In the age of technology, there are few things as ubiquitous as video games. They have come a long way since the days of basic 8-bit systems and have evolved into complex, graphics-intensive experiences that can be enjoyed across multiple devices. Today, the video game industry is worth over $100 billion and is only continuing to grow. As a result, gamers have more options than ever before, with countless titles to choose from across an array of genres. But which games are the real players, and which are the mere pretenders? In this blog post, we dive deep into the gaming world to uncover the top 10 best-selling video games of all time, and analyze how they have changed the gaming industry as we know it.
1. Super Mario Bros – Released in 1987 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Mario Bros. revolutionized the gaming industry by introducing the iconic, jump-platforming gameplay that has defined the franchise ever since. It was one of the first games to introduce a side-scrolling camera view, and its simple yet addictive gameplay has made it a cultural phenomenon. To this day, the game remains one of the best-selling video games of all time with over 350 million units sold.
2. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – Arriving in 2006 for the Nintendo GameCube, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time was a revolutionary game that would go on to change the industry. It introduced the innovative concept of a continuous, open world in video games, and set a standard for the industry to follow. The game sold over 4 million copies and was one of the defining titles of the Nintendo GameCube era.
3. Grand Theft Auto V – Releasing in 2013 for multiple platforms, Grand Theft Auto V is a masterpiece of open world gaming that has sold over 130 million copies worldwide. It introduced a number of innovations that have become commonplace in the genre, such as the ability to customize your character’s physical appearance, the inclusion of heists, and the introduction of a fully functioning criminal empire. It is now one of the biggest-selling video games of all time.
4. The Sims 2 – Debuting in 2004 for PC, The Sims 2 revolutionized the simulation genre by allowing players to create and control their own simulated people in a large, open world. Since its release, the franchise has sold over 13 million copies, making it one of the most successful video game franchises of all time.
5. Final Fantasy VII – Arriving in 1997 for the PlayStation, Final Fantasy VII was an instant success, selling over 3.5 million copies worldwide. The game introduced a number of innovations to the Final Fantasy franchise, including a more mature storyline, a larger cast of characters than any previous game, and an iconic soundtrack. It is still considered one of the best-selling video games of all time.
6. Madden NFL 2005 – Coming to the Xbox in 2004, Madden NFL 2005 revolutionized the sports genre with its realistic gameplay and the inclusion of player ratings. Since its release, the franchise has sold over 12 million copies, making it one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time.
7. FIFA Soccer 2004 – Debuting in 2004 for PC and PlayStation 2, FIFA Soccer 2004 introduced the franchise to a new audience that hadn’t previously been exposed to the series. It has since sold over 10 million copies globally, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time.
8. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 – Arriving in 2010 for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, and PC, Modern Warfare 2 was a massive success that sold over 13 million copies in just three days. The game introduced a number of innovations to the FPS genre, including a single-player campaign and an online co-op mode. It is now one of the top-selling video games of all time.
9. Animal Crossing: New Leaf – Debuting in 2013 for the Nintendo 3DS, Animal Crossing: New Leaf introduced a new generation of players to the franchise with its colorful visuals and charming gameplay. Since its release, the game has sold over 13 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time.
10. Minecraft – Arriving in 2009 for the PC, Minecraft revolutionized the sandbox genre with its endless creative possibilities and its ability for players to build their own worlds. Since its release, the franchise has sold over 200 million copies across all platforms, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time.
The gaming industry has