Video games have long cemented their place in society as one of the top-earning forms of entertainment. From classic games of the 1990s like Sonic the Hedgehog to current-gen games such as Red Dead Redemption 2, the popularity of video games continues to rise, as do the number of copies of video games sold. From the first video game created in 1958 to today, here are the highest-selling video games of all time.
Minecraft
The popular multi-platform sandbox adventure game, Minecraft, has earned its place as the number one top-selling video game of all time with over 238 million copies sold. Children and adults alike have long enjoyed the virtual 3D building blocks of Mojang’s 2011 Minecraft.
With so many different ways to play and different versions of Minecraft games being released, Minecraft was destined for success. There are endless possibilities for players in the Create mode or engaging challenges in Survival mode. The popularity of Minecraft continues to grow as players wield their diamond swords and travel deep into The Nether to unlock Minecraft’s greatest treasures and secrets.
GTA V
Rockstar Games’ seventh installment of its Grand Theft Auto series, Grand Theft Auto V, has stood the test of time as one of the most purchased games in history. With 170 million copies sold, the multi-platform, action-adventure game continues to attract players.
Whether players choose to play the main story mode as characters, Michael, Franklin, or Trevor, or to explore the fictional city of Los Santos in GTA Online with the players’ own created character, the crime-based fun never ends.
Tetris
As mobile phones became more popular, so too did apps and games that phone users could install onto their devices. Electronic Arts’s version of Tetris for mobile devices was released in 2006 and gained popularity for its namesake and for its ease of access.
The game stayed true to its original version, created in 1984 by Soviet software engineer Alexey Pajitnov. The simple puzzle game has remained a classic throughout gaming history, with 100 million copies sold worldwide.
Wii Sports
It’s safe to say that Nintendo changed the gaming world with the release of its gaming console, the Wii and one of its first games, Wii Sports in 2006. Whether playing amongst friends and family or alone, the interactive, motion-detecting technology of Wii Sports boosted its popularity with fans.
The game features five different sports, baseball, boxing, bowling, golf, and tennis to play with user-generated Miis. As of today, the game has sold 82.9 million copies. Who knew playing a match of simulated boxing against your friends could be so fun?
PlayersUnknown Battlegrounds
A trailblazer when it comes to battle royales, PlayersUnknown Battlegrounds or, PUBG, served as a catalyst for the popularity of all battle royale games. Since its launch in 2017, the multi-platform shooter has sold over 70 million copies.
Though the hype for PUBG has died down since its release, the game has remained popular among fans with its mobile adaptation, PUBG Mobile, for fun on the go. No matter its currently popularity, PUBG will always be one of the most iconic battle royale games released.
Sydni is a senior at the University of North Texas studying digital and print journalism. When she isn’t working hard or studying for an exam, she loves to spend time in the library with her friends, or play an excessive amount of Apex Legends. In the future, Sydni hopes to attend graduate school and earn her master’s degree in digital communication analytics.
