ranked by total revenue earned.
10. CrossFire (2007) – $13.1 Billion
CrossFire is a tactical first-person shooter developed by Smilegate, heavily inspired by Counter-Strike. While it may not be well-known in Western markets, CrossFire is a dominant force in Asia, particularly in China and South Korea.
The game’s revenue largely comes from microtransactions, with players purchasing in-game items like weapons and skins. Despite its age, CrossFire continues to generate billions, thanks to its loyal player base and frequent content updates.
9. League of Legends (2009) – $15.25 Billion
Riot Games’ League of Legends (LoL) is one of the most popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games ever. LoL has been a cultural phenomenon, shaping esports and streaming trends for over a decade.
Its free-to-play model is supported by in-game purchases, including skins, champions, and battle passes. League of Legends remains one of the most profitable games due to its massive player base and regular content updates.
8. Lineage (1998) – $15.7 Billion
Lineage is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by NCSoft. It was incredibly influential in shaping the MMORPG genre and is particularly popular in South Korea.
The game’s financial success comes from a mix of subscriptions and in-game purchases. Its sequel, Lineage II, also contributed significantly to NCSoft’s dominance in the MMORPG space. Even after more than two decades, the Lineage franchise remains a financial powerhouse.
7. PUBG: Battlegrounds (2017) – $16.4 Billion
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) is one of the biggest battle royale games ever, inspiring a wave of similar titles, including Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone.
PUBG initially launched as a paid game on PC, but it exploded in popularity when PUBG Mobile was released as a free-to-play version. The mobile adaptation, backed by Tencent, generated the majority of PUBG’s revenue through in-game purchases, battle passes, and seasonal content.
6. Honor of Kings (2015) – $18.6 Billion
Honor of Kings is a Chinese mobile MOBA developed by Tencent. It is the highest-grossing mobile game in history and one of the most played games worldwide.
Unlike Western MOBAs like League of Legends, Honor of Kings is designed specifically for mobile play, making it highly accessible. With constant updates, collaborations, and events, the game has maintained its place as a top-grossing title, particularly in China.
5. Fortnite (2017) – $20 Billion
Fortnite revolutionized the gaming industry with its free-to-play model and in-game cosmetics, generating billions in revenue. Epic Games made Fortnite a household name by regularly introducing new skins, collaborations with major franchises, and live in-game events.
Much of Fortnite’s success comes from its Battle Pass system and microtransactions, as well as its strong presence in esports and pop culture. It continues to attract millions of players across multiple platforms.
4. Street Fighter 2 (1991) – $21 Billion
Street Fighter 2 is the highest-grossing fighting game of all time and a major contributor to the fighting game community. Its arcade cabinets generated billions in revenue during the early ’90s, with players continually dropping coins to challenge opponents.
Over time, Street Fighter 2 has been re-released on various consoles, further adding to its lifetime earnings. Its legacy remains strong, influencing the development of modern fighting games.
3. Dungeon Fighter Online (2005) – $22 Billion
Dungeon Fighter Online (DFO) is another major title from South Korea, developed by Neople and published by Tencent in China. This beat 'em up MMORPG is massively popular in Asian markets, where it thrives on microtransactions.
With a strong emphasis on cooperative gameplay and frequent updates, DFO has built a dedicated player base that continues to spend money on cosmetics, upgrades, and other in-game content.
2. Pac-Man (1980) – $25 Billion
Pac-Man is one of the most iconic arcade games ever, and its financial success is staggering. It earned billions in revenue through arcade cabinets in the early years, with players spending quarters to beat high scores.
Beyond the arcade, Pac-Man has been adapted to home consoles, mobile games, and merchandise. With consistent brand recognition and ongoing releases, Pac-Man remains one of the most lucrative franchises in gaming history.
1. Space Invaders (1978) – $30 Billion
Space Invaders holds the title as the highest-grossing video game of all time. It was one of the first major arcade hits, pioneering the gaming industry and making billions in quarters.
Over the years, Space Invaders has been ported to numerous platforms, keeping its revenue stream alive. Its simple yet addictive gameplay has made it a timeless classic, ensuring its place at the top of the all-time earnings chart.
In conclusion, from classic arcade games to modern battle royales, the video game industry has evolved tremendously. While newer titles like Fortnite and PUBG dominate with free-to-play models, older games like Pac-Man and Street Fighter 2 still hold their ground in terms of total revenue.
RELATED: The Top 10 Best-Selling Video Games Of All Time.
As the gaming industry continues to grow, it’s possible that future titles will surpass these records. However, the legacy of these games is undeniable, cementing their place as the highest-grossing video games of all time.
