The 25 bestselling
video games of
all time
Join us on a journey through the pixels and polygons that have defined generations as we delve into the top 25 bestselling video games of all time.
This article is more than simple information; it’s a testament to innovation, creativity, and the ever-evolving landscape of interactive entertainment.
From the early days of pixelated arcades to the fully immersive and high-definition experiences we have today, there have been countless games that have captured the hearts of millions worldwide.
Each game in this list represents more than just impressive sales figures; they symbolize milestones in technology, storytelling, and cultural phenomena that have shaped the gaming industry and entertainment as a whole.
So, grab your controllers, and let’s embark on an epic adventure through the annals of gaming history! In this article, we’ll explore how these iconic games achieved their legendary status and why they have resonated so strongly with gamers across the globe.
Criteria for Ranking
The video games you’ll find in this list have been ranked by their sales figures from highest to lowest. Before we begin, however, it’s worth briefly explaining how these figures are calculated and reported by their respective developers.
Because there are so many different types of games, distributors, and stores, it can be difficult to track the exact sales figures accurately. However, the total sales figures for a game are typically compiled using data from the following sources:
Retail Sales Tracking:
Specialized companies like Circana in the United States, Media Create in Japan, and GfK in European countries track retail sales, which they obtain from physical retail stores. This data is then extrapolated to estimate total sales figures, but it does not include online retail data. These organizations report monthly, quarterly, and annual sales data.
Digital Sales Reporting:
The rise of digital distribution platforms like Steam, PlayStation Network, and Xbox Live has meant that digital sales make up a significant portion of total game sales. Online sellers report these figures directly, but they are often less transparent compared to physical sales data.
Publisher and Developer Reports:
Video game publishers and developers often release their sales figures in press releases, financial reports, and investor calls. These figures include both physical and digital sales, and they sometimes also include data from free downloads or active users for free-to-play games.
Market Research Firms:
These companies conduct independent analyses, sometimes using proprietary algorithms and data collection methods to estimate sales figures. They may also consider additional factors like online engagement and secondary market sales in their findings.
Third-Party Aggregators:
Websites and platforms that specialize in video game data estimate sales information from various sources. However, these figures are often unreliable and should be taken as estimates rather than official data.
Finding accurate sales figures can be challenging, as some companies don’t regularly disclose digital sales data, and the used game market is unaccounted for. What’s more, the figures of free-to-play games, which earn revenue through in-game purchases and subscriptions, are difficult to compare directly with traditional game sales.
For a more comprehensive view, this article includes total figures from worldwide sales. This global perspective provides a deeper understanding of a game’s overall success and popularity.
Top 25 Best-Selling Video Games
Without further ado, then, let’s dive into the top 25 video games with the highest worldwide sales of all time! You’ll find all sorts of weird, wonderful, and wacky games in this selection, a true testament to the creativity of the human race.
There’s a handy graph just below with each game and its sales figures, but read on to find more information about each game, including its release date and what platform you can play it on.
25
Call of Duty:
Modern Warfare
Total Sales:
Developer:
Publisher:
Release for various consoles on
October 25
The Call of Duty franchise has been a staple of the gaming world for the past two decades.
The remake of its fourth title by Activision, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, has seen the most critical and commercial success of the lot, gaining around 30,000,000 sales since its release for various consoles on October 25, 2019.
With an intriguing campaign and a battle royale multiplayer mode called Warzone, the game received huge praise from various notable publications.
24
New Super Mario Bros. Wii
Total Sales:
Developer:
Publisher:
Release in November
Occupying a similar position on this list is the sequel to the DS version of the New Super Mario Bros. game. New Super Mario Bros.
Wii was launched exclusively for the Wii off the back of the commercial success of its DS counterpart in November 2009.
In this version, you can play with up to four players as you collectively try to beat the extensive levels and worlds within the Mushroom Kingdom.
New Super Mario Bros. Wii won numerous accolades, including the award for Best Wii Game by various publications.
23
New Super Mario Bros.
Total Sales:
Developer:
Publisher:
New Super Mario Bros. is the biggest-selling game for the Nintendo DS of all time.
Released in 2006, the game revisits the classic side-scrolling Mario format with some additional power-ups and features, including the ability to perform ground pounds and the thrilling mega mushroom.
Like its predecessors, New Super Mario Bros. features levels within worlds that the player must beat in order to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of the evil King Bowser.
22
Super
Smash
Bros.
Ultimate
Total Sales:
Developer:
Publisher:
The most recent installment of the Super Smash Bros. franchise, Ultimate truly lives up to its name. It has the biggest selection of characters in a Smash Bros. game to date, with even more added through various DLCs that were released in subsequent years.
13 Nominations!
Released on the Nintendo Switch on November 7,
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate was released on the Nintendo Switch on November 7, 2018, and won a whopping ten Game of the Year awards with thirteen nominations.
It is currently the bestselling fighting game of all time.
21
The Legend of
Zelda: Breath of
the Wild
Total Sales:
Developer:
Publisher:
This game release in
and has won numerous awards
There were huge expectations of this game before it came out, and it’s safe to say it more than surpassed them.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (commonly referred to as simply BOTW) is frequently found on reviewers’ lists of top video games and has won numerous awards and accolades since its release in 2017.
A continuation of the Legend of Zelda series, players control Link as he explores the vast open world of Hyrule on his quest to save Princess Zelda from Calamity Ganon.
Available exclusively on the Switch and Wii U, this game is undoubtedly one of Nintendo’s best.
20
Wii Sports Resort
Total Sales:
Developer:
Publisher:
The sequel to the classic Wii Sports, Wii Sports Resort became another huge hit when it was released for Nintendo Wii on June 25, 2009. The game is set on the tropical Wuhu Island and features more than double the amount of sports as its predecessor.
It is the third bestselling game on the Wii of all time, gaining numerous awards and nominations along the way.
Players use the Wii motion controls, as well as the Wii MotionPlus attachment, to swing, throw, fly, run, shoot, and hit their way through a range of sports and minigames.
Swing
Throw
Fly
Run
Shoot
Hit
19
Assassin’s
Creed IV: Black
Flag
Total Sales:
Developer:
Publisher:
Released on October 29
Assassin’s Creed, created by Ubisoft, is one of the greatest video game series of all time, and its fourth installment, Black Flag, was released on October 29, 2013.
Receiving critical acclaim from numerous publications, it is widely considered to be one of the best titles in the franchise.
Developed for a myriad of consoles, including Xbox, Playstation, PC, Switch, and Wii U, Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag lets players control Edward Kenway, a Welsh pirate looking to preserve peace and free will in the West Indies during the golden age of pirates.
With wicked combat and epic open-world adventures, it is certainly a game worth playing.
18
Mario
Kart Wii
Total Sales:
Developer:
Publisher:
Released on
Nintendo Wii on April 10
Every gamer has their preference of Mario Kart variant, and as wonderful as the most recent Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is, we still believe that nothing has topped Mario Kart Wii so far.
Released exclusively for the Nintendo Wii on April 10, 2008, its vast sales figures speak for themselves.
Mario Kart Wii was so special because it used Wii motion controls to give each player their own steering wheel.
Plus, it boasted redesigned tracks from old consoles and a host of unlockable characters and vehicles. The game even won a Guinness World Record for being the bestselling racing game of all time until it was surpassed by its same-named successor.
17
Pac-Man
Total Sales:
Developer:
Publisher:
Initially released in
The oldest game on this list, Pac-Man has been the face of arcade gaming for decades.
Initially released in 1980 for arcade machines, Namco has since developed Pac-Man for other consoles. There’s now not a phone, computer, or console in the world that doesn’t have access to this timeless title.
The game is simple: you play as Pac-Man, a small yellow mouth, as you navigate a maze collecting all the white dots and fruit without letting any of the ghosts catch you! It’s such a simple concept, yet it’s proved incredibly addictive to generations of gamers!
16
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Total Sales:
Developer:
Publisher:
Launched pre-
COVID-19 in March.
Released just before the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, Animal Crossing: New Horizons shot up the charts thanks to its accessible gameplay and homely graphics.
Available only on the Nintendo Switch, this game has hit surprisingly impressive sales figures since its release.
Your fully customizable character starts a new life on a deserted island after buying a getaway package from Tom Nook.
From there, you can pretty much do what you want on your journey to build a life and home for yourself using materials harvested and farmed from nature.
15
Wii Fit / Plus
Wii Fit and its update, Wii Fit Plus, were revolutionary when they came out in 2007 and 2009, respectively.
Making the most of the newly developed Wii motion technology using the Wii Balance Board, players could train in aerobics, strength, yoga, balance, and mindfulness by participating in the various minigames and challenges.
Total Sales:
Developer:
Publisher:
The game became so popular that even health professionals and rehabilitation centers began using it as a form of improving posture and general well-being. A great game for engaging in light-hearted physical exercise, Wii Fit is an icon of its time.
14
Terraria
Total Sales:
Developer:
Publisher:
Released on May 16
Released on May 16, 2011 by the independent developer Re-Logic, Terraria is an action-adventure sandbox game that features a 2D world with endless possibilities. Players roam freely in a procedurally generated world, finding resources and crafting special items to enhance their character’s strength and abilities.
The game was initially built for Windows but has since been developed for other PC and console platforms. It has received glowing reviews over the years thanks to its accessibility, unique design, and endless entertainment.
13
Pokemon
Red/Green/Blue/Yellow
Total Sales:
Developer:
Publisher:
One of the all-time greatest series, the original Pokemon titles revolutionized platform gaming.
The first Pokemon games in this list are arguably the best, as they defined a genre and initiated the creation of one of the most successful franchises ever.
Released for the
Game Boy on February 27
Released for the Game Boy on February 27, 1996, these first Pokemon games encouraged the collecting, battling, and trading of fantastical monsters.
They laid the foundations for an immensely popular franchise, even earning re-releases for the Game Boy Advance as Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen.
12
Tetris (1989)
Total Sales:
Developer:
Publisher:
The second variant of Tetris on this list is Nintendo’s 1989 version, which was made exclusively for the Game Boy but is now available to Switch users.
It gave Alexey Pajitnov’s original game a portable design, allowing users to play Tetris on the go.
This classically addictive game topped the video game sales charts in both Japan and the US during the year of its release.
Its success is partially due to its inclusion as a bundle with the Game Boy in the US, and its longevity is almost unrivaled in the gaming world.
11
Human: Fall Flat
Total Sales:
Developer:
Publisher:
Human: Fall Flat is a puzzle game where players control Bob, a regular human with no supernatural abilities whatsoever. In each level, players must solve physics puzzles by making Bob interact with the elements around him. Puzzles have multiple solutions, and players can customize Bob with colors and costumes to their liking.
Released on July 22
Released on July 22, 2016, Human: Fall Flat was the brainchild of Tomas Sakalauskas, who founded the Lithuanian studio No Brakes Games.
It was an instant hit with streamers, who boosted its sales by promoting the game on their channels. Human: Fall Flat is available on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
10
The Witcher 3:
Wild Hunt
Total Sales:
Developer:
Publisher:
In this fantastical game, players control the eponymous Witcher, named Geralt of Rivia, as he searches for his adopted daughter who is on the run from the Wild Hunt.
It’s a wonderfully intricate third-person game with a well-designed world and engaging dialogue.
Claimed over 200 Game of the Year awards, Released on May 19
Released on May 19, 2015, The Witcher 3 has claimed over 200 Game of the Year awards and has been praised by many as a truly outstanding video game. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is available on multiple consoles, including Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
09
Overwatch
Total Sales:
Developer:
Publisher:
The game was released on Playstation, Xbox, PC, and Switch on May 24, 2016.
Another game with an immense fanbase, Overwatch is a team-based first-person shooter that emphasizes strategy and teamwork as well as combat. Players choose from one of over two dozen pre-made heroes to play as and can change characters mid-match.
08
Red Dead
Redemption 2
Total Sales:
Developer:
Publisher:
The development process for Red Dead Redemption 2 took eight years, but I’m sure everyone agrees it was well worth it.
Playing as the outlaw Arthur Morgan, you can roam the Wild West of 1899 as you fight government forces, rival gangs, and angry citizens.
Released on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC on October 26, 2018, Red Dead Redemption 2 immediately shot to the top of the video game charts, winning multiple Game of the Year awards and being praised as an example of video games as an art form.
07
Super Mario Bros.
Total Sales:
Developer:
Publisher:
One of the all-time classics, Super Mario Bros. defined a generation of gaming when it was released back on September 13, 1985. Available initially on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), it was made available as an arcade game and has also been re-released for later platforms, such as the Game Boy Advance.
Super Mario Bros. popularized side-scrollers and gave players a much more in-depth gaming experience. Its charming characters and responsive gameplay quickly affirmed its popularity among fans, and it has since been frequently cited as one of the best video games of all time.
06
Mario Kart 8 /
Deluxe
Total Sales:
Developer:
Publisher:
Mario Kart 8 was released exclusively for the Wii U on May 29
Mario Kart 8 was released exclusively for the Wii U on May 29, 2013, and re-released as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on the Nintendo Switch on April 28, 2017.
It’s a continuation of the beloved Mario Kart series, which has seen a number of releases across all kinds of consoles, including the Nintendo 64 and the handheld Nintendo DS.
During its year of release, Mario Kart 8 won the Best Sports/Racing Game and Best Family Game at The Game Awards 2014.
It’s now a staple on any gamer’s Switch, providing endless entertainment with high-definition graphics and a generous helping of nostalgia.
05
PUBG:
Battlegrounds
Total Sales:
Developer:
Publisher:
Released on December 20
PUBG: Battlegrounds revolutionized the gaming world when it was released on December 20, 2017. Based on the Japanese film Battle Royale, PUBG is credited with popularizing the battle royale genre, where players fight to be the last one standing.
It’s available across all major platforms, including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and on mobile.
The game has won countless awards and has even set seven Guinness World Records, including one for the most actively played video game on Steam. PUBG has even become an eSport in its own right, with lucrative and highly competitive tournaments held around the globe.
04
Wii Sports
Total Sales:
Developer:
Publisher:
Released on November 19
Wii Sports is the bestselling game of all time on a single console. It was designed especially for the Nintendo Wii and has captured the hearts of gamers for almost two decades.
The Wii was a revolutionary console, and Wii Sports was its figurehead. Players could swing, punch, and throw across a variety of sports that included the beloved bowling, boxing, and baseball events, all while playing as their own customized avatar (the Mii). It won the Game Critics Award for Best Sports Game in its debut year and went on to win countless more.
03
Tetris (EA)
Total Sales:
Developer:
Publisher:
Developed initially in 1985
If you’re a gamer, you probably already know the origin story of Tetris. Developed initially in 1985 by Alexy Pajitnov, a Soviet software engineer, Tetris spread like wildfire across the world. This version, released on September 12, 2006, by EA, is the biggest-selling variant to date.
This popularity is in part due to its accessibility as a mobile game. EA’s Tetris is available on any kind of phone, including both iOS and Android, and is only one of three games known to have surpassed 100 million sales (at the time of writing).
02
Grand Theft
Auto V
Total Sales:
Developer:
Publisher:
first Grand Theft Auto in
This one needs no introduction. Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto series has been changing the industry with every new release dating all the way back to the first Grand Theft Auto in 1997. The seventh installment, Grand Theft Auto V, was released on September 17, 2013, and was played religiously by gamers for over a decade.
Its popularity was so big that its re-releases spanned three generations of consoles: the PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X, winning countless awards along the way.
From stealing flashy cars to causing mayhem with police chases, Grand Theft Auto V is an endless and incredible game.
01
Minecraft
Total Sales:
Developer:
Publisher:
Well into its second decade of life, Minecraft, created by Mojang studios, is still as popular as ever. It was released across multiple platforms on November 18, 2011, and is now available on a range of consoles, including Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox Series X, and PS5.
released across multiple platforms on
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a gamer out there who hasn’t given Minecraft a try. The game is both simple and complex as players collect materials, fight enemies, and build whatever they can imagine in a completely unique world. There’s a reason why this game has won multiple Golden Joystick and Kids’ Choice Awards over the years!
Analysis of the Top Sellers
As we mentioned previously, the figures in this article may not be 100% accurate due to difficulties in estimating exact sales figures. However, we can see that one publisher stands out above the rest: Nintendo.
Over half of the top 25 bestselling video games were published by Nintendo and developed by related studios like Nintendo EAD, Nintendo EPD, and Nintendo R&D4.
Nintendo Nintendo Nintendo Nintendo Nintendo Nintendo Nintendo Nintendo Nintendo Nintendo Nintendo
This is even more impressive considering that Nintendo games are released only on Nintendo products, covering systems like the NES, Wii, Game Boy, and Switch.
PC-first games seem to sell fewer copies than console games, but this could be due to the challenges in reporting digital sales.
Pac-man
released in 1980
The oldest game on this list is Pac-Man, which was released in 1980. Two other games from the ‘80s also make the list: Tetris (1989) and Super Mario Bros. Meanwhile, the most recent game on this list is Animal Crossing: New Horizons, released just before the pandemic in 2020. The timing of its release is thought to be what contributed to its huge commercial success.
Animal Crossing:
New Horizons
released in 2020
Changing Dynamics in Video Game Sales
Exact video game sales figures are becoming increasingly hard to pinpoint, largely due to the rise of digital distribution through online platforms. The impact of these digital suppliers ー such as Steam and Xbox Live ー has been extensive, changing the gaming world for good.
Here’s how the online distribution of video games has positively influenced the gaming industry:
Increased Accessibility and Convenience
Digital distribution has made accessing games more convenient than ever. Players can purchase and download games directly to their consoles or computers, eliminating the need for physical copies. This convenience has broadened the gaming audience and increased overall sales.
Long-Term Sales
Digital stores allow older games to remain available and continue generating sales long after their initial release. This boosts a game’s overall sales and long-term profitability.
Frequent Sales and Promotions
Digital stores often run sales and promotions, making games more affordable and driving sales. These special offers can also significantly boost the visibility and popularity of a game.
Data-Driven Marketing and Personalization
Since digital platforms collect user data, you can benefit from targeted marketing and personalized recommendations. This approach increases sales by promoting games to the right audience.
Lower Distribution Costs
When there’s no need for physical copies, distribution costs go down. Cost-savings in manufacturing, packaging, and shipping lead to lower prices for consumers and higher profit margins for publishers and developers.
Greater Reach and Global Availability
Digital accessibility allows games to reach a wider audience instantly. This expanded availability has opened up new markets, particularly in regions where physical distribution was limited or non-existent.
Indie Game Explosion
Accessible digital platforms have allowed independent developers to release games without the need for huge financial backing or the support of a major publisher. This has created a boom in the indie gaming sector, diversifying the gaming landscape and giving rise to unexpected hits.
Challenges of Digital Distribution
The digital distribution of video games has also led to certain challenges that have negatively impacted the gaming industry. Poor game visibility, continuous monetization, and shifting purchase models have frustrated both gamers and small-scale developers in recent years.
Let’s take a closer look at how the increased digital distribution of video games has created challenges for the gaming community:
Reduced Visibility for Games:
While digital distribution has opened up the market, it has also led to an oversaturated marketplace. This makes it challenging for certain games, particularly indie games, to stand out and achieve significant results.
Continuous Monetization and In-Game Purchases:
Digital distribution has increased the prevalence of live service games, which are filled with in-game purchases and subscriptions. While there are some who like this model, many gamers feel frustrated by games that restrict the best things to in-game purchases.
Shift to Subscription Models:
While this isn’t necessarily a negative thing, it has challenged the gaming industry. Services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Now offer a catalog of games for a monthly fee, much like a Netflix subscription for video games. Those who cannot afford this subscription often feel like they’re missing out, while subscribers frequently cite that these services aren’t worth the monthly fee.
This list shows the top 25 bestselling video games of all time. While there are some extraordinary titles listed here, this doesn’t mean they’re objectively the best games out there. If you’re thinking about buying a new video game, you should take into consideration your own personal taste and the game’s console compatibility.
For instance, don’t buy The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild if you haven’t got a Nintendo Switch because you won’t be able to play it. Instead, choose a game that’s compatible across multiple consoles, such as Red Dead Redemption 2.
Conclusion
This list shows the top 25 bestselling video games of all time. While there are some extraordinary titles listed here, this doesn’t mean they’re objectively the best games out there. If you’re thinking about buying a new video game, you should take into consideration your own personal taste and the game’s console compatibility.
For instance, don’t buy The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild if you haven’t got a Nintendo Switch because you won’t be able to play it. Instead, choose a game that’s compatible across multiple consoles, such as Red Dead Redemption 2.
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What is the highest-selling video game of all time?
The highest-selling video game of all time is “Minecraft,” which has sold over 200 million copies across all platforms.
What best-selling game franchise of all time?
The best-selling game franchise of all time is the Mario franchise by Nintendo. With iconic characters like Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser, the series has sold over 690 million copies worldwide across various platforms and genres.
What is the most played game right now?
As of now, the most played game is typically “Fortnite” due to its massive popularity and engaging gameplay.
Which Call of Duty sold the most?
As of 2024, the best-selling Call of Duty game is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019), followed closely by Call of Duty: Black Ops.
Is GTA 5 still popular?
Yes, GTA 5 is still popular despite being released in 2013. The game has a dedicated fan base and continues to receive updates and support from the developers, keeping players engaged and interested.
Which gaming platform has the most top-selling video games of all time?
The Nintendo platform has historically been known for having the most top-selling video games of all time as of 2023. This includes both home consoles such as the Nintendo Switch, Wii, and various iterations of the Nintendo DS, as well as classic systems like the NES and SNES.
What criteria are used to rank the top-selling video games of all time?
The criteria used to rank the top-selling video games of all time typically include total units sold, revenue generated, and overall impact and influence on the gaming industry. Other factors may also be considered, such as critical reception, longevity, and cultural significance.