Video games are a form of entertainment that has been around for decades. They have come a long way since the early days of Pong, and they are now one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the world.
There are millions of different video games available to play in 2023, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Some games are simple and easy to play, while others are more complex and challenging. Some games are designed for children, while others are designed for adults. No matter your interests, there is a video game out there that is perfect for you.
But what are the most popular video games of all time? There are many different ways to measure popularity, but some of the most common metrics include sales, revenue, and downloads. We’ve used historical sales data to compile the list, as the other metrics are quite limited.
50 Most Popular Video Games of All Time
We’ve compiled a list of the top 50 most popular video games of all time. The data is based on the number of copies the game has sold worldwide.
God of War
- Total Sales: 23,000,000
- Platform: PlayStation 4 / Windows
- Release Date: April 20, 2018
- Developer: Santa Monica Studio
Starting off on our list is the infamous God of War, an action-adventure game developed by Santa Monica Studio and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It was released worldwide for the PlayStation 4 on April 20, 2018. The game is the eighth installment in the God of War series, following 2010’s God of War III, and the first installment to be set in ancient Norse mythology.
The game is played from a third-person perspective with the player controlling Kratos, a former Greek god of war who has now become a mortal man living in the realm of Norse mythology. The game’s combat system has been redesigned with a more visceral and brutal focus, with Kratos now able to use a variety of Norse weapons and magic abilities. The game also features a new open-world environment, which allows players to explore the Nine Realms and complete various side quests.
God of War was a critical and commercial success, with critics praising its combat system, graphics, and story. The game won numerous awards, including Game of the Year from several publications. It has sold over 19 million copies worldwide as of February 2022.
Red Dead Redemption
- Total Sales: 23,000,000
- Platform: PS3 / Xbox 360
- Release Date: May 18, 2010
- Developer: Rockstar San Diego
Red Dead Redemption is an open-world action-adventure game developed by Rockstar San Diego and published by Rockstar Games. It was released for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in May 2010. The game is set in the year 1911 and follows the story of John Marston, an outlaw who is forced to hunt down his former gang members after the government takes his family hostage.
It was a critically acclaimed game, with reviewers praising its open world, story, characters, and gameplay. The game won numerous awards, including Game of the Year from several publications. It was also a commercial success, selling over 23 million copies worldwide by 2013.
Pokémon Ruby / Sapphire / Emerald
- Total Sales: 23,280,000
- Platform: Game Boy Advance
- Release Date: November 21, 2002
- Developer: Game Freak
Pokémon Ruby, Pokémon Sapphire, and Pokémon Emerald are the third generation of Pokémon games and were released for the Game Boy Advance in 2003. The games are set in the Hoenn region and feature a new cast of characters, Pokémon, and locations.
The games follow the story of Brendan or May, a young trainer who sets out to become the Pokémon Champion. Along the way, they must battle eight Gym Leaders, stop Team Magma and Team Aqua, and catch Groudon, Kyogre, and Rayquaza, the three legendary Pokémon of Hoenn.
Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald were praised for their graphics, gameplay, and music. The games also introduced many new features, including the Hoenn Pokédex, the Battle Tower, and the ability to ride Pokémon.
Mario Kart DS
- Total Sales: 23,600,000
- Platform: Nintendo DS
- Release Date: November 14, 2005
- Developer: Nintendo EAD
Mario Kart DS is a kart racing video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS handheld game console. It was released in November 2005 in North America, Europe, and Australia, and on December 8, 2005, in Japan. The game is the fifth installment in the Mario Kart series and the first to use Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection (now discontinued as of May 2014).
Mario Kart DS is a racing game in which the player races in a kart against other racers as one of 12 characters from the Mario series. The player has access to Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Wario, and Bowser by default, while Daisy, Dry Bones, Waluigi, and R.O.B can be unlocked through gameplay. Only two karts are initially available for each character, but once some progress is made, and when all 150cc cups are completed with B rank or higher, each character will have access to all 36 karts.
The game features a variety of tracks, each based on locations from the Mario series. There are also a number of special items that can be used to attack other racers or gain an advantage, such as banana peels, green shells, and red shells.
Mario Kart DS was a massive success for Nintendo, selling over 27 million copies worldwide. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and multiplayer mode. It was also the first game in the Mario Kart series to use online multiplayer, which allowed players to race against each other from all over the world.
New Super Mario Bros. U / Luigi U / Deluxe
- Total Sales: 23,640,000
- Platform: Wii U / Switch
- Release Date: November 18, 2012
- Developer: Nintendo EAD
New Super Mario Bros. U + New Super Luigi U is a compilation game for the Wii U. It was released in North America on November 1st, 2013. The game includes both New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U, which are both 2D side-scrolling platform games.
New Super Mario Bros. U is a traditional Mario game, with the player controlling Mario, Luigi, Toad, or Nabbit through a series of levels. The game features a number of new features, including the ability to play as Nabbit, who is immune to damage and can run faster than other characters.
New Super Luigi U is a spin-off of New Super Mario Bros. U, and it features Luigi as the main character. The game is similar to New Super Mario Bros. U, but it features a number of changes, including a higher difficulty level and new levels.
New Super Mario Bros. U + New Super Luigi U was one of the best-selling Wii U games of all time.
Nintendogs
- Total Sales: 23,960,000
- Platform: Nintendo DS
- Release Date: April 21, 2005
- Developer: Nintendo EAD
Nintendogs is a virtual pet simulation video game series developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS handheld game console. The series has been released in four main installments, each with two variants: Labrador & Friends, Dachshund & Friends, Chihuahua & Friends, and Shiba & Friends.
The games allow players to raise and train virtual dogs using the DS’s touchscreen and microphone. Players can choose from a variety of breeds, each with its own unique personality and appearance. The games also feature a variety of activities, such as playing fetch, going for walks, and training their dogs.
Nintendogs sold over 20 million copies worldwide. The series has been praised for its innovative use of the DS’s touchscreen and microphone, as well as its realistic and heartwarming depiction of dog ownership.
Sonic the Hedgehog
- Total Sales: 23,982,960
- Platform: Multi-platform
- Release Date: June 23, 1991
- Developer: Sonic Team
Sonic the Hedgehog is a video game franchise created by Sega. The franchise revolves around an anthropomorphic hedgehog named Sonic who battles against Doctor Eggman, a mad scientist. The first game in the series was released in 1991 for the Sega Genesis, and the franchise has since expanded to include numerous video games, television shows, and comic books.
Sonic is one of the most popular video game franchises of all time. The games are loved for their fast-paced gameplay, colorful graphics, and catchy music. The franchise has also been credited with popularizing the mascot platformer genre of video games.
FIFA 18
- Total Sales: 24,000,000
- Platform: Multi-platform
- Release Date: September 29, 2017
- Developer: EA Vancouver
FIFA 18 is a football video game developed and published by Electronic Arts (EA). It is the 28th installment in the FIFA series. The game was released worldwide for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on September 29, 2017.
It features a new gameplay system called Frostbite, which is also used in Battlefield 1 and Anthem. Frostbite allows for more realistic graphics and physics, as well as more detailed animations. The game also features a new story mode called The Journey: Champions, which follows the career of Alex Hunter, a young player who dreams of becoming a professional footballer.
FIFA 18 received generally positive reviews from critics. It is currently the best-selling FIFA game of all time, selling over 10 million copies in its first week.
Kinect Adventures!
- Total Sales: 24,000,000
- Platform: Xbox 360
- Release Date: November 4, 2010
- Developer: Good Science Studio
Kinect Adventures! is a sports video game developed and published by Microsoft Game Studios for the Xbox 360. It was released in 2010, as a pack-in game with the Kinect motion sensor. The game is designed to be played with the Kinect, and uses the sensor to track the player’s movements and gestures.
Kinect Adventures! is made up of five different adventures: River Rush, Jungle Run, Mountain Summit, Aerial Rush, and Space Race. Each adventure is a series of minigames that require the player to use different movements and gestures to control their character. For example, in River Rush, the player must use their arms to paddle a raft down a river, and in Jungle Run, the player must use their legs to jump over obstacles.
Kinect Adventures! is a fun and family-friendly game that is perfect for anyone who wants to get some exercise while having some fun. The game is also a great way to introduce people to the Kinect, as it is easy to learn and play.
Call of Duty: Black Ops II
- Total Sales: 24,200,000
- Platform: Multi-platform
- Release Date: November 12, 2012
- Developer: Treyarch
Call of Duty: Black Ops II is a 2012 first-person shooter video game developed by Treyarch and published by Activision. It is the ninth installment in the Call of Duty series and a sequel to the 2010 game Call of Duty: Black Ops. Black Ops II is set in the near future during the Cold War of 1989-1991, and features several historical references. The game’s campaign follows two protagonists: David Mason, a CIA SAD operative, and Raul Menendez, a Nicaraguan revolutionary leader. Mason and Menendez’s missions intertwine, and the game’s story explores themes of revenge, corruption, and the nature of heroism.
The game was a commercial success, grossing over $1 billion worldwide. It was the best-selling video game of 2012 and the best-selling first-person shooter of all time.
Super Mario Bros. 3
- Total Sales: 24,430,000
- Platform: Multi-platform
- Release Date: October 23, 1988
- Developer: Nintendo EAD
Super Mario Bros. 3 is a platform game developed and published by Nintendo. It was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in Japan on October 23, 1988, and in North America on February 12, 1990, and in Europe and Australia on August 29, 1991. It was the third game in the Super Mario series and was the first to feature the raccoon suit and the frog suit.
The game follows Mario and Luigi as they travel through the Mushroom Kingdom to rescue Princess Toadstool from Bowser. The game features eight worlds, each with four levels, and a final world with Bowser’s castle.
Super Mario Bros. 3 was a critical and commercial success, selling over 33 million copies worldwide. It is considered to be one of the greatest video games of all time.
Pokémon Diamond / Pearl / Platinum
- Total Sales: 24,730,000
- Platform: Nintendo DS
- Release Date: September 28, 2006
- Developer: Game Freak
Pokémon Diamond, Pokémon Pearl, and Pokémon Platinum are role-playing video games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. They are the fourth generation of the Pokémon video game series. The games were released in Japan in September 2006 and in North America, Europe, and Australia in April 2007.
Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum are set in the Sinnoh region, which is based on the Japanese island of Hokkaido. The player controls a young trainer who must travel through the Sinnoh region, battling Pokémon trainers and Gym Leaders and collecting Pokémon. The goal of the game is to become the Pokémon Champion.
The games were a big commercial success, selling over 27 million copies worldwide. They are considered to be some of the best Pokémon games ever made.
Grand Theft Auto IV
- Total Sales: 25,000,000
- Platform: Multi-platform
- Release Date: April 29, 2008
- Developer: Rockstar North
Grand Theft Auto IV is an open-world action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. It was released for Microsoft Windows and the PlayStation 3 in April 2008, and for the Xbox 360 in May 2008.
The game is set in Liberty City, a fictional city based on New York City, and follows the story of Niko Bellic, an Eastern European immigrant who is drawn into a world of crime and corruption. The game features a variety of gameplay elements, including driving, shooting, and hand-to-hand combat.
Grand Theft Auto IV was a commercial success for Rockstar, selling over 25 million copies worldwide. It was praised for its open-world design, characters, and story. The game was also controversial due to its violent content.
Super Mario Odyssey
- Total Sales: 25,120,000
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Release Date: October 27, 2017
- Developer: Nintendo EPD
Super Mario Odyssey is a 2017 platform game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It is the sequel to 2010’s Super Mario 3D World and the sixteenth main entry in the Mario series. The game follows Mario as he travels across various kingdoms to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser, who plans to forcefully marry her.
Super Mario Odyssey is a sandbox-style game, similar to Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine. Mario can explore various kingdoms, each with its own unique environment and challenges. Mario can also use Cappy, a sentient hat, to possess and control various objects and enemies.
The game sold over 20 million copies worldwide and is considered by some to be one of the best video games of all time.
Pokémon Sun / Moon / Ultra Sun / Ultra Moon
- Total Sales: 25,410,000
- Platform: Nintendo 3DS
- Release Date: November 18, 2016
- Developer: Game Freak
Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon are role-playing video games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS. They are the seventh generation of the Pokémon video game series and were released worldwide on November 18, 2016.
The games are set in the Alola region, which is loosely based on Hawaii. The player controls a young trainer who sets out on a journey to become the Pokémon Champion. Along the way, they will battle other trainers, collect Pokémon, and explore the Alola region.
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon are enhanced versions of Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon. They were released worldwide on November 17, 2017. The games feature new Pokémon, new locations, and new story content.
Pokémon Sword / Shield
- Total Sales: 25,680,000
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Release Date: November 15, 2019
- Developer: Game Freak
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield are role-playing video games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. They are the first main-series Pokémon games to be released on a home console. The games were released worldwide on November 15, 2019.
The game is set in the Galar region, which is inspired by the United Kingdom. The player controls a young trainer who sets out on a journey to become the Pokémon Champion. Along the way, they will battle other trainers, collect Pokémon, and explore the Galar region.
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield feature a variety of new features, including a new battle system, new Pokémon, and new locations.
Call of Duty: Black Ops
- Total Sales: 26,200,000
- Platform: Multi-platform
- Release Date: November 9, 2010
- Developer: Treyarch
Call of Duty: Black Ops is a 2010 first-person shooter video game developed by Treyarch and published by Activision. It was released worldwide in November 2010 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, Wii, and Xbox 360. It is the seventh title in the Call of Duty series and is a sequel to Call of Duty: World at War. Set in the Cold War, the game’s campaign follows the CIA operative Alex Mason as he attempts to recall certain memories of combat to locate a numbers station.
Black Ops received critical acclaim, with praise for its campaign, multiplayer, and zombie mode. The game was a commercial success, selling over 27 million copies worldwide.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
- Total Sales: 26,500,000
- Platform: Multi-platform
- Release Date: November 8, 2011
- Developer: Infinity Ward / Sledgehammer
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 is a 2011 first-person shooter video game, jointly developed by Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer Games and published by Activision. The game was released worldwide in November 2011 for Microsoft Windows, the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii. It is the third and final installment in the Modern Warfare saga, a direct sequel to 2009’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, and the eighth Call of Duty installment overall. A separate version for the Nintendo DS was developed by n-Space, while Treyarch developed the game’s Wii port.
Modern Warfare 3’s campaign picks up immediately following the events of Modern Warfare 2. The game’s story follows Task Force 141 as they fight to prevent a global war. The game features a variety of new locations, including New York City, Paris, and Berlin. The game’s campaign has been praised for its graphics, sound, and gameplay.
Modern Warfare 3’s multiplayer mode features a variety of new features, including a new killstreak system, new game modes, and new maps. The game’s multiplayer mode has been praised for its balance, variety, and replayability.
Modern Warfare 3’s Special Ops mode features a variety of new missions, including cooperative missions, survival missions, and extinction missions. The game’s Special Ops mode has been praised for its variety, replayability, and challenge.
The game received positive reviews from critics, who praised its campaign, multiplayer, and Special Ops mode. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 8.3 million copies on its first day.
Super Mario World
- Total Sales: 26,662,500
- Platform: Multi-platform
- Release Date: November 21, 1990
- Developer: Nintendo EAD
Super Mario World is a 1990 platform game developed by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). It was the first game in the Super Mario World franchise and the successor to Super Mario Bros. 3. The game was released in Japan on November 21, 1990, and in North America on August 11, 1991.
It is a side-scrolling platform game in which the player controls Mario or Luigi as they travel through the Mushroom Kingdom to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. The game features a variety of power-ups, including the Super Mushroom, the Fire Flower, and the Cape Feather. The game also features a variety of enemies, including Goombas, Koopas, and Bowser.
The game was a commercial success, selling over 25 million copies worldwide.
Borderlands 2
- Total Sales: 27,000,000
- Platform: Multi-platform
- Release Date: September 18, 2012
- Developer: Gearbox Software
Borderlands 2 is a 2012 first-person shooter video game developed by Gearbox Software and published by 2K Games. It is the sequel to 2009’s Borderlands, and is set five years after the events of the first game. The game follows the story of four new Vault Hunters as they search for the Vault of the Warrior on the planet of Pandora.
Borderlands 2 is a role-playing shooter that features a variety of weapons, characters, and abilities. The game can be played solo or in co-op mode with up to four players.
Borderlands 2 received positive reviews from critics, who praised its gameplay, graphics, and sense of humor. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 12 million copies in its first two weeks
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
- Total Sales: 27,500,000
- Platform: Multi-platform
- Release Date: October 26, 2004
- Developer: Rockstar North
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is an action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. It was released on October 26, 2004, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 2, and Xbox.
The game is set in the fictional state of San Andreas, which is based on sections of California and Nevada as seen in the early 1990s. The story follows Carl “CJ” Johnson, a former gang member who returns home after his mother’s murder. CJ must rebuild his life and take care of his family while also dealing with the corruption and violence that plague San Andreas.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is considered one of the best video games of all time. It was praised for its large open world, characters, story, and gameplay. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 27 million copies worldwide.
The Walking Dead
- Total Sales: 28,000,000
- Platform: Multi-platform
- Release Date: April 24, 2012
- Developer: Telltale Games
The Walking Dead is an episodic adventure video game series developed and published by Telltale Games. The first game in the series, The Walking Dead: Season 1, was released in 2012, and the fifth and final season, The Walking Dead: The Final Season, was released in 2018. The Walking Dead is based on the comic book series of the same name by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore, and Charlie Adlard.
The games are set in the same universe as the comic books, and follow the story of Lee Everett, a former university professor who is convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Lee is rescued from the execution chamber by a group of survivors, and must help them find a safe place to live in a world that has been overrun by zombies.
The series of games are known for their strong emotional impact and their moral choices. Players must make decisions that will affect the story and the characters, and must deal with the consequences of their actions. The Walking Dead games have been praised for their storytelling, their characters, and their emotional impact.
The Walking Dead games have been very popular and have won numerous awards. The first season of the game was nominated for Game of the Year at the 2012 Spike Video Game Awards, and the second season won the award. The Walking Dead games have also been praised for their impact on the gaming industry and have been credited with helping to popularize the episodic adventure game genre.
Wii Play
- Total Sales: 28,020,000
- Platform: Wii
- Release Date: December 2, 2006
- Developer: Nintendo EAD
Wii Play is a party video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii video game console. It was released as a launch game for the console in Japan, Europe, and Australia in December 2006, and was released in North America in February 2007. The game features nine minigames, including a Duck Hunt-esque shooting range, a fishing game, and a billiards game, each of which are designed to showcase the features of the Wii Remote controller.
Wii Play is a party game consisting of nine minigames that make use of the Wii Remote’s several unique features. These games can either be played in single-player mode or in a two-player multiplayer versus mode in which each player’s number of wins are recorded. Upon starting the game, only one of the featured minigames is accessible, but the other eight are systematically unlocked as the player tries each one. The player is able to use their own custom Mii avatars created through the Mii Channel, who appear in several of the included minigames.
Wii Play was a commercial success, selling over 27 million copies worldwide.
Duck Hunt
- Total Sales: 28,300,000
- Platform: NES
- Release Date: April 21, 1984
- Developer: Nintendo R&D1
Duck Hunt is a light gun shooter video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) video game console. It was released in Japan in 1984 and in North America in 1985. The game was developed by Shigeru Miyamoto and Hirokazu Tanaka, and was designed by Hiroji Kiyotake.
Duck Hunt is a first-person shooter game in which the player uses the NES Zapper light gun to shoot moving ducks that appear on the screen. The game consists of five stages, each of which consists of a certain number of ducks that the player must shoot. The player must also avoid shooting the dog that appears on the screen, as the dog will laugh at the player if they miss a duck.
Duck Hunt was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative use of the NES Zapper light gun, and for its simple but addictive gameplay.
Pokémon Gold / Silver / Crystal
- Total Sales: 29,490,000
- Platform: Game Boy Color
- Release Date: November 21, 1999
- Developer: Game Freak
Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal are role-playing video games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Color. They are the second installment in the Pokémon series and were released in Japan on November 21, 1999, and in North America on August 11, 2001. The games are set in the fictional region of Johto, which is located south of the Kanto region from the original Pokémon games. The player takes on the role of a Pokémon Trainer who must travel through Johto to collect all eight Gym badges and defeat the Elite Four. Along the way, they must also battle Team Rocket, an evil organization that is trying to steal Pokémon.
Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal were critical and commercial successes. The games were praised for their graphics, gameplay, and music. The games were also a commercial success, selling over 23 million copies worldwide.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
- Total Sales: 30,000,000
- Platform: Multi-platform
- Release Date: October 25, 2019
- Developer: Infinity Ward
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is a first-person shooter video game developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision. It is the sixteenth main installment in the Call of Duty series. The game was released on October 25, 2019, for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
Modern Warfare is a reboot of the Modern Warfare series. The game takes place in a modern-day setting and features a realistic and gritty tone. The game’s campaign follows Task Force 141, an elite unit of soldiers, as they fight against a terrorist organization known as Al-Qatala. The game also features a multiplayer mode, which supports up to 64 players in multiple game modes.
Modern Warfare received critical acclaim upon release. The game was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and sound design. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 10 million copies within its first week.
Diablo III / Reaper of Souls
- Total Sales: 30,000,000
- Platform: Multi-platform
- Release Date: May 16, 2012
- Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Diablo III: Reaper of Souls is an action role-playing game developed by Blizzard Entertainment. It is the third installment in the Diablo series, following Diablo II: Lord of Destruction (2001) and Diablo III (2012). The game was released for Microsoft Windows, OS X, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on March 25, 2014.
Diablo III: Reaper of Souls is set 20 years after the events of Diablo II. The game follows the Nephalem, a group of heroes who must defeat the fallen angel Malthael, who has taken over the city of Westmarch. The game features a new campaign, new characters, new items, and new abilities.
Diablo III: Reaper of Souls was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its addictive gameplay, its stunning visuals, and its epic story. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 3.5 million copies within its first week.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Total Sales: 30,000,000
- Platform: Multi-platform
- Release Date: November 11, 2011
- Developer: Bethesda Game Studios
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an action role-playing game developed by Bethesda Game Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks. It is the fifth installment in The Elder Scrolls series, following The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006). The game was released worldwide for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 on November 11, 2011.
Skyrim is set 200 years after the events of Oblivion, and takes place in Skyrim, the northernmost province of Tamriel. The game’s main story follows the Dragonborn, a mortal who is born with the soul of a dragon. The Dragonborn must defeat Alduin, the World-Eater, a dragon who is prophesied to destroy the world.
Skyrim is an open-world game, and players are free to explore the game’s world at their own pace. The game features a variety of quests, both main and side, that players can complete. Players can also engage in a variety of activities, such as exploring dungeons, fighting monsters, and crafting items.
Skyrim is a critically acclaimed game, and has been praised for its open world, its combat system, and its characters. The game has also been a commercial success, selling over 30 million copies worldwide.
New Super Mario Bros. Wii
- Total Sales: 30,320,000
- Platform: Wii
- Release Date: November 11, 2009
- Developer: Nintendo EAD
New Super Mario Bros. Wii is a side-scrolling platformer video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii. It was released in Japan in May 2006, in North America and Europe in June 2006, and in PAL regions in August 2006. It is the first installment in the New Super Mario Bros. subseries of the Super Mario franchise, and follows Mario as he fights his way through Bowser’s henchmen to rescue Princess Peach.
New Super Mario Bros. Wii is a side-scrolling game that features 8 worlds and 40 levels. The game is played by controlling Mario or Luigi as they jump and run through levels, avoiding enemies and collecting power-ups. The game features a number of new features, including the ability to play as four players in cooperative multiplayer mode, and the ability to shake the Wii Remote to perform a spin jump.
New Super Mario Bros. Wii was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its tight controls, its addictive gameplay, and its family-friendly appeal. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 31 million copies worldwide
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
- Total Sales: 30,440,000
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Release Date: December 7, 2018
- Developer: Bandai Namco Studios / Sora Ltd.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a fighting video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It is the sixth installment in the Super Smash Bros. series, following Super Smash Bros. for Wii U and 3DS. The game was released worldwide on December 7, 2018.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate features a large roster of characters from various Nintendo franchises, as well as third-party franchises. The game also features a variety of game modes, including a single-player campaign, multiplayer battles, and online battles.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate has been a critical and commercial success. The game has been praised for its large roster of characters, its variety of game modes, and its faithfulness to the Super Smash Bros. series. The game has also been a commercial success, selling over 25 million copies worldwide.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Total Sales: 30,700,000
- Platform: Wii U / Switch
- Release Date: March 3, 2017
- Developer: Nintendo EPD
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an action-adventure video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch and Wii U consoles. It is the sixteenth installment in The Legend of Zelda series. The game was released on March 3, 2017.
Breath of the Wild is set at the end of the series timeline, and follows Link as he awakens from a 100-year slumber to defeat Calamity Ganon and save Hyrule. The game is open-world, and players are free to explore the game’s vast environment in any order they choose.
Breath of the Wild was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its open-world design, its combat system, and its graphics. The game also won multiple Game of the Year awards.
New Super Mario Bros.
- Total Sales: 30,800,000
- Platform: Nintendo DS
- Release Date: May 15, 2006
- Developer: Nintendo EAD
New Super Mario Bros. is a platform game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. It was released in Japan in May 2006, in North America and Europe in June 2006, and in PAL regions in August 2006. It is the first installment in the New Super Mario Bros. subseries of the Super Mario franchise, and follows Mario as he fights his way through Bowser’s henchmen to rescue Princess Peach.
New Super Mario Bros. is a side-scrolling video game. While the game is seen in 2D, most of the characters and objects are 3D polygonal renderings on 2D backgrounds, resulting in a 2.5D effect that visually simulates 3D computer graphics. The player can play as either Mario, or his younger brother, Luigi. Similar to previous Mario games, Mario and Luigi can jump, crouch, collect coins, stomp on enemies, and break open blocks. Moves from 3D Mario games reappear in New Super Mario Bros., including the ground pound, triple jump, and wall jump. Enemies from previous games, such as Boos, are also reintroduced.
New Super Mario Bros. is a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative use of the DS’s dual screens, its tight controls, and its addictive gameplay. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 31 million copies worldwide.
Wii Sports Resort
- Total Sales: 33,140,000
- Platform: Wii
- Release Date: June 25, 2009
- Developer: Nintendo EAD
Wii Sports Resort is a sports video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii. It was released in Japan on June 23, 2009, in Europe on July 23, 2009, in Australia on July 24, 2009, and in North America on July 25, 2009. The game is a sequel to Wii Sports and is a collection of sports minigames that use the Wii Remote Plus motion-sensing controller.
Wii Sports Resort is set on Wuhu Island, a tropical resort island that is home to a variety of sports minigames. The game features 12 minigames in total, including archery, bowling, canoeing, fencing, golf, jet skiing, kayaking, power cruising, table tennis, swordplay, tennis, and volleyball. The game also features a Showdown minigame, which is a three-on-three basketball game that pits players against each other in a series of quick matches.
Wii Sports Resort was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its use of the Wii Remote Plus motion-sensing controller, its intuitive gameplay, and its family-friendly appeal. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 28 million copies worldwide.
Mario Kart Wii
- Total Sales: 37,380,000
- Platform: Wii
- Release Date: April 10, 2008
- Developer: Nintendo EAD
Mario Kart Wii is a kart racing video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii. It is the sixth installment in the Mario Kart series, and was released worldwide in April 2008. The game features 32 tracks, 16 characters, 8 vehicles, and 4 battle modes. Mario Kart Wii is the best-selling game of all time on the Wii, with over 8.35 million copies sold worldwide.
Mario Kart Wii is a racing game in which players race against each other using a variety of karts. The game features a variety of tracks, each with its own unique obstacles and challenges. Players can also use a variety of items to help them win, such as bananas, shells, and mushrooms.
Mario Kart Wii is a popular game for both casual and competitive gamers. The game is easy to learn but difficult to master, and it offers a variety of challenges that will keep players entertained for hours on end. Mario Kart Wii is also a great game for multiplayer, as players can race against each other or team up to take on the computer.
Here are some of the reasons why Mario Kart Wii is so popular:
- It is a well-made game that is easy to learn but difficult to master.
- The game features a variety of tracks, each with its own unique obstacles and challenges.
- Players can also use a variety of items to help them win, such as bananas, shells, and mushrooms.
- The game is perfect for multiplayer, as players can race against each other or team up to take on the computer.
- The game is a great way to spend time with friends and family.
- The game is a lot of fun.
Human: Fall Flat
- Total Sales: 40,000,000
- Platform: Multi-platform
- Release Date: July 22, 2016
- Developer: No Brakes Games
Human: Fall Flat is a physics-based puzzle game developed and published by No Brakes Games. It was released for Microsoft Windows in July 2016, and has since been ported to several other platforms. The game features a minimalist art style and a physics engine that allows players to manipulate objects in a variety of ways.
In Human: Fall Flat, players control a character with no arms or legs. The goal of the game is to complete each level by using the physics engine to manipulate objects and solve puzzles. Levels are typically open-ended, and players are free to approach them in any way they choose.
Human: Fall Flat has been praised for its creativity and its humor. The game has also been a commercial success, selling over 30 million copies worldwide.
The Witcher 3 / Hearts of Stone / Blood and Wine
- Total Sales: 40,000,000
- Platform: Multi-platform
- Release Date: May 19, 2015
- Developer: CD Projekt Red
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is an action role-playing game developed and published by CD Projekt Red. It is the third installment in The Witcher video game series, following The Witcher and The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings. The Wild Hunt is set in an open world environment and features elements of action, role-playing, and story-driven gameplay. Players take control of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter who is searching for his missing adopted daughter.
Hearts of Stone is the first expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. It was released in October 2015. Hearts of Stone introduces a new story, new characters, and new gameplay features. The expansion is set in the Hearts of Stone, a region of the Northern Kingdoms that is ruled by the enigmatic Olgierd von Everec.
Blood and Wine is the second and final expansion for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. It was released in May 2016. Blood and Wine introduces a new story, new characters, and new gameplay features. The expansion is set in the Toussaint, a region of the Continent that is known for its beautiful vineyards and its knightly order.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Hearts of Stone, and Blood and Wine have been praised by critics for their high quality and their value for money. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has won numerous awards, including Game of the Year.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Total Sales: 41,590,000
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Release Date: March 20, 2020
- Developer: Nintendo EPD
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a life simulation video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It was released worldwide on March 20, 2020.
New Horizons is the fifth main installment in the Animal Crossing series, following Animal Crossing: New Leaf (2012). The game allows players to create their own island paradise and customize it to their liking. Players can also interact with other players online and trade items.
New Horizons has been praised for its relaxing gameplay, its beautiful visuals, and its social features. It has also been a commercial success, selling over 32 million copies worldwide as of March 2021.
Pac-Man
- Total Sales: 42,071,635
- Platform: Multi-platform
- Release Date: May 22, 1980
- Developer: Namco
Pac-Man is an arcade game developed and published by Namco. It was released in Japan in May 1980, and in North America in July 1980. Pac-Man is one of the most popular video games of all time, and it has been ported to numerous platforms.
In Pac-Man, players control the titular character as he navigates a maze while eating pellets and avoiding ghosts. The game ends when all of the pellets are eaten or when Pac-Man is caught by a ghost.
Pac-Man was an instant success, and it helped to popularize the arcade game industry. The game has been praised for its simple but addictive gameplay, and it has been cited as one of the most influential video games of all time.
Tetris (1989)
- Total Sales: 43,000,000
- Platform: Game Boy / NES
- Release Date: June 14, 1989
- Developer: Nintendo R&D1
Tetris is a puzzle video game developed by Alexey Pajitnov in 1984 for the Soviet Union’s Elektronika 60 computer. It was licensed for distribution by Dorodnitsyn Computing Centre (Tetris Corporation since 1996) and was distributed by Elorg. The game was later ported to multiple platforms, including the Commodore 64, NES, Game Boy, and PC.
In Tetris, players arrange falling blocks into complete lines. When a line is completed, it disappears and the blocks above it drop down. The game continues until the player’s screen fills up with blocks.
Tetris is one of the most popular video games of all time. It has been downloaded over 500 million times and has been ported to over 65 platforms. The game has also been featured in numerous films and TV shows.
Wii Fit / Plus
- Total Sales: 43,800,000
- Platform: Wii
- Release Date: December 1, 2007
- Developer: Nintendo EAD
Wii Fit is a physical fitness video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii. It was released in Japan in December 2007, and in North America and Europe in May 2008. The game is designed to help players improve their balance, strength, and flexibility. It uses the Wii Balance Board, a motion-sensitive peripheral that measures the player’s weight and center of balance.
Wii Fit Plus is an expansion for Wii Fit that was released in Japan in December 2008, and in North America and Europe in May 2009. It features new exercises, games, and activities, as well as the ability to track progress and set goals.
Both Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus have been critical and commercial successes. They have been praised for their innovative gameplay and their ability to help players get in shape. Wii Fit has sold over 70 million copies worldwide.
Terraria
- Total Sales: 44,500,000
- Platform: Multi-platform
- Release Date: May 16, 2011
- Developer: Re-Logic
Terraria is a 2D sandbox video game developed and published by Re-Logic. The game was first released for Microsoft Windows in May 2011, and has since been ported to several other platforms.
The game features exploration, crafting, building, painting, and combat with various creatures in a procedurally generated 2D world.
Terraria has been praised for its sandbox gameplay, pixel graphics, and great music.
Pokémon Red / Green / Blue / Yellow
- Total Sales: 47,520,000
- Platform: Multi-platform
- Release Date: February 27, 1996
- Developer: Game Freak
Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow are role-playing video games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy. They were first released in Japan in 1996 as Pocket Monsters Red and Pocket Monsters Green, with the special edition Pocket Monsters Blue being released in Japan later that same year. The games were later released as Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue in North America and Australia in 1998 and Europe in 1999.
Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow are the first installments in the Pokémon video game series. They were followed by Pokémon Gold and Silver in 1999. The games are set in the Kanto region, a fictional region based on the Kansai region of Japan. The player controls a young trainer who sets out to become a Pokémon Master by defeating the eight Gym Leaders in the Kanto region and the Elite Four. Along the way, the player must capture and train Pokémon to battle other trainers and Gym Leaders.
Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow were critical and commercial successes. They were praised for their simple but addictive gameplay, their colorful graphics, and their catchy music. The games have been credited with popularizing the Pokémon franchise and have been translated into over 30 languages.
Red Dead Redemption 2
- Total Sales: 50,000,000
- Platform: Multi-platform
- Release Date: October 26, 2018
- Developer: Rockstar Studios
Red Dead Redemption 2 is an open-world Western action-adventure game developed and published by Rockstar Games. It was released on October 26, 2018, for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, and on November 5, 2019, for Microsoft Windows. The game is the third entry in Rockstar’s Red Dead series and a prequel to 2010’s Red Dead Redemption.
Set in 1899, Red Dead Redemption 2 follows the story of Arthur Morgan, an outlaw member of the Van der Linde gang, as he and the gang are forced to flee after a botched robbery in the town of Blackwater. As the gang travels across the American frontier, Arthur must deal with the decline of the Wild West era while attempting to survive against government forces, rival gangs, and other adversaries.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is a critically acclaimed game, with praise for its open world, graphics, story, characters, and gameplay. It has also been a commercial success, grossing over $6 billion worldwide by March 2020.
Super Mario Bros.
- Total Sales: 58,000,000
- Platform: Multi-platform
- Release Date: September 13, 1985
- Developer: Nintendo R&D
Super Mario Bros. is a platform game developed and published by Nintendo. It was released in Japan for the Famicom on September 13, 1985, and in North America for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) on October 18, 1985. The game is the first installment in the Super Mario series and follows Mario’s quest to save Princess Peach from Bowser, the King of the Koopas.
Super Mario Bros. is a side-scrolling game in which players control Mario as he travels through the Mushroom Kingdom. Mario must jump over obstacles, defeat enemies, and collect power-ups to progress through the game. The game features eight worlds, each with four levels and a boss battle.
Super Mario Bros. was a critical and commercial success, selling over 40 million copies worldwide. It is considered one of the most important and influential video games of all time. The game has been praised for its simple but addictive gameplay, its colorful graphics, and its catchy music.
Mario Kart 8 / Deluxe
- Total Sales: 60,460,000
- Platform: Wii U / Switch
- Release Date: May 29, 2014
- Developer: Nintendo EAD
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a racing game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It is the eighth installment in the Mario Kart series and the first installment in the Mario Kart 8 series. The game was released worldwide on April 28, 2017.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a kart racing game in which players control characters from the Mario franchise and race against each other on various tracks. The game features a variety of game modes, including a single-player Grand Prix mode, a multiplayer Battle Mode, and a time trial mode. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also supports online multiplayer, allowing players to compete against each other from around the world.
The game has been praised for its graphics, gameplay, and online multiplayer. It has been a commercial success, selling over 23 million copies worldwide by June 2021.
PUBG: Battlegrounds
- Total Sales: 75,000,000
- Platform: Multi-platform
- Release Date: December 20, 2017
- Developer: PUBG Corporation
PUBG: Battlegrounds is an online multiplayer battle royale game developed and published by PUBG Corporation, a subsidiary of South Korean video game company Bluehole. The game is based on previous mods that were created by Brendan “PlayerUnknown” Greene for other games, inspired by the 2000 Japanese film Battle Royale. In the game, up to one hundred players parachute onto an island and scavenge for weapons and equipment to kill others while avoiding getting killed themselves. The available safe area of the game’s map decreases in size over time, directing surviving players into tighter areas to force encounters. The last player or team standing wins the round.
Released for Microsoft Windows via Steam’s early access beta program in March 2017, PUBG was officially released in December 2017, with ports for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One released in September 2018. The game has sold over 70 million copies worldwide by June 2021, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time. PUBG Corporation has run several small tournaments and introduced in-game tools to help with broadcasting the game to spectators, as they wish for it to become an eSport. The game has also been banned in some countries for its violent content.
Wii Sports
- Total Sales: 82,900,000
- Platform: Wii
- Release Date: November 19, 2006
- Developer: Nintendo EAD
Wii Sports is a video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii. The game was released in 2006 and is a collection of five sports minigames: tennis, baseball, bowling, golf, and boxing. The game uses the Wii Remote’s motion controls to simulate the movements of the player’s body in each sport.
Wii Sports was a critical and commercial success, selling over 82 million copies worldwide. It is one of the best-selling video games of all time and is credited with popularizing motion controls in gaming. The game has been praised for its accessibility, family-friendly nature, and addictive gameplay.
Tetris (EA)
- Total Sales: 100,000,000
- Platform: Multi-platform
- Release Date: September 12, 2006
- Developer: EA Mobile
Tetris is a popular tile-matching video game developed by Alexey Pajitnov and licensed by Electronic Arts. It was originally released in 1984 for the Electronika 60, a Soviet computer, and in 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System. Tetris has since been ported to numerous other platforms.
The objective of Tetris is to line up falling Tetriminoes by rotating them and placing them in rows without gaps. As the Tetriminoes reach the top of the playfield, they form a row and disappear. The faster the Tetriminoes fall, the faster the player must rotate and place them.
Tetris is a simple but addictive game that has been enjoyed by people of all ages for over 30 years. It is one of the most popular video games of all time, and has been ported to numerous platforms. The game is simple to learn but difficult to master, and can be enjoyed for short bursts or for hours on end.
The EA version of Tetris is a faithful recreation of the original game, with all of the same addictive gameplay and challenging puzzle-solving. The game features a variety of different modes, including classic, competitive, and marathon, as well as a variety of different skins and themes to customize your experience.
Grand Theft Auto V
- Total Sales: 175,000,000
- Platform: Multi-platform
- Release Date: September 17, 2013
- Developer: Rockstar North
Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) is an action-adventure video game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. It was released on September 17, 2013, for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, and on June 14, 2014, for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The game is the seventh main installment in the Grand Theft Auto series.
GTA V is set in the fictional state of San Andreas, based on Southern California. The story follows three criminals and their efforts to commit heists while under pressure from a government agency and powerful criminals.
The game was critically acclaimed, praising its open world, story, characters, and gameplay. It was also a commercial success, breaking numerous sales records and becoming one of the best-selling video games of all time.
Minecraft
- Total Sales: 238,000,000
- Platform: Multi-platform
- Release Date: November 18, 2011
- Developer: Mojang Studios
Topping our list of the most popular games is Minecraft, a sandbox video game created by Swedish game developer Markus Persson, also known as Notch, who began working on the game in May 2009. It was released as a paid public alpha for PC in early 2010 before being released as a full release in November 2011, with Jens Bergensten taking over development.
It has since been ported to various platforms and is the best-selling video game of all time, with over 238 million copies sold across all platforms by June 2021.
In November 2014, Microsoft acquired Mojang, the studio behind Minecraft, for a reported $2.5 billion.
In Minecraft, players explore a blocky, procedurally generated 3D world with virtually infinite terrain and can discover and extract raw materials, craft tools, and items and build structures or earthworks. Depending on the game mode, players can fight computer-controlled mobs, as well as cooperate with or compete against other players in the same world.
Game modes include a survival mode, in which players must acquire resources to build the world and maintain health, and a creative mode, in which players have unlimited resources. There is also a multiplayer mode in which players can cooperate with or compete against each other on various servers.
Minecraft has been praised for its creative potential and used in education and as a tool for problem-solving.
Conclusion
And that was our list of the top 50 most popular games of all time. As you can see, this list is a mix of classic and modern games. Some of the games on this list have been around for decades, while others are still relatively new. But they all have one thing in common: they are all incredibly popular.
There are many reasons why these games are so popular. Some of the reasons include:
- They are simply fun to play.
- They are easy to learn.
- They can be played by people of all ages.
- They are visually appealing.
- They offer a sense of accomplishment.
Whatever the reason, these games have captured the imagination of gamers around the world. And they are sure to continue to be popular for many years to come.
In addition to the list of the top 50 most popular video games of all time, here are some other interesting facts about video games:
- The first video game was Pong, which was released in 1972.
- The video game industry is worth more than $150 billion worldwide.
- There are over 2.8 billion gamers in the world.
- The average gamer plays for over 10 hours per week.
- The most popular video game genres are action, adventure, and role-playing.
- The most popular video game franchises are Grand Theft Auto, Call of Duty, and Pokémon.