Video games have been around since the 1950s and they’ve come a long way in terms of technology, graphics, gameplay, and story. Over the years there have been some amazing video games that have achieved commercial success and become all-time classics. Today we’re going to take a look at the 10 best-selling video games ever!
What Are The Top 10 Best-Selling Video Games Of All Time?
From Mario Kart to Grand Theft Auto, these titles are beloved by millions of gamers across the globe for their fun factor and creative design. We’ll be looking into how much each title has sold over its lifetime and what makes these all time best selling games so popular today. So without further ado, let’s dive into our list of top 10 best-selling video games of all time!
| Title (released) | Copies Sold | |
| 1 | Minecraft (2011) | 238 million |
| 2 | Grand Theft Auto V (2013) | 170 million |
| 3 | Tetris EA (2006) | 100 million |
| 4 | Wii Sports (2006) | 82.9 million |
| 5 | PUBG: Battlegrounds (2017) | 75 million |
| 6 | Super Mario Bros (1985) | 58 million |
| 7 | Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2014) | 56.9 million |
| 8 | Read Dead Redemption 2 (2018) | 46 million |
| 9 | Terraria (2011) | 44.5 million |
| 10 | Wii Fit Plus (2007) | 43.8 million |
Minecraft: From Building Blocks to the Best-Selling Video Game Of All Time
Image credit: IGN
Copies sold: 238 million
Release year: 2011
Minecraft has established itself as the best-selling video game of all time, with over 200 million copies sold across all platforms. It’s an open-world sandbox game where players roam and build structures in a blocky style environment. The popularity of Minecraft lies in its creative aspect that allows players to create whatever they want within the game. From constructing buildings, mining resources, and crafting items – there are limitless possibilities for gamers!
Its success can also be attributed to its availability on multiple platforms such as PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Android and iOS devices. This makes it accessible for everyone regardless of their gaming device preference or budget range. Not only is this title hugely popular among gamers but parents have also endorsed it due to its educational value and simple interface. In fact, many schools even use Minecraft in classrooms as part of lessons or activities!
With millions of players around the world creating unique worlds everyday, it’s clear why Minecraft is one of the top 10 best selling video games of all time. Its versatility across different genres appeals to a wide variety of people which contributes to its success story. Whether you’re playing alone or online with friends – Minecraft provides endless hours of entertainment at your fingertips!
Grand Theft Auto V: A World Full of Crime, Violence & Fun
Image Credit: Playstation Store
Copies sold: 170 million
Release year: 2013
Grand Theft Auto V is the second best-selling video game of all time. Developed by Rockstar Games and released in 2013, GTA V has gone on to become a massive success story for the company. It’s sold more than 170 million copies since its release date–an impressive feat that puts it just behind Minecraft as the most successful video games ever created.
GTA V takes players into a world full of crime and violence, but also one filled with plenty of opportunities for fun. Players can explore Los Santos and Blaine County, two sprawling cities filled with missions and activities. The online multiplayer mode was an instant hit when it launched too; allowing up to thirty players to join each other in their virtual adventures.
The combination of single player and multiplayer gameplay makes GTA V an incredibly popular experience which shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. With its unique setting and highly detailed visuals, Grand Theft Auto V will remain one of the top 10 best-selling video games of all time for years to come.
Tetris: The Iconic Puzzle Game That Changed the World
Image: Google
Copies sold: 100 million
Release year: 2006
Tetris is number three on the list of best-selling video games of all time, has been one of the most influential and enduring games ever made. Its simple design and gameplay mechanics have resulted in it becoming an iconic title that just about anyone can pick up and enjoy.
In fact, its success is still felt today – Tetris remains a popular choice among players of all ages and skill levels. The puzzle game was first released on consoles such as the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1984, but in 2006 Electronic Arts released the new Tetris on other platforms too. It also spawned several sequels over the years including ‘Tetris Attack’ and ‘Dr Mario & Tetris’, both of which have sold millions copies worldwide.
What makes this classic so appealing is its simplicity – there are no complicated controls or storylines to learn; just move blocks around to clear lines for points. This means that even those with little gaming experience can quickly figure out how to play without needing extensive tutorials or practice sessions. Additionally, its addictive nature ensures hours upon hours of fun for any player who takes on the challenge!
Wii Sports: Bringing the Fun of Sports into our Homes
Image Credit: Game Stop
Copies sold: 82.9 million
Release year: 2006
Wii Sports is ranked as the fourth best-selling video game of all time, an impressive feat considering it was released in 2006. It has sold over 82 million copies worldwide and became one of Nintendo’s most successful games ever. Players use the Wii Remote to simulate a variety of sports activities such as golfing, tennis, bowling, and even boxing.
The success of Wii Sports can be attributed to its popularity among casual gamers who found it easy to pick up and play with friends or family members. Additionally, its accessible controls made it enjoyable for both young and old players alike. The game also featured motion sensing technology that enabled players to become more immersed in the experience. All these elements combined together resulted in a timeless classic that continues to appeal to millions of people today.
It goes without saying that Wii Sports deserves recognition as one of the greatest video games of all time thanks to its lasting impact on gaming culture. Its simplistic charm still resonates with many fans around the world making it worthy of being part of this iconic list.
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PUBG Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds: Survive to the End
Image Credit: Steam
Copies sold: 75 million
Release year: 2017
At number five we find Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG). Developed and published by Chinese gaming company Tencent Games, PUBG was released as an early access title in March 2017 for Microsoft Windows devices. It has sold over seventy million copies worldwide, making it one of the most successful battle royale games ever created.
In PUBG, up to 100 players compete against each other on a massive map where they must scavenge for weapons and supplies while attempting to survive until the end of the round. The last player standing wins the match. Players can also choose between solo or team play, giving them more options when playing with friends or strangers online. PUBG quickly became popular due to its intense and immersive gameplay, allowing gamers to experience something unique that hadn’t been seen before in video games at that time. Additionally, its free-to-play model helped draw attention from casual gamers who may not have otherwise tried out the game had it cost money upfront.
The success of PUBG goes beyond sales numbers; it has become an international phenomenon inspiring multiple movies, books and television series based off its characters and world building elements. Its influence on pop culture continues even today as many fans around the globe continue to enjoy this classic shooter game every day.
Super Mario Bros: An Epic Journey in the Land of Mushroom Kingdom
Image Credit: Nintendo
Copies sold: 58 million
Release year: 1985
Super Mario Bros. has been a beloved Nintendo franchise since its inception in 1985, and the video game adaptation of it is no exception. It has become one of the most successful titles in history; so much so that it ranks as number six on the list of best-selling video games ever released.
The classic side-scrolling platformer requires players to take control of Mario as they battle their way through various obstacles and levels while collecting coins along the way. The objective is to save Princess Peach from Bowser’s clutches by completing each stage with success. Super Mario Bros. became immensely popular due to its simple yet challenging gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy music which still remains iconic today. All these factors combined have led to this title becoming one of the highest selling games across all generations since its release over thirty years ago.
This enduring classic continues to be enjoyed by gamers around the world, proving that great games never really go out of style!
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Mario Cart 8 Deluxe: The Ultimate Kart Racing Game
Copies sold: 56.9 million units sold
Release year: 2014, remastered 2017
Following Super Mario Bros as the seventh best-selling video game of all time, we have Mario Cart 8 Deluxe and for good reason. This racing game features Mario and his friends as they compete in go-kart races on various tracks. The game is a remastered version of the original Mario Cart 8, released for the Nintendo Switch in 2017.
Mario Cart 8 Deluxe features a wide range of tracks and characters, as well as various modes for players to enjoy. It also includes new features such as a Battle Mode, in which players can battle it out in various arenas, and a new Mario Kart character, Inkling Boy and Inkling Girl from the popular game Splatoon.
Red Dead Redemption 2: The Wild West Comes Alive
Image Credit: Xbox
Copies sold: 46 million
Release year: 2018
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a very popular game and checks in as number eight on our list. Developed by Rockstar Games, this open-world western action-adventure shooter has sold around 50 million copies worldwide since its release in 2018. This makes it one of the most successful games ever released and an impressive feat considering how new it is compared to other titles on the list.
The success of Red Dead Redemption 2 can be attributed to its incredible graphics and captivating storyline that draw players into the adventures of Arthur Morgan as he navigates through his life as a member of Dutch’s gang. Additionally, its expansive open world offers plenty for players to explore with missions, characters, side activities, wildlife and more – making it a truly immersive experience. With such high production values and engaging gameplay mechanics, it’s no surprise why so many people have fallen in love with this blockbuster title. It’s certainly earned its place among the top 10 bestselling video games of all time.
Terraria: Build Your Own World and Explore the Depths of Terraria
Copies sold: 44.5 million
Release year: 2011
Terraria is the ninth best-selling video game of all time, and a true classic. This sandbox-style action-adventure game was first released in 2011 and has since become one of the most popular games in its genre.
In Terraria, players can explore randomly generated worlds, build structures, and face off against various enemies. The game features a variety of different biomes, weapons, and armor, as well as boss battles and special events.
Wii Fit Plus: The Fun Way to Get Fit
Copies sold: 43.8 million
Release year: 2007
Wii Fit Plus ends our list of best-selling video game of all time and is a unique take on fitness games. This game was released for the Nintendo Wii in 2009 and offers players a variety of exercise routines, including yoga and strength training.
Wii Fit Plus features a personal trainer that guides players through their routines, and tracks their progress through various charts and graphs. The game also includes mini-games, such as snowboarding and hula-hooping, which add an element of fun to the workout experience.
Factors That Affect Video Game Sales
When it comes to video game sales, there are many factors that can affect how successful a game will be. Whether it’s the graphics, gameplay, marketing campaigns or something else, these elements play a key role in determining whether gamers choose to purchase the title.
The first factor is of course the quality of the game itself. If reviewers and consumers alike feel like they’re getting their money’s worth with a certain title, then they’re more likely to buy it. Additionally, games tend to have better success when publishers create hype around them through promotion activities such as advertising campaigns. Finally, if a game has widespread appeal and can attract both casual and hardcore players – which often happens with sequels – this could also increase its popularity amongst gamers worldwide.
Overall, the combination of good reviews from critics and positive word-of-mouth from satisfied players all contribute towards making a video game one of the top 10 best-selling titles ever released.
How Video Game Sales Have Changed Over Time
Image credit: Visual Capitalist
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Video game sales have changed drastically over the years, with newer technology and trends in gaming. From early console systems to modern day virtual reality experiences, the industry has seen a lot of changes since it first began.
The introduction of smartphones and mobile gaming apps contributed significantly to this growth as well. With more people having access to games from anywhere, there was an increased demand for different types of content. This led to developers creating new genres of games that would appeal to various audiences. Additionally, streaming services like Twitch and YouTube allowed players to share their gameplay experiences with others, further increasing awareness and interest in video games worldwide.
At the same time, video game hardware manufacturers had become increasingly competitive in order to keep up with these advances in gaming technology. Companies such as Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo all released their own consoles which featured unique capabilities and features compared to one another. These advanced consoles made playing games much easier than before and eventually became some of the highest selling products on the market today.
The Impact Of Online Platforms On Video Game Sales
The impact of online platforms on video game sales has been huge. These platforms have enabled developers to reach a wider audience, resulting in a boom in the industry over recent years. The ability to download and purchase video games directly from websites such as Steam or Xbox Live has made it easier than ever for people to access and play their favorite titles. This convenience factor has also meant that more gamers are willing to pay higher prices for better-quality products, which is reflected in the increased sales figures seen in recent years.
Furthermore, online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon have given developers another avenue through which they can promote their products. Through these sites, players can find great deals on used copies of popular titles, allowing them to buy older games at discounted prices. Additionally, with digital downloads becoming increasingly commonplace, it’s now possible for customers to enjoy new releases without having to leave their homes – further contributing to the growth of the video game industry.
The Future of Video Games
When it comes to the future of video games, there’s no denying that technology will play a major role. Online platforms are now an integral part of the gaming landscape and have had a huge impact on video game sales in recent years. This is likely to continue into the near future as developers find new ways to take advantage of online services for their titles.
It’s also worth considering how other trends may influence the industry going forward. From virtual reality experiences and streaming technology to artificial intelligence and cloud computing, these technologies could open up many exciting opportunities for gamers and developers alike. As we move towards a more connected world, there is potential for even greater innovation when it comes to interactive entertainment.
The next few years should be an interesting time for both players and creators, so it’ll be fascinating to see which titles make it onto the list of all-time top sellers in the coming years.
Conclusion – All Time Best Selling Video Games
The video game industry is one that has gone through a great amount of change over the years. With new consoles, technologies, and genres being introduced all the time, it can be difficult to determine which games have been the most successful in terms of sales. The top 10 best-selling video games of all time demonstrate how certain titles remain popular for generations while others are only short-lived successes.
Factors such as platform availability and online support play an increasingly important role in determining success in the gaming industry, but no matter what comes next, these ten games will always hold their undisputed place at the top of the list. As we look ahead to future releases, it’s clear that there will always be room for new titles to make their mark on this ever-expanding market. Whether they reach the same level of success remains to be seen, but with so many talented developers out there striving for greatness, it seems likely that more timeless classics are just around the corner.