10 Best-Selling Video Games of All Time

In most of today’s youth and young adult society, video games have become essential to their lives. It allows them to be transported into a whole different world. Some say video games are good boosters to their mind as it allows for creative thought and problem solving. The video game market has experienced a major boom over the past few decades, so lets take a look on the 10 best-selling video games of all time.

10. Wii Sports

Wii Sports, initially released in 2006, is a game that had started how video games would be played from a physical point of view. Wii Sports allowed families to play together with allowing multiple players to play at once. Overall the game has sold about 82.88 million copies. The game was able to sneak its way into this list as it is bundled with every Wii console sold even if players did not want it.

9. Pokemon – First Generation

Virtual Pokemon was initially released in 1996 in Japan and debuted on the game-boy called “Pokemon Red and Blue”. Other versions of the game would be released in later years and depended on the territory you were in. Although Nintendo did not publicly share the overall sales of the first generation games, estimates have said that with all 4 versions of the game, the total sales have exceeded 45 million. As of late 2017, over 300 million copies have been sold.

8. Wii Fit

Wii Fit, initially released in 2007, is a game that had incorporated exercise into a video game with a variety of yoga positions and small strength exercises. As it is a family orientated game, it is a perfect addition to the family as it encouraged you to stop sitting on the couch and do some exercises. Although the game was a bit more pricey as you had to purchase the Wii Fit Balance Board, overall the game has sold about 22.67 million copies as of March 2012.

7. Wii Sports Resort

After 3 years of the demo Wii Sports, it was time for a change. With several issues with the Wii tracking system, Nintendo took the opportunity to innovate the Wii and Wii Sports. The update allowed Resort to be one of the first games to use the WiiMotionPlus accessory. The live action reenactment of the different sports made the game popular and additional games added a form of exercise. Overall the game has sold about 34 million copies.

6. Mario Kart Wii

Mario Kart Wii, initially released in 2008, is a racing that was going on its way to the top when the Wii console started to become popular. The game introduced another accessory, the wheel and the inclusion of the Wii Wheel was also instrumental in offering a different, but popular, take on the classic with more intuitive controls. As of 2019, the game has sold about 40 million copies.

5. Super Mario Bros

In Japan, Super Mario Bros. was released in 1985. The memorable catchphrase “It’s me, Mario!” must have been only what was said for that year. The game became such a hit when it released for the NES. The game allowed it players to travel through different stages and overcoming harder obstacles each level. In terms of sales, it was the most purchased game on the NES with over 40 million copies sold. As for today’s consoles you may be able to play the game on Virtual Consoles such as: Nintendo Wii, Wii U, and 3DS.

4. PlayerUnknown’s Battleground

PlayerUnknown’s Battleground was released in 2017 and is available on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, and mobile. The game was the first to popularize the Battle Royale genre. Games that further followed were: PUBG (Pub G), Call of Duty: Warzone, Ring of Elysium, Apex Legends, and lastly Fortnite. As for sales, the game has made at least 50 million sales but its popularity in China is also sure to guarantee more sales to come.

3. Minecraft

Minecraft was released in 2009 and is available on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii U, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo 3DS, PlayStation Vita, and PC. The game allowed its players to explore their creativity and their survival side in a simulator. The game became so popular that in China the game is free compared to the $27 USD PC price the rest of the world has to pay. For sales, the number is in the air because of the bundle deals when buying consoles and free to play versions on the mobile. As of 2019, the game has reached 176 million copies sold with an additional 200 million free users registered in China.

2. Grand Theft Auto V

GTA V was released in 2013 and is available on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC. The game allowed its players to take over the lives of 3 career criminals and live their daily lives doing whatever they desire, whether its heists, yoga, shooting ranges, or just convince store robbery while evading federal agents. Rockstar, the creators, hit the ball out of the park with this game as its sales soar making it the third ever game to surpass 100 million sales. As if that was enough, GTA V holds an award for the most-profitable entertainment release ever. the game generated over $6 billion USD in revenue — more than any other game, book, or movie. All gamer’s at this point are just waiting for GTA VI.

1. Tetris

Tetris was released in 1984 and is available on most platforms. It is arguably the most timeless video game ever made. The game allowed its players to think on their feet as to how not to stack the tower from getting too high while creating full rows. The game’s popularity allowed for modern versions to be developed with even harder challenges. Accounting for game sales in the mid 80’s to now is quite difficult but, the company’s managing director said that the game had over 425 million paid mobile downloads and a minimum of 70 million physical game sales. Considering all numbers, its safe to say that the game has for sure had over 500 million sales.

Video games are big business and though their artistic merit is what appeals to us as players, finances are what drives their development. A well-selling game can not only set a studio in good stead for their next game, it cements its position in popular culture.