There is a vast array of video games available, spanning from old-time favorites to recently-released titles, making it difficult to choose the best ones. Hence, we have compiled a list of the top 10 highest-selling video games of all time to assist you in your search. Regardless of your preference for RPGs, shooters, or platformers, these popular games cater to everyone’s taste. Continue reading to explore what makes each game unique and why they are still adored by gamers worldwide.
10. Pokémon Red / Green / Blue / Yellow (33 million)
One of the highest-selling video games of all time are Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow. Originally launched in Japan in 1996, they made their way to North America in 1998, with Pokémon Red and Blue marking the first release of Pokémon games outside Japan.
Pokémon Red and Blue were a massive success, with over 4 million copies sold in the first year alone. Pokémon Yellow also saw an impressive response, with over 2 million copies sold. Collectively, these three games have sold over 33 million copies worldwide.
The phenomenal triumph of Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow paved the way for an immensely popular franchise that continues to thrive today. The Pokémon series has generated numerous spin-off games, anime series, films, toys, and much more, earning its place as one of the most cherished video game franchises of all time.
9. Terraria (44.5 Million)
Re-Logic is the developer of Terraria, a video game initially launched on May 16, 2011, and later adapted for various consoles and mobile devices. This game offers exploration, crafting, construction, and combat with a diverse range of creatures in a 2D world generated procedurally.
With over 44.5 million copies sold globally, Terraria has become one of the most popular video games in history.
8. Red Dead Redemption 2 (46 Million)
Released in 2018, Red Dead Redemption 2 has earned a spot as one of the highest-selling video games. This action-adventure game is based on the American Old West, and the plot revolves around Arthur Morgan, a gang member of Dutch van der Linde.
Upon its launch, the game received widespread critical acclaim, with particular praise for its storyline, characters, open world, and graphics. It has won numerous Game of the Year awards and has sold over 34 million copies globally.
7. Mario Kart 8 / Deluxe (57 Million)
Mario Kart 8, which came out in 2014, has emerged as one of the best-selling video games of all time. This game features fresh tracks and characters, along with advanced graphics and gameplay mechanics. In 2017, a revised edition of the game named Mario Kart 8 Deluxe hit the market, which contains all the original content along with supplementary tracks, characters, and features.
Both versions of Mario Kart 8 offer an excellent racing experience, with something for every player. Whether you are a devotee of the Mario Kart franchise or seeking an exciting racing game, Mario Kart 8 or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a superb option.
6. Super Mario Bros. (58 Million)
Super Mario Bros, a platform video game developed by Nintendo, was published as a sequel to the 1983 game Mario Bros in 1985. Shigeru Miyamoto created this game, which has been ported to many other systems and sparked a series of related games and products.
The game’s plot centers around Mario’s quest to rescue Princess Toadstool (later known as Princess Peach) of the Mushroom Kingdom from Bowser, the Koopas’ king. The gameplay offers two modes: single-player, in which the player controls both Mario and Luigi, and multiplayer, in which one or two players can control each character, respectively. Both modes use a side-scrolling view.
Super Mario Bros. introduced various gameplay elements that became standard in future games of its genre, including power-ups and save states. It is widely considered one of the most influential games ever made, spawning a franchise with numerous sequels and spin-offs.
The game is also credited with reviving the video game industry following the 1983 video game crash and popularizing home console gaming among a wider audience than ever before outside of Japan.
5. PUBG: Battlegrounds (75 Million)
PUBG: Battlegrounds is a popular video game that has sold over fifty million copies, making it one of the best-selling games of all time. Developed by the team at PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, the game was first released in 2017 and has continued to receive updates and new content since then.
In PUBG: Battlegrounds, players are dropped onto a large map with up to one hundred other players and must fight to be the last person standing. The game has received widespread critical acclaim for its mechanics and gameplay, with many reviewers praising its tense, competitive atmosphere.
Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the world of video games, PUBG: Battlegrounds offers an engaging and exciting experience that is sure to keep you coming back for more.
4. Wii Sports (82.9 Million)
Released in 2006 by Nintendo, Wii Sports quickly became a classic and one of the best-selling video games of all time. The game features five sports – tennis, baseball, bowling, golf, and boxing – each with its own unique gameplay that utilizes the Wii Remote controller. The game’s success led to the development of several sequels and spin-offs.
3. Tetris (EA) (100 Million)
Originally created by Alexey Pajitnov while working at the Dorodnicyn Computing Centre of the Academy of Science of the USSR in Moscow, Tetris is a tile-matching puzzle video game. The game was released on June 6, 1984 and gained immense popularity in the West after being ported to Western personal computers like the Commodore 64 in 1987 by Spectrum HoloByte. The game has been published by several companies, with EA releasing a successful version for iOS devices in 2009.
2. Grand Theft Auto V (170 Million)
With over 90 million copies sold, Grand Theft Auto V is one of the most successful video games of all time. Developed by Rockstar Games and released in 2013, the game takes place in the fictional state of San Andreas and follows three protagonists: Michael, Trevor, and Franklin.
The game’s open-world design allows players to explore the vast map at their leisure, completing various missions and activities. In addition to the main story, there are many side missions and mini-games to discover. Grand Theft Auto V also features an online multiplayer mode, known as GTA Online, where players can team up and compete in various game modes.
Critics have lauded the game’s storytelling, voice acting, graphics, gameplay, and mission design. It is considered one of the highest-rated games of all time, receiving universal acclaim and numerous awards.
1. Minecraft (238 Million)
Minecraft, a video game launched in 2011, offers a sandbox-style gaming experience, allowing players to construct, explore, and combat mobs. The game has gained immense popularity and has sold over 238 million copies, making it one of the highest-selling video games to date.