Video games have grown to become one of the most consumed form of digital media in recent decades. Many AAA games have sold millions of titles and earned billions of dollars in revenue. But what are the best-selling video games of all time?
In 2024, video games are a lot easier to purchase. Before everything became digitized, gamers had to actually go out to stores and purchase the video games they wanted. Now, everything has become much simpler as you can get your hands on your favorite games with the simple click of a button on your PC or console. However, this list may still surprise you.
With that said, here are the top five best-selling video games of all time.
PUBG – #5
PUBG, short for Player Unknown’s Battlegrounds, is a highly popular online multiplayer Battle Royale developed and published by PUBG Corporation. This game grew to prominence as one of the first Battle Royale games (before the Fortnite buzz) to hook gamers internationally.
It has many features that we commonly associate with Battle Royal games nowadays, such as parachuting down to the map at the start of a game, a shrinking map that forces players into close contact, and of course, weapon scavenging.
PUBG is also the most recent game on our list, having been released in 2017. Currently, the game has sold over 75 million units and grossed over $16 billion in revenue. These impressive numbers put it at number five on our list.
Wii Sports – #4
Wii Sports is a classic. This sports game developed and published by Nintendo was first released in 2006 and has since gone on to be Nintendo’s best-selling video game to date. The game was well-received for its intuitive motion controls and accessibility, becoming one of the best-selling games of all time. This game also single-handedly played a major role in popularizing motion-controlled gaming, as seen with the PlayStation Move.
As of 2024, Wii Sports has sold approximately 83 million copies, earning it the title of the highest-selling platform exclusive of all time.
Grand Theft Auto V – #3
What Rockstar achieved with the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) series is truly outstanding. All of the GTA games have had immense success commercially. However, there’s one that continues to stand out…Grand Theft Auto V.
Released in 2013, Grand Theft Auto V represented the pinnacle of gameplay, intricacy, and features among all preceding GTA titles. Not only has it earned a respectable position at number three on our list, but it has also officially earned the title of the best-selling console/PC-only video game of all time.
As of 2024, Grand Theft Auto V has sold an impressive 195 million units across PC and console. In addition, GTA 5 achieved the milestone of reaching $1 billion in retail sales faster than any other form of entertainment in history, which marked a huge turning point in the way gaming was perceived commercially.
With Grand Theft Auto 6 currently slated for release within the next two years, there’s no telling what those numbers will look like.
Minecraft – #2
Minecraft’s unparalleled success stems from its true freedom, fostering a sense of ownership and creativity among its giant player base. The vibrant community of Minecraft has been active since its launch in 2011 and the game still boasts some of the highest viewership numbers on platforms such as YouTube and Twitch.
Another reason for Minecraft’s immense success is its availability. The game is pretty much available on every single platform including mobile, console, Mac, PC, and more.
As of 2024, Minecraft has sold a whopping 300 million copies across all platforms, including PC, console, and mobile. When it comes to gaming as a medium, Minecraft has discovered a way to penetrate every corner by making it easily accessible. That’s why it’s no surprise that it lands at number two on our list.
Tetris – #1
Coming in at number one on our list is Tetris. Tetris holds the title of the best-selling game of all time due to multiple reasons. Firstly, its simple and mesmerizing gameplay appeals to a wide audience, spanning different cultures and generations. Additionally, its availability on several platforms including computers, consoles, modern smartphones, and more, ensured its ease of access.
Tetris owes its exceptional sales not to graphical prowess, or complex detail in its gameplay, but to its simplicity. Its legacy as one of the earliest and most iconic video games cements its status as a cultural phenomenon, guaranteeing continued popularity and commercial success.
As of 2024, Tetris has sold a remarkable 520 million units, with the majority of sales coming from mobile (425 million).
So there you have it – the top five best-selling video games of all time. As the way in which video games are consumed changes, this list is subject to change, and we will definitely update it as time goes by.
