Game developers of course always hope their games will be commercially successful. But the reality is its very, very hard to reach even 5 million in sales for a game. Let’s discuss 11 most successful games of all time which sold 30 million or more copies. This list is not franchise sales, nor total sales in dollars, so you’ll see that GTA V does not top this list, despite the recent news of GTA V being the most profitable entertainment product of all time.
1. Tetris
The most successful game of all times is Tetris. Certainly, you’ve heard of it or likely played it. Tetris is the most successful game of all times as it has sold more than 170 million units, according to Wikipedia. This game was released way back in 1984, but its glorious throne as the most commercially successful game of all (by total units sold) time is still held.
2. Minecraft
The second most successful game of all times is Minecraft. Older or younger gamers are surely familiar with this build-your-world game. This game sold more than 144 million units on all platforms, including mobile. Developed and released by Mojang, Minecraft was commercially launched in 2011 and until this very day, only Tetris the “classic” has more sales figure than Minecraft. No modern games have managed to sell more than Minecraft.
3. GTA V
The third most successful game of all times is GTA V. Despite all the controversy surrounding GTA, commercially it is incredibly successful. Since its release in 17 September 2013, GTA V has sold more than 95 million copies
4. Wii Sports
Despite being a Wii exclusive, it was able to attract so massive sales. More than 82 million copies of this game have been sold. It was developed by EAD and released on November 19, 2006 and includes five different sports: tennis, baseball, bowling, golf, and boxing. Using hand-held movement sensors, this game offers a dynamic gaming experience that attracted so many gamers and non gamers. Even nursing homes were known to have a copy of Wii Sports on hand.
5. Super Mario Bros.
Still from the same corporation that produced Wii, Super Mario Bros is a legendary game title. Its theme song is very popular even among non-gamers. Super Mario Bros, developed and published by Nintendo, has sold 40 million copies.
6. PUBG
Of course, everyone is familiar with this PUBG these days. It is currently a widespread sensation that became even more popular when Tencent released PUBG mobile. The latest data revealed that PUBG has sold more than 40 million copies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyixAG7tZN8
7. Mario Kart Wii
Many of you would probably ask why many Wii-platform games are the most commercially successful game of all times. Mario Kart Wii sold more than 37 million copies since its release in 10 April 2008. This game features famous, lovable characters from Mario Series such as Mario, Luigi, and others, in racing, a highly-popular genre.
8. Wii Sports Resort
Yet another one from Wii platform. Wii Sports Resort, released in 2009, has sold more than 33 million copies. Just like Wii Sports, this game also carries the genre of sports but with a wider variety of sports to play: swordplay, wakeboarding, Frisbee, archery, basketball, golf, bowling, power cruising, canoeing, cycling, parachuting, and piloting.
9. Pokemon Red and Blue
This classic game, released in 1996, has sold more than 31,380,000 copies. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, in the time of its release these games are only available on Gameboy.
10. New Super Mario Bros.
New Super Mario Bros. was released in 2006, developed by Nintendo EAD and published by Nintendo. This game was only available in the NDS platform. New Super Mario Bros sold for 30,800,000 copies since its initial release. The strongest driving force behind New Super Mario Bros’ success is following-up the legendary success of its predecessors – this is one of the most successful reboots of all time.
11. New Super Mario Bros Wii
Still the same game, but in a different platform and a slightly different gameplay. New Super Mario Bros Wii is released in 2011 and managed to sell more than 30,200,000 copies. Developed by Nintendo EAD and published by Nintendo, it racked up millions of sales for the same reason: following-up the legendary success of its predecessors.
