It goes without saying that video games have become a crucial part of many people's lives. They allow us to dive into an imaginary space that we could never experience in the real world. They also allow us to be a part of a storyline and overcome challenges that arise along the way.
There has been a multitude of games released throughout the years, and many have enjoyed huge success. A handful of them have left their marks and gone down in history books as the best-selling video games ever. Besides commercial success, they also have huge cultural relevance. They are still referenced today despite having been out for over a decade.
Indeed, sales aren't the only indicator of success, but they play a pivotal role in making a game public conscious, at least during its initial release. With word of mouth, that success can be passed from generation to generation and translates into impact. If you want to know the best-selling titles, here are some of them.
List of All-Time Best-Selling Video Games
Super Mario Bros. ($58 million)
It's not surprising to see Super Mario Bros. on this list, as it's one of the most beloved video games of all time. It was released by Nintendo in 1985, following the arcade video game 'Mario Bros.' The game, which featured Mario and Luigi as player one and player two, demonstrated that there was still a market for video games.
However, people had lingering doubts because the climate of this game's release was completely different. Many people predicted that the gaming industry was about to collapse. But, like a true savior, Super Mario Bros. appeared, enlightening us with its intriguing gameplay and mystical worlds to traverse and conquer.
PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds ($70 million)
There are many games in the battle royale genre, but only a few can command attention like PUBG did. PUBG stands for PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds, a massive online multiplayer game that pits 100 players against each other and crowns the last man standing as the winner. It was released in December 2017, has been steadily gaining in popularity since.
There's an option to play as a single-player or a team. The premise is players have to scavenge weapons and ammo supplies scattered around on the battlefield. They can be found in buildings, sheds, and other unpredictable locations. There are also vehicles that players can jump into and drive to get around the area quickly. The map will gradually decrease in size, forcing players to meet and fight to survive.
Wii Sports ($82.9 million)
Wii Sports is a game containing a collection of sports released by Nintendo in November 2016. There are some fun sports that the user can play, including baseball, tennis, and bowling. There's also an option to engage players in multiplayer mode. Up to 4 users can participate in a match.
Despite its simplicity, this game turned out to be a monumental success for the company, selling over 82.9 million copies to date. The features are equally impressive and immerse players into the thrilling experience. They are given a chance to get in training sessions and find out about their fitness age.
Tetris (EA) ($100 million)
Given how long Tetris has been around and how many spin-offs it has spawned over the years, it's not far-fetched that it's able to snag a spot on this list. Tetris is undoubtedly one of the biggest phenomena in the gaming world.
The original version was published in June 1984, which then had versions ported onto different platforms. The one that has accumulated over 100 million sales is the EA version. The Nintendo one, albeit not on par sales-wise, has amassed about 43 million sales. Combining them would place it higher, but it's rather unfair given how different both games are in their mechanics.
Grand Theft Auto V ($155 million)
Grand Theft Auto V, also referenced as GTA 5, is the 15th installment in the GTA series. The PS3 and Xbox 360 were totally spoiled because the game made its way onto the consoles before it was officially launched on others. It had taken the world by storm from the moment it was made available for purchase.
It just took 3 days for the game to rake in 1 billion dollars in revenue. That's justified for this high-budget title. The graphics were terrific, and new updates have been constantly rolled out to keep fans happy. Overall, GTA V is a perfect game for those with plenty of hours to devote to playing video games.
Minecraft ($238 million)
Minecraft is a three-dimensional block-laying video game in which players can create and demolish structures. Survival and Creative modes make up the bulk of the game. Players in Survival must gather their own supplies and be able to interact with moving creatures. While in Creative mode, players are given resources and can break any block quickly.
The open-world sandbox game has sold more than 238 million copies worldwide, exceeding the previous record of being the best-selling video game in history. Passing the 100 million milestones is obviously a significant accomplishment. Still, crossing into the 200 million regions only happens once in a blue moon for a video game.
A few things you might want to know
a. What is the best-selling video game ever?
The title goes to Minecraft with more than 238 million sales. Tetris might top the list if we don't count the different versions as separate games. That said, the individual titles still have sold a bunch, with the most successful one securing the second position.
b. What game has sold the most copies in 2020?
The Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War video game was widely reported to be the best-selling title in 2020.
c. What is the best-selling video game 2021?
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War remains atop its throne this year, attributed to its availability since the start of the year on top of its lucrative sales success.
Final Word
The best-selling video games of all time are the ones that have achieved staggering success. Even non-fans can recognize them because they've reached beyond their original audiences. All titles mentioned above are some examples.
Naturally, people's preferences for video games are constantly evolving. Still, these games can maintain popularity throughout the years and continue to inspire new gamers.