Video games have become a massive part of our lives, offering fun, excitement, and even a way to connect with others. But among the thousands of games out there, only a few have reached the top as the best-selling games of all time. These games are loved by millions, breaking records and setting new standards in the gaming world.

Do you know that the global video game market is now over US$250 billion? This evaluation will grow to about US$363.20 billion come 2027 according to Statista. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 best-selling games, uncovering why they became so popular and what makes them stand out. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore fan, you’ll find something interesting as we dive into the stories behind these incredible games.

Our criteria for best-selling games: 

A “best-selling” game has sold a large number of copies, making it popular among players worldwide. This typically means the total number of units sold, which includes both physical and digital copies. To determine if a game is a best-seller, we look at the number of copies sold, including physical store and digital downloaded copies. Let’s get started!

Tetris

• Sales Figures: 520 million copies sold.
• Release Date: June 6, 1984.
• Developer: Alexey Pajitnov.
• Publisher: Various.
• Platforms: Available on most platforms.
• IGN Review Score: 9.

The classic logic game Tetris has sold more copies than any other game in history—520 million units—and has been on the market since June 6, 1984, when its designer, Alexey Pajitnov, first created it. In the years following, Tetris has been published by several companies and ported to a large number of platforms.

The concept is fairly simple: the falling tetrominoes rotate and arrange in such a way that complete horizontal lines are formed. Its simplest gameplay, however, has universal appeal and accessibility that have kept it going strong over the last four decades.

Tetris obtained widespread critical acclaim for its timeless game design that offers challenges alongside rewards. In 2023, a 13-year-old player (Blue Scuti) became the first person to actually beat the game, demonstrating its continued relevance and the skill required to master it.

While the original version was released for the Soviet Union-developed Elektronika 60 computer, Tetris has since been adapted for over 50 different platforms, including the Game Boy, which helped launch the handheld console to success by selling 35 million copies.

Modern adaptations of the classic continue to be released, such as Tetris Effect: Connected, which brought the game to current-gen consoles with an emotional twist, and Puyo Puyo Tetris 2, released by SEGA in 2020.

In view of its ever-attractive look, play-anywhere type, and versatility to morph into new media and technology, Tetris unarguably remains the best-selling game of all time.

Minecraft

• Sales Figures: 300 million copies sold.
• Release Date: November 18, 2011.
• Developer: Mojang Studios.
• Publisher: Mojang Studios.
• Platforms: Multi-platform.
• IGN Review Score: 9.

The success of Minecraft was monumental, with a story attached to it. Mojang Studios has sold over 300 million copies of Minecraft since November 18, 2011, and it has found a place on most gaming platforms worldwide. This is reflected in its very high review score on IGN, at 9, implying quality and broad appeal. 

The background of the game is as unique as it begins with a simple creation story. The initial warm reception at the start of the game sets it up for long-lasting success. Several factors can be presented as to why it was so popular: unique gameplay mechanics that give players creative freedom and an opportunity to engage in a vibrant community. 

Minecraft evolves because of constant updates and plans for further expansion in the near future, including over 1 trillion views of Minecraft-related content on YouTube. Further development is underway for exciting spin-offs such as Minecraft Dungeons and Minecraft Legends that will continue to make Minecraft dynamic and interesting to both new and veteran players.

In Minecraft, players can also make money from their gaming passions through live streaming of gameplay, professional gaming, and game modification. However, it is important to note that getting paid for playing games does not happen automatically; you have to work for it and think tactfully. To this date, Minecraft still receives updates and new content, and it is included in the list of the longest-selling video games of all time because of its popularity and endless creativity.

Grand Theft Auto V

• Grand Theft Auto V
• Sales Figures: 200 million copies sold.
• Release Date: September 17, 2013.
• Developer: Rockstar North.
• Publisher: Rockstar Games.
• Platforms: Multi-platform.
• IGN Review Score: 10.

Grand Theft Auto V is an open-world, action-adventure game that has received very positive critical acclaim. It is number three on the all-time best-seller list, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide. Developed by Rockstar North and published under Rockstar Games, GTA V was first released on September 17, 2013, for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.

GTA V is the fifteenth installment in the line of super-popular open-world environments with engaging storylines under the brand Grand Theft Auto. Development began shortly after Grand Theft Auto IV’s release in 2008 by a team of over 1,000 people. How much of a success GTA V has been solidifies it as a landmark title in the series and gaming in general.

It’s the fastest-selling entertainment product in history and has become a massive part of modern pop culture, with over $1 billion sold within three days of launching. This game gives players in-game freedom of movement around a fictional Los Angeles and couples a more engaging storyline through the play of three characters with an online game called GTA Online. 

Gamers are now focused on the soon-to-come GTA VI, which aims to take all the good from its predecessor and add new features and improvements to the open-world genre of video games. Even in the face of this success, GTA VI remains a fan favorite among series enthusiasts. 

Wii Sports

• Sales Figures: 82.9 million copies sold.
• Release Date: November 19, 2006.
• Developer: Nintendo EAD.
• Publisher: Nintendo.
• Platforms: Wii.
• IGN Review Score: 7.5.

Wii Sports is one of the best-selling games, with 82.9 million copies sold worldwide. Released on November 19, 2006, Nintendo EAD developed and published this game, which showcases the Wii console’s innovative motion controls.

Wii Sports introduced motion-based gameplay, which physically allowed people to play tennis, bowling, and boxing. This new style pulled in many people—including those who are not big video game players—and became a cultural phenomenon.

Wii Sports comes with a family-friendly console to promote play between families and friends. It launched with the Wii outside of Japan. The game became the basis of tons of memes and just something one would do with friends when they came over. Wii Sports cemented the case that the Wii was a very family-friendly machine, affecting not only future Nintendo titles but also other games within the gaming industry. To this very day, Wii Sports remains an exemplary title. 

PUBG: Battlegrounds

• Sales Figures: 75 million copies sold.
• Release Date: December 20, 2017.
• Developer: PUBG Studios.
• Publisher: Krafton.
• Platforms: Multi-platform.
• IGN Review Score: 9.5.

PUBG: Battlegrounds led the scene in battle royale gaming and has sold over 75 million copies worldwide since December 20, 2017. Being developed by PUBG Studios and published by Krafton, this game scored a really high 9.5 in IGN reviews.

PUBG: Battlegrounds was primarily conceived as a mod to Arma 2, a military simulator before it branched off to be developed as an independent game. Such a mix of survival, strategy, and multiplayer genres quickly swept gamers worldwide in its wake.

The game’s genre of battle royale has been so compelling that it mainly sets a field of 100 players against one another to become the last man standing. More than anything else, it is the engaging multiplayer experience, its focus on teamwork, and strategic gameplay that have held players to their screens.

The mobile version of PUBG: Battlegrounds turned out to be a great success, and the game was notably most prominent in regions like India and China. In 2022, PUBG Mobile sat in third place with the highest-earning game, generating revenue of $1.1 billion. It also became free to play, decisively opening it to the general public. It is still regularly updated, and new content is added, living a long life in the best-selling games market.

Mario Kart 8 / Deluxe

• Sales Figures: 70.43 million copies sold.
• Release Date: May 29, 2014.
• Developer: Nintendo EAD.
• Publisher: Nintendo.
• Platforms: Wii U, Switch.
• IGN Review Score: 9.3.

Many racing gamers love Mario Kart 8 / Deluxe due to its stunning graphics and anti-gravity racing. It was developed by Nintendo EAD and published by Nintendo. Since its release on May 29, 2014, it has sold 70.43 million copies. Its review score from IGN is 9.3.

Mario Kart 8 continues the great racing series heritage by introducing innovations like anti-gravity racing. The Deluxe version boosts graphics and has more interactive content.

Its huge success could be attributed to the nostalgic feel, joyful multiplayer modes, and the constant updating of tracks and characters that keep gamers engaged. Packaged with a Nintendo Switch, it has become a must-have title for too many gamers.

The reason for this could be that Mario Kart 8/Deluxe often gets a boost from holiday seasons and special editions.

With the new DLC and building up anticipation for Mario Kart 9, the game can grow further and go forward as one of the most-sold games of all time.

Red Dead Redemption 2

• Sales Figures: 64 million copies sold.
• Release Date: October 26, 2018.
• Developer: Rockstar Games.
• Publisher: Rockstar Games.
• Platforms: Multi-platform.
• IGN Review Score: 10.

Rockstar Games are the proud developers and publishers of Red Dead Redemption 2. It released worldwide on October 26, 2018. RD2 has performed extremely well in the market, selling 64 million copies and getting a perfect 10/10 from IGN.

With a team of over 2,000 people, the development of Red Dead Redemption 2 faced immense pressure to meet high expectations. As the third installment in the Red Dead series, players were eagerly anticipating something extraordinary.

Red Dead Redemption 2’s success is largely due to its detailed world, captivating story, and stunning graphics. These elements have made it one of the best-selling games ever. The game has won many awards, including Game of the Year, and continues to stay relevant with regular content updates for Red Dead Online. Fans are eagerly waiting for any news about future projects in the series.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

• Sales Figures: 60 million copies sold.
• Release Date: November 11, 2011.
• Developer: Bethesda Game Studios.
• Publisher: Bethesda Softworks.
• Platforms: Multi-platform.
• IGN Review Score: 9.5.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has sold 60 million copies worldwide since its release on November 11, 2011. Developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks, the game received an IGN review score of 9.5.

Skyrim is the fifth major release in the award-winning Elder Scrolls series, continuing the legacy of this epic open-world RPG franchise. Despite the challenges in development, the result was impressive: a vast, detailed world filled with countless quests and rich lore that truly brings the game to life.

This game runs well for a few reasons; the active modding community, enormity of its open world, and its replayability. Players can customize their experience, extending the game.

It has also continued to directly impact many other RPGs. In fact, it’s considered pop culture, where memes and references rightly belong in the media domain. It still receives mods and special anniversary editions, and for that, it stays among the best-selling games of all time.

Terraria

• Sales Figures: 58.7 million copies sold.
• Release Date: May 16, 2011.
• Developer: Re-Logic.
• Publisher: Re-Logic / 505 Games.
• Platforms: Multi-platform.
• IGN Review Score: 9.

As of the date of this writing, since May 16, 2011, Terraria has sold 58.7 million copies across the globe. Developed by Re-Logic and published by Re-Logic and 505 Games, the game received an IGN review score of 9.

Terraria’s huge success story among the indie gaming circuits has often been compared to Minecraft for its sandbox elements. It is a mix of exploration, crafting, and combat in a 2D world, capturing players since it launched.

Terraria is another game that supports cross-platform play, making it even more engaging for its community. The game continues to introduce new elements, mechanics, and concepts, which often surprise and delight players. Thanks to regular updates and future plans, Terraria remains one of the best-selling video games of all time.

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

• The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
• Sales Figures: 50 million copies sold.
• Release Date: May 19, 2015.
• Developer: CD Projekt Red.
• Publisher: CD Projekt.
• Platforms: Multi-platform.
• IGN Review Score: 9.3.

One of the best-selling games, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, was first released on May 19, 2015, and has already sold over a whopping 75 million copies. Developed by CD Projekt Red, this critically acclaimed, multi-platform game has become a standout in the RPG genre. Based on a popular book series, The Witcher 3 offers an engaging storyline, rich characters, and immersive world-building.

These elements have been key to its global success even landing it a Netflix series adaptation. So, it’s of little wonder why it has a solid spot as one of the best-selling games of all time. Currently, CD Projekt Red is developing new projects to expand the universe of The Witcher and offer a more adventurous experience for fans.

Analysis of Trends in Best-Selling Games

Analysis of popular genres among the best-selling games shows that open-world, sandbox, and battle royale games dominate, with titles such as Minecraft, PUBG, and The Witcher 3. These genres attract millions of players due to their immersive experiences and competitive gameplay.

Insights into which platforms have the most success with best-selling games reveal that consoles like PlayStation and Xbox are the lead, followed by PC and mobile platforms. Console exclusives often drive high sales.

Examining how cultural trends and economic factors influence best-selling games shows that regions with higher disposable incomes and strong gaming cultures, like the US and Japan, see higher sales. While economic downturns may have some effect on video game sales, popular franchises endure.

The Future of Best-Selling Games

The future of best-selling games, together with VR and cloud gaming, appears rather promising from this point of view. Just as we’ve seen already in the Esports World Cup, these technologies will revolutionize how games are played.

Starfield and Elden Ring II might be the next potential candidates to be bondholders of the best-selling games in history. They collaborate with the global audience on a new plot and new features and, therefore, ensure an amusing experience.

It becomes a rigorous competition for game developers to create a game that will be popular on the market. This puts them in the tricky situation of having to innovate while also satisfying players’ expectations.

Final Thoughts

The best-selling games have done more than just sell millions of copies; they’ve made a lasting impact on players around the globe. From the simple, addictive fun of Tetris to the vast, immersive worlds of Minecraft and GTA V, these games have become cultural icons.

Whether you’re a longtime gamer or just starting out, these top-selling titles demonstrate the power of creativity, storytelling, and innovation in the gaming industry. As developers release new games, it will be exciting to see which ones will earn a place on this prestigious list. So keep playing, exploring, and enjoying the amazing world of video games!