Video games are one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the world. They can offer immersive experiences, creative challenges, social interactions, and endless fun. But which video games are the most popular of all time? How many copies have they sold, and what makes them so appealing to millions of players?
In this article, we will explore the 20 most popular video games of all time, based on their estimated sales figures, critical acclaim, cultural impact, and fan base. We will also look at some of the features, genres, and platforms that make these games stand out from the rest.
20 Most Popular Video Games of All Time
1. Tetris
Tetris is a puzzle game that was created by Soviet programmer Alexey Pajitnov in 1984. The game involves manipulating falling blocks of different shapes to form complete lines that disappear from the screen. The game is simple but addictive, and it has been ported to almost every platform imaginable, from computers and consoles to mobile phones and calculators.
Tetris is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most popular video games of all time. It has sold over 200 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling video game ever. It has also inspired countless spin-offs, clones, variations, and adaptations in other media. Tetris is a game that transcends language, culture, and age barriers, and it is still played and enjoyed by millions of people today.
2. Minecraft
Minecraft is a sandbox game that was created by Swedish developer Markus “Notch” Persson in 2009. The game allows players to explore, build, and survive in a procedurally generated world made of blocks. The game has two main modes: survival mode, where players have to gather resources, craft items, and fend off enemies; and creative mode, where players have unlimited resources and can create anything they can imagine.
Minecraft is one of the most successful and influential video games of all time. It has sold over 200 million copies worldwide, making it the second best-selling video game ever. It has also spawned a huge online community, a dedicated fan base, a thriving modding scene, a spin-off series, a movie adaptation, and a merchandise empire. Minecraft is a game that encourages creativity, collaboration, and learning, and it is still updated and expanded by its developers and fans.
3. Grand Theft Auto V
Grand Theft Auto V is an action-adventure game that was developed by Rockstar North and released in 2013. The game is set in a fictional version of Los Angeles called Los Santos, where players can control three different protagonists: Michael, a retired bank robber; Franklin, a street hustler; and Trevor, a psychopathic criminal. The game offers an open world that players can explore freely, either on foot or by using various vehicles. The game also features a story mode that follows the characters’ criminal escapades, and an online mode that allows players to interact with other players in various activities.
Grand Theft Auto V is one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful video games of all time. It has sold over 140 million copies worldwide, making it the third best-selling video game ever. It has also won numerous awards, broken several records, generated controversy, and influenced popular culture. Grand Theft Auto V is a game that offers a rich and realistic world, a compelling and humorous story, and a diverse and dynamic gameplay.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is an action-adventure game that was developed by Nintendo EPD and released in 2017. The game is part of the long-running Legend of Zelda series, which follows the adventures of Link, a hero who must save the kingdom of Hyrule from evil forces. The game is set in a vast open world that players can explore freely, either on foot or by using various tools and abilities. The game also features a nonlinear story that allows players to choose their own path and pace.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful video games of all time. It has sold over 23 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling Legend of Zelda game ever. It has also won numerous awards, including several Game of the Year awards. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a game that offers a beautiful and immersive world, a captivating and emotional story, and a challenging and rewarding gameplay.
Related:
Guide to Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild Memory Locations Unveiling BotW Hyrule Castle Secrets How to get The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on PC
5. Fortnite
Fortnite is an online multiplayer game that was developed by Epic Games and released in 2017. The game has two main modes: Save the World, where players cooperate to fight off zombie-like creatures and defend their bases; and Battle Royale, where players compete against each other in a last-man-standing match on an island that shrinks over time. The game also features a creative mode, where players can create their own maps and modes.
Fortnite is one of the most influential and popular video games of all time. It has over 350 million registered players worldwide, making it one of the most played video games ever. It has also generated a huge online community, a loyal fan base, a lucrative esports scene, a crossover phenomenon, and a cultural sensation. Fortnite is a game that combines survival, shooting, building, and socializing, and it is constantly updated and improved by its developers and fans.
6. Pokémon GO
Pokémon GO is an augmented reality game that was developed by Niantic and released in 2016. The game is based on the popular Pokémon franchise, which involves collecting, training, and battling creatures called Pokémon. The game uses the GPS and camera of the player’s smartphone to locate, capture, and interact with Pokémon that appear in the real world. The game also features gyms, where players can join teams and compete for control; raids, where players can cooperate to defeat powerful Pokémon; and events, where players can participate in special activities and rewards.
Pokémon GO is one of the most innovative and successful video games of all time. It has over 1 billion downloads worldwide, making it one of the most downloaded video games ever. It has also won numerous awards, set several records, sparked a global phenomenon, and influenced public health and social behavior. Pokémon GO is a game that brings the fantasy of Pokémon to life, and it encourages exploration, exercise, and interaction.
7. Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros. is a platform game that was developed by Nintendo R&D4 and released in 1985. The game follows the adventures of Mario, a plumber who must rescue Princess Peach from the evil Bowser. The game consists of eight worlds, each with four levels, that Mario must traverse by jumping over obstacles, defeating enemies, collecting coins, and reaching the flagpole at the end. The game also features power-ups, such as mushrooms, fire flowers, and stars, that give Mario different abilities.
Super Mario Bros. is one of the most classic and influential video games of all time. It has sold over 40 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video games ever. It has also spawned a successful franchise, a cultural icon, and a gaming legacy. Super Mario Bros. is a game that defined the platform genre, revolutionized the gaming industry, and introduced millions of people to video games.
8. World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game that was developed by Blizzard Entertainment and released in 2004. The game is set in a fantasy world called Azeroth, where players can create their own characters from various races and classes. The game offers an expansive world that players can explore freely, either alone or with other players. The game also features quests, dungeons, raids, battlegrounds, arenas, professions, factions, achievements, mounts, pets, and more.
World of Warcraft is one of the most epic and immersive video games of all time. It has over 100 million registered players worldwide, making it one of the most subscribed video games ever. It has also won numerous awards, broken several records, created a loyal fan base, a rich lore, a vibrant community, and a multimedia franchise. World of Warcraft is a game that offers endless content, variety, and fun for players of all tastes and preferences.
Related:
The Tragic Tale of Arthas Menethil, the Lich King
9. PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds)
PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds) is an online multiplayer battle royale game that was developed by PUBG Corporation and released in 2017. The game is inspired by the Japanese novel and film Battle Royale, where participants are forced to fight to the death on an island. The game involves up to 100 players who parachute onto an island with nothing but their clothes. They must then scavenge for weapons, armor and items while avoiding being killed by other players or by the shrinking play zone. The last player or team standing wins the match.
PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds) is one of the most realistic and intense video games of all time. It has sold over 70 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video games ever. It has also won numerous awards, popularized the battle royale genre and influenced many other games.
PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds) is a game that offers thrilling action, strategic gameplay,
and high replay value. PUBG (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds) is a game that tests your skills, nerves, and luck in a life-or-death situation.
10. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an action role-playing game that was developed by Bethesda Game Studios and released in 2011. The game is part of the Elder Scrolls series, which is set in a fantasy world called Tamriel. The game takes place in the province of Skyrim, where players can create their own character from various races and skills. The game offers a vast open world that players can explore freely, either on foot or by using horses, dragons, or fast travel. The game also features a main quest that follows the player’s role as the Dragonborn, a prophesied hero who can use the power of dragons; and hundreds of side quests that involve various factions, characters, and locations.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is one of the most immersive and expansive video games of all time. It has sold over 30 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video games ever. It has also won numerous awards, received several expansions and remasters, inspired countless mods and fan works, and influenced many other games. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is a game that offers a rich and detailed world, a compelling and flexible story, and a diverse and customizable gameplay.
Related:
Unlocking Serana’s Full Power in Skyrim: Ultimate Guide! Explore the Best Skyrim Memes: A World of Laughter and Dragons!
11. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is a first-person shooter game that was developed by Infinity Ward and released in 2019. The game is a reboot of the Modern Warfare sub-series, which is part of the Call of Duty franchise, which focuses on realistic and contemporary warfare. The game features a single-player campaign that follows the conflicts between a CIA officer, a British SAS operative, and a rebel leader in the Middle East and Russia; and a multiplayer mode that offers various modes, maps, weapons, and customization options.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is one of the most realistic and cinematic video games of all time. It has sold over 30 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video games ever. It has also won numerous awards, received several updates and additions, and set a new standard for graphics and audio in video games. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is a game that offers a thrilling and immersive gameplay, a gripping and controversial story, and a competitive and cooperative online experience.
12. Street Fighter II
Street Fighter II is a fighting game that was developed by Capcom and released in 1991. The game is the sequel to the original Street Fighter, which was released in 1987. The game features eight playable characters from different countries, each with their own fighting style and special moves. The game also features four boss characters that are not playable but can be fought against. The game involves two players or one player and the computer competing in a best-of-three match, where the winner is the one who depletes the opponent’s health bar first.
Street Fighter II is one of the most classic and influential video games of all time. It has sold over 15 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling fighting games ever. It has also spawned several sequels, spin-offs, crossovers, adaptations, and merchandise. Street Fighter II is a game that popularized the fighting genre, introduced the combo system, and created a global phenomenon.
13. Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 is an action-adventure game that was developed by Rockstar Studios and released in 2018. The game is a prequel to the original Red Dead Redemption, which was released in 2010. The game follows the story of Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang, who must deal with the decline of the Wild West era and the encroaching forces of civilization. The game offers an open world that players can explore freely, either on horseback or by using other means of transportation. The game also features a main story that involves various missions, characters, and events; and an online mode that allows players to create their own character and interact with other players in various activities.
Red Dead Redemption 2 is one of the most immersive and detailed video games of all time. It has sold over 36 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video games ever. It has also won numerous awards, received several updates and expansions, and impressed critics and players alike. Red Dead Redemption 2 is a game that offers a stunning and realistic world, a compelling and emotional story, and a diverse and dynamic gameplay.
14. Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII is a role-playing game that was developed by Square (now Square Enix) and released in 1997. The game is part of the Final Fantasy series, which is one of the most popular and influential RPG series in history. The game follows the story of Cloud Strife, a former soldier who joins an eco-terrorist group called AVALANCHE to fight against the Shinra Corporation, which is draining the planet’s life force for energy. The game features a turn-based combat system that uses materia, which are magical orbs that grant various abilities; and limit breaks, which are powerful attacks that can be unleashed when certain conditions are met.
Final Fantasy VII is one of the most epic and beloved video games of all time. It has sold over 13 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video games ever. It has also won numerous awards,
inspired several sequels, prequels, prequels, spin-offs, remakes, adaptations, and influenced many other games. Final Fantasy VII is a game that offers a rich and detailed world, a compelling and emotional story, and a diverse and dynamic gameplay.
15. Counter-Strike
Counter-Strike is a first-person shooter game that was developed by Valve Corporation and released in 2000. The game is a mod of the original Half-Life, which was released in 1998. The game features two teams of players: terrorists and counter-terrorists, who must complete various objectives, such as planting or defusing bombs, rescuing or guarding hostages, or eliminating the enemy team. The game also features a variety of weapons, maps, modes, and customization options.
Counter-Strike is one of the most competitive and influential video games of all time. It has sold over 25 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video games ever. It has also spawned several sequels, spin-offs, updates, and tournaments. Counter-Strike is a game that defined the online multiplayer shooter genre, created a loyal fan base, a thriving esports scene, and a cultural phenomenon.
16. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a fighting game that was developed by Bandai Namco Studios and Sora Ltd. and released in 2018. The game is part of the Super Smash Bros. series, which features characters from various Nintendo franchises and other video games. The game involves up to eight players who can choose from over 80 characters and fight on various stages with items and special moves. The game also features a single-player mode called World of Light, where players can fight against an evil force that has taken over the world; and an online mode that allows players to compete with other players in various modes and rankings.
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is one of the most fun and diverse video games of all time. It has sold over 23 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video games ever. It has also won numerous awards, received several updates and additions, and satisfied fans and critics alike. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a game that offers a huge roster of characters, a variety of stages and modes, and a crossover extravaganza.
17. Wii Sports
Wii Sports is a sports game that was developed by Nintendo EAD and released in 2006. The game is bundled with the Wii console, which uses motion-sensing controllers that allow players to simulate various sports actions. The game features five sports: tennis, baseball, bowling, golf, and boxing. The game also features training modes, multiplayer modes, and customizations.
Wii Sports is one of the most innovative and accessible video games of all time. It has sold over 82 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video games ever. It has also won numerous awards,
introduced millions of people to video games and influenced physical activity and social interaction.
Wii Sports is a game that offers simple but fun gameplay, realistic but cartoonish graphics, and casual but competitive sports.
18. Diablo III
Diablo III is an action role-playing game that was developed by Blizzard Entertainment and released in 2012. The game is part of the Diablo series, which involves fighting against the forces of evil in a dark fantasy world. The game features six classes of characters: barbarian, wizard, monk, demon hunter, witch doctor and crusader. The game also features four acts that follow the main story; an adventure mode that allows players to explore the world freely; a hardcore mode that deletes the character upon death; and an online mode that allows players to cooperate or compete with other players in various activities.
Diablo III is one of the most addictive and satisfying video games of all time. It has sold over 30 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video games ever. It has also won numerous awards, received several updates and expansions, and created a loyal fan base, a rich lore and a vibrant community. Diablo III is a game that offers fast-paced action, strategic gameplay and endless loot.
19. The Sims series
The Sims series is a life simulation game series that was created by Will Wright and developed by Maxis (now EA Maxis) and The Sims Studio. The series began with The Sims in 2000 and has since released four main titles: The Sims 2 in 2004, The Sims 3 in 2009, and The Sims 4 in 2014. The series also features dozens of expansion packs, stuff packs, game packs and spin-offs.
The series allows players to create their own virtual people called Sims and control their lives in various ways. The series also features various themes, genres, settings and customization options.
The Sims series is one of the most creative and diverse video games of all time. It has sold over 200 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video games ever. It has also won numerous awards, generated controversy and influenced popular culture.
The Sims series is a game that offers a sandbox of possibilities, a simulation of reality and a reflection of society.
20. League of Legends (LoL)
League of Legends is an online multiplayer battle arena game that was developed by Riot Games and released in 2009.
The game is inspired by the Warcraft III mod Defense of the Ancients, which was released in 2003.
LoL involves two teams of five players who compete to destroy the enemy’s base, which is protected by towers and minions.
The game also features over 150 champions, each with their own abilities and roles: various modes, maps,
and objectives; and a ranking system that determines the skill level of the players.
League of Legends is one of the most competitive and popular video games of all time. It has over 100 million monthly active players worldwide, making it one of the most played video games ever. It has also won numerous awards, created a loyal fan base, a thriving esports scene, and a multimedia franchise.
League of Legends is a game that offers strategic action, teamwork gameplay, and high skill ceiling.
Conclusion
These are the 20 most popular video games of all time, based on their sales figures, critical acclaim, cultural impact, and fan base. These games represent a wide range of genres, platforms, and features, and they have entertained and inspired millions of players around the world. Whether you are looking for a classic or a modern game, a casual or a hardcore game, a single-player or a multiplayer game, you are sure to find something that suits your taste and preference among these games. If you have not played any of these games yet, we highly recommend that you give them a try and see for yourself why they are so popular and beloved. Happy Gaming!
