Over the years, gaming has grown into a cultural phenomenon, and certain titles have stood out as runaway successes. From timeless classics to modern giants, the best selling games of all time have left an indelible mark on the industry, shaping trends and winning millions of fans worldwide. Whether they dominated with unit sales or raked in unmatched revenue, these games  .

What Makes a Game a “Best Seller”?

Before we jump into the list, it’s essential to understand what makes a game a commercial juggernaut. Typically, a game is considered “best selling” based on units sold. However, some titles achieve massive financial success through microtransactions or digital services, placing them among the best selling games of all time by revenue.

For perspective, some games like Minecraft and Grand Theft Auto (GTA) V have sold over 200 million copies each. Meanwhile, free-to-play titles like Fortnite have generated billions in revenue through in-game purchases.

Unit Sales vs Revenue

  • Unit Sales figures focus on how many copies of a game were sold across platforms like PC, consoles, and handhelds.
  • Revenue measures total earnings, often skewed by games that offer downloadable content or free-to-play models with purchases.

 

Best Selling Games According to Wikipedia

When searching best selling games of all time Wikipedia, Minecraft emerges at the top. With over 238 million copies sold, this sandbox game continues to thrive across generations and platforms.

Following close behind is GTA V, which has surpassed 185 million copies worldwide. It’s a marvel of open-world design, and its online mode keeps players engaged years after its 2013 release.

Other honorable mentions include legacy hits like Wii Sports (82 million units sold) and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), which boasts around 75 million copies.

Top Sellers on Steam

Steam is the go-to platform for PC gamers, and the store has crowned some of the best selling games of all time on Steam. Titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) broke records with high player counts, building its fan base with competitive gameplay.

Similarly, PUBG made waves on Steam’s charts with millions of players flocking in its early years. Its impact helped popularize the battle royale craze, now seen in games like Fortnite.

Breaking Records Through Revenue

When revenue is the focus, free-to-play games dominate, leveraging microtransactions to amass mind-boggling earnings. For example, Fortnite has reportedly earned over $10 billion since launch, capitalizing on skins, battle passes, and events.

The mobile juggernaut Pokemon Go also secured its place with $8 billion in lifetime revenue, proving that augmented reality games have a viable market. Other notable entries include Call of Duty’s franchises and Dungeon Fighter Online.

Timeless Icons

Tetris – A Simple Yet Global Bestseller

One of the most resilient games in history, Tetris, has sold over 100 million units. Its simplicity fuels its versatility, allowing it to flourish on platforms from early Game Boys to modern smartphones.

Tetris doesn’t just sell—it transcends generations, representing an era where gameplay mattered most.

Why Skyrim Continues to Shine

Released in 2011, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim remains a cultural and sales phenomenon. Having sold over 30 million copies globally, this RPG is beloved for its immersive world, mods, and replayability.

Skyrim’s enduring popularity lies in its flexibility, offering countless gameplay styles and scenarios. It’s a staple for any gamer who loves exploring vast fantasy worlds.

Best Sellers on PlayStation and Beyond

Games like Gran Turismo and The Last of Us have solidified their spot when exploring best selling games of all time PlayStation.

  • The Gran Turismo franchise leads with over 90 million copies sold, embodying the realism and thrill of car racing.
  • The Last of Us Part II wowed audiences with its storytelling and graphically rich environments, pushing sales records on PS4.

PS5 Blockbusters

Though the PlayStation 5 is still relatively new, hits like Spider-Man Miles Morales have quickly become best selling games of all time PS5. Combined with cutting-edge graphics, these games signal what the next-gen console can achieve in sales.

Day-One Sales Records

Few titles make it into the best selling games of all time in 24 hours, but its importance remains fascinating. Take GTA V, for instance—it earned $800 million in 24 hours, a record-breaking feat at the time.

The Call of Duty series is another juggernaut, routinely breaking launch day records with its FPS titles. These instances show how powerful pre-release hype can be in today’s industry.

The Top 100 Games

Ranking best selling games of all time top 100 often includes a mix of genre-defining and blockbuster hits. Franchises like The Legend of Zelda, Call of Duty, and Pokemon dominate these rankings.

What makes this list so unique is its diversity—puzzle titles like Candy Crush sit alongside adrenaline-pumping adventures like Uncharted.

Emerging Trends in Game Sales

The gaming market never stands still, and analyzing the trends can give us clues about the next big seller. With battle royales capturing mainstream attention, the format has proven financially successful for companies.

Likewise, accessibility plays a huge role—games like Among Us keep costs low but can explode in popularity because of ease of play and streaming culture.

The world’s best selling games of all time embody innovation, creativity, and timeless appeal. They’ve broken records, inspired countless players, and changed how we see gaming forever. Whether you’re looking at massive global hits like Minecraft or nostalgic classics like Tetris, these games have proven that great design and engagement never fade.

What’s your favorite game from this list? Share your thoughts and join the celebration of these gaming legends!

FAQs

What is the best selling video game of all time?


Minecraft holds this title with over 238 million copies sold globally.

Why is Minecraft so successful?


Its creative freedom, cross-platform availability, and appeal across all age groups make it universally beloved.

Which game earned the most revenue?


Fortnite is among the leaders, with $10 billion earned since its launch through microtransactions alone.

Are there indie games on the bestseller list?


Yes, indie successes like Stardew Valley have made their mark on both sales and player engagement.

How are digital and physical sales calculated?


Modern rankings often combine digital copies sold with physical copies shipped to paint a fuller picture.