With games being one of the oldest mediums of entertainment, you might often find yourself wondering which games have made the biggest bucks. Dozens of titles have gone past the 10 million copies mark, and even more are joining that list every day. Be that as it may, today, we’re focusing our attention on the 5 best-selling video games of all time.
Best Selling Video Games of All Time
Before we jump into which games have sold the most copies, do you have any guesses on what they could be? If so, feel free to comment after reading what you thought were best-selling video games.
5. PUBG – 75 million+ copies
It’s hard to believe that PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds has already surpassed 75 million copies in sales, especially considering how recent the battle royale fever was. Since releasing in 2017, PUBG has blown up, and rightfully so as it’s one of the most satisfying multiplayer shooters out now.
With distinct terrains, beautiful visuals, and loads of guns, PUBG is easily among the best games to pick up at any time during the day. That’s also why it’s the best-selling battle royale game ever made. But let’s be honest if Fortnite wasn’t free, it’d likely smash PUBG’s record.
Related: All Fallout Games, Ranked From Worst To Best
4. Wii Sports – 82.9 million+ copies
Despite it being a simple collection of sports mini-games, Wii Sports has cemented its name as one of the best-selling video games in history with sales topping 82.9 million copies.
When Wii Sports came out, it captured the hearts of many all over the world and revolutionized the way people interacted with games. With its accessibility and innovative motion controls, it carved out a unique and enduring legacy in the gaming industry. It brought gaming into the homes of millions, appealing to both newcomers and seasoned gamers. Wii Sports is not just a best-selling game; it’s a cultural phenomenon that redefined how we think about video games, making it a classic that will be remembered for generations to come.
3. GTA V – 185 million+ copies
GTA V’s well-earned status as one of the best-selling video games of all time can be attributed to the stunning combination of an immersive open world, a compelling storyline, a thriving online community, and ongoing support from the developer. These factors have contributed to the game’s enduring popularity. With over 185 million copies sold, GTA V serves as a testament to Rockstar Games’ ability to create an entertaining experience that transcends generations and keeps players coming back for more.
Its multiplayer mode has also been a massive hit which allows players to explore its vast world with friends, and pull off clever heists that will leave your heart racing. The constant stream of content also plays a role in keeping the game fresh and bringing new fans in on the regular.
Related: 5 Best Soulslike Games, Ranked
2. Minecraft – 300 million+ copies
Minecraft has garnered a cult following throughout the years. Adults, kids, teens, there’s no demographic Minecraft hasn’t been able to bespell. Mojang announced in 2023 that Minecraft has sold more than a whopping 300 million copies, and with new updates and expansions being added often, that number is only bound to go up.
1. Tetris – 520 million+ copies
Tetris’ simple yet captivating design has held a special place in every gamer’s heart since its inception back in the 80s. Its straightforward gameplay is one of many reasons why it is loved by people of all ages and has garnered a universal appeal. The game’s impact has been so great that it is considered to be a cultural icon.
Its endlessly engaging concept has stood the test of time and even after nearly four decades, it is still loved by players. Despite its minimalist gameplay, Tetris has deservingly secured its name as the best-selling video game of all time, clocking in at 520 million units sold since its inception.
Thought I’d drop a comment to let you know Tetris isn’t the best-selling game of all time. At least, it isn’t typically considered to be.
To explain, Tetris has sold 520 million across all versions, of which there are many. That includes mobile releases, console releases, PC releases etc, many of which are quite different from the other versions, like having different mechanics and such.
So all those sales are really coming from Tetris and its sequels rather than a single game like Minecraft, which is the same game across multiple platforms.
In this sense, I think Tetris is a franchise, not a singular game and can’t lay claim to the title of best-selling. In terms of biggest videogame franchise, it ranks second behind Mario.
(also, saying Minecraft has “garnered a cult following” is a bit of a weird way to describe a game that has sold over 300 million copies.)
I seriously can’t wait to see how many copies the next GTA game sells, though. I mean, it’s going to be insane, right?
Those are some really neat observations! Very insightful!