The Best Selling Games of All Time

• Red Dead Redemption II (2018)
• Pokemon Gen 1 (1996)
• Super Mario Bros (1985)
• Overwatch (2016)
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
• PUBG: Battlegrounds (2017)
• Wii Sports (2006)
• Grand Theft Auto V
• Minecraft
• Tetris

Red Dead Redemption II (2018) – 46 million copies sold

Storyline:

Red Dead Redemption II is set in 1899, during the final days of the Wild West. The story follows Arthur Morgan, a senior member of the Van der Linde gang, led by the charismatic but increasingly unstable Dutch van der Linde. After a robbery gone wrong, the gang is forced to flee from the law across the rugged heartland of America, constantly evading bounty hunters, government agents, and rival gangs.

As the gang’s situation grows more desperate, Arthur begins to question his loyalty to Dutch and the outlaw lifestyle. Throughout the game, players experience Arthur’s internal struggle as he grapples with his sense of morality, the loss of the Old West, and the looming inevitability of change. The game explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, offering players multiple endings based on their choices throughout the game.

History:

Development of Red Dead Redemption II began shortly after the release of the original Red Dead Redemption in 2010. Rockstar Games, known for its meticulous attention to detail, spent nearly eight years crafting the game, with a team that eventually grew to thousands of developers across multiple Rockstar studios worldwide.

The game was designed to be a prequel to the original, providing backstory to the events and characters that players encountered in the first Red Dead Redemption. Rockstar aimed to create an immersive, living world that felt authentic and dynamic. They achieved this through groundbreaking technology, an expansive open world, and a narrative that intertwined deeply with the game’s environment and characters.

The game was released to widespread critical acclaim on October 26, 2018, for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, and later for PC. It was praised for its stunning graphics, attention to detail, and complex narrative. By 2024, Red Dead Redemption II had sold over 46 million copies, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time.

Company:

Red Dead Redemption II was developed and published by Rockstar Games, a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive. Rockstar is renowned for its Grand Theft Auto series, which revolutionized open-world gaming. Founded in 1998, Rockstar Games has consistently pushed the boundaries of interactive storytelling and world-building, often setting industry standards with their releases.

The company’s philosophy revolves around creating games that offer unparalleled freedom, narrative depth, and attention to detail. With Red Dead Redemption II, Rockstar Games solidified its reputation as a pioneer in the gaming industry, delivering a title that was not only a commercial success but also a cultural phenomenon.

Pokemon Gen 1 (1996) – 47 million copies sold

Storyline:

The first generation of Pokémon games, released as Pokémon Red and Blue (with a special Yellow version later), takes place in the fictional region of Kanto. Players assume the role of a young Trainer from Pallet Town who embarks on a quest to become the Pokémon Champion. The journey begins with choosing one of three starter Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle.

Throughout the game, the player travels across Kanto, capturing wild Pokémon, battling other Trainers, and challenging the eight Gym Leaders to earn badges. The ultimate goal is to defeat the Elite Four and the reigning Pokémon Champion to claim the title for yourself.

Along the way, players must also contend with Team Rocket, a criminal organization bent on exploiting Pokémon for profit. The story involves thwarting their schemes, including encounters with iconic villains like Giovanni, the leader of Team Rocket. The games introduced 151 Pokémon species, including fan favorites like Pikachu, Charizard, and Mewtwo.

The game’s storyline is simple yet compelling, combining elements of exploration, collection, and battle strategy, which captivated players worldwide and laid the foundation for what would become a multimedia franchise.

History:

The concept for Pokémon was created by Satoshi Tajiri, who was inspired by his childhood interest in collecting creatures and his love for nature. Tajiri envisioned a game where players could collect, trade, and battle creatures, which led to the creation of Pokémon. Game Freak, originally a gaming magazine, evolved into a game development company to bring Tajiri’s vision to life.

Development began in 1990, with the project codenamed “Capsule Monsters.” It faced numerous challenges, including budget constraints and hardware limitations of the Game Boy. However, after six years of development, Pokémon Red and Green were released in Japan in 1996. The games were an instant success, and Pokémon Blue, an enhanced version, followed shortly after. The games were later released internationally as Pokémon Red and Blue.

Pokémon Yellow, a special edition that incorporated elements from the popular Pokémon anime series, was released in 1998. This version featured Pikachu as the player’s starter Pokémon and followed more closely the storyline of Ash Ketchum, the anime’s protagonist.

The success of these games sparked the Pokémon phenomenon, leading to an anime series, trading card game, movies, merchandise, and more. Pokémon Gen 1 laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most successful and enduring franchises in entertainment history.

Company:

Pokémon Gen 1 was developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo. Game Freak, co-founded by Satoshi Tajiri, initially started as a fanzine before transitioning into a game development studio. The company is best known for creating the Pokémon series, which remains one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time.

Nintendo, the publisher, played a crucial role in the development and distribution of Pokémon. As one of the leading video game companies in the world, Nintendo has been instrumental in popularizing the Pokémon franchise through its consoles, particularly the Game Boy, on which the first-generation games were released.

Nintendo’s partnership with Game Freak and The Pokémon Company, a collaborative entity formed to manage the Pokémon brand, has been pivotal in maintaining the franchise’s success and expanding its reach globally. The Pokémon franchise has become a cultural icon, with its influence spanning across multiple generations and continuing to grow with each new game release.

Super Mario Bros (1985) 48 million copies sold

Storyline:

Super Mario Bros follows the adventures of Mario, an Italian plumber, as he embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Toadstool (later known as Princess Peach) from the clutches of Bowser, the king of the Koopa Troopas. The game is set in the Mushroom Kingdom, a fantastical world filled with various enemies, obstacles, and challenges.

Mario’s journey involves navigating through eight worlds, each consisting of several levels filled with enemies, traps, and platforming challenges. The ultimate goal is to reach Bowser’s Castle at the end of each world, defeat Bowser, and ultimately save Princess Toadstool. The game’s levels are designed with a mix of platforming, exploration, and combat, and players must use power-ups like the Super Mushroom and Fire Flower to aid their progress.

History:

Released in 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Mario Bros was created by Nintendo and is widely credited with revitalizing the video game industry, which had experienced a downturn in the early 1980s. The game was developed by Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka, two key figures at Nintendo. Miyamoto’s vision for the game was to create a title that combined exploration and adventure with precise platforming controls

Super Mario Bros was initially released in Japan as part of a bundle with the NES (known as the Famicom in Japan) and became a massive hit, leading to its release in North America and Europe. Its innovative gameplay, memorable characters, and design helped establish the platformer genre and set a new standard for video game design

The game’s success led to numerous sequels and spin-offs, cementing Mario as one of the most iconic characters in video game history. It also played a pivotal role in establishing Nintendo as a leading force in the gaming industry

Company:

Super Mario Bros was developed and published by Nintendo, a Japanese company founded in 1889 by Fusajiro Yamauchi. Originally a playing card company, Nintendo transitioned into video games in the 1970s. By the mid-1980s, Nintendo had become a major player in the gaming industry, thanks in large part to the success of Super Mario Bros.

The game was developed by Nintendo’s internal team, including Shigeru Miyaoto, who is often regarded as one of the greatest game designers of all time. His work on Super Mario Bros and subsequent titles helped establish Nintendo’s reputation for creating high-quality, innovative games

Nintendo’s focus on game design, creativity, and quality has continued to be a hallmark of the company’s approach to game development, and Super Mario Bros remains one of its most celebrated and influential titles

The Best-Selling Games of All Time

• Red Dead Redemption II (2018)
• Pokemon Gen 1 (1996)
• Super Mario Bros (1985)
• Overwatch (2016)
• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
• PUBG: Battlegrounds (2017)
• Wii Sports (2006)
• Grand Theft Auto V
• Minecraft
• Tetris

Overwatch (2016) 50 million copies sold

Storyline:

Overwatch is set in a futuristic world where heroes from various backgrounds come together to fight against forces of evil and maintain peace. The game features a diverse roster of characters, known as “heroes,” each with unique abilities and roles. Players choose from these heroes to form teams and engage in objective-based combat across different maps. The story unfolds through in-game events, cinematic shorts, and lore, focusing on the battle between the Overwatch task force, which was once a global peacekeeping force, and various antagonistic groups.

History:

Released in 2016 by Blizzard Entertainment, Overwatch is a team-based first-person shooter that has gained acclaim for its vibrant art style, diverse character roster, and engaging gameplay. The game was developed by Blizzard’s team known for creating iconic franchises like World of Warcraft and Diablo. Its release marked a new direction for Blizzard, venturing into the competitive multiplayer genre with a focus on teamwork and hero-based gameplay. Overwatch quickly became a cultural phenomenon, spawning a successful esports scene and numerous updates and expansions.

Company:

Overwatch was developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment, a subsidiary of Activision Blizzard. Founded in 1991, Blizzard is renowned for its high-quality games and storytelling. The company’s other major titles include StarCraft, Diablo, and World of Warcraft. Blizzard’s emphasis on polished gameplay and rich lore has made it a major player in the gaming industry.

Mario Kart 8/Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2014/2017) 56 million copies sold

Storyline:

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is a racing game featuring characters from the Mario universe competing in go-kart races across various imaginative tracks. Players can choose from a roster of characters, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Bowser, and use a variety of items and power-ups to gain an advantage over their opponents. The game includes both single-player and multiplayer modes, with the goal of finishing in first place across different races and tournaments.

History:

Released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is an enhanced version of Mario Kart 8, originally released for the Wii U in 2014. The Deluxe edition includes all previously released downloadable content (DLC), improved graphics, and new features. It builds on the success of previous Mario Kart games with refined gameplay, expanded content, and additional tracks and characters.

Company:

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe was developed and published by Nintendo, a company known for its influential franchises and gaming innovations. The Mario Kart series, which started in 1992, has been a staple of Nintendo’s offerings and is celebrated for its fun, competitive racing gameplay.

PUBG: Battlegrounds (2017) 75 million copies sold

Storyline:

PUBG: Battlegrounds (PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds) is a battle royale game where players are dropped onto an island and must fight to be the last person or team standing. The game involves scavenging for weapons, armor, and supplies while avoiding a shrinking play area. Players can choose to play solo, in duos, or in teams, with the ultimate goal being survival.

History:

Released in 2017 by PUBG Corporation, a subsidiary of Bluehole Studio, PUBG popularized the battle royale genre with its large-scale, last-man-standing gameplay. The game was initially available through early access on PC and later expanded to other platforms, including consoles and mobile devices. Its success influenced the development of other battle royale games and established a new genre trend.

Company:

PUBG was developed by PUBG Corporation, part of Bluehole Studio, a South Korean game development company founded in 2007. Bluehole Studio is known for its work on MMORPGs and innovative game design. PUBG’s success helped establish the company as a key player in the gaming industry.

Wii Sports (2006) 82 million copies sold

Storyline:

Wii Sports is a collection of sports mini-games designed to showcase the capabilities of the Nintendo Wii’s motion controls. Players can engage in virtual versions of tennis, baseball, bowling, golf, and boxing. The game focuses on intuitive motion-based controls and encourages physical activity and fun.

History:

Released in 2006 as a launch title for the Nintendo Wii, Wii Sports became a massive hit due to its innovative use of motion controls and accessibility for players of all ages. It was bundled with the Wii console in many regions, contributing to its widespread popularity and helping to drive the success of the Wii.

Company:

Wii Sports was developed and published by Nintendo, a company known for its influential game design and innovative hardware. The game was created by Nintendo EAD, the same team responsible for other major Nintendo franchises.

Grand Theft Auto V (2013) – 170 million copies sold

Storyline:

Grand Theft Auto V follows three protagonists—Michael De Santa, Trevor Philips, and Franklin Clinton—each with their own storylines that intertwine throughout the game. Set in the fictional city of Los Santos, the game revolves around the characters’ lives in crime, heists, and their interactions with various criminal elements and authorities. The narrative explores themes of crime, corruption, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

History:

Released in 2013 by Rockstar Games, Grand Theft Auto V is the fifth installment in the critically acclaimed Grand Theft Auto series. The game is notable for its expansive open world, rich storytelling, and detailed character development. It quickly became a commercial success, setting multiple records and receiving widespread acclaim for its gameplay and narrative.

Company:

Grand Theft Auto V was developed and published by Rockstar Games, a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive. Known for its highly successful open-world games, Rockstar Games has a reputation for creating immersive and expansive game worlds, with the Grand Theft Auto series being one of its flagship franchises.

Minecraft (2011) – 238 million copies sold

Storyline:

Minecraft is a sandbox game that allows players to explore, build, and survive in a blocky, procedurally generated world. Players can engage in various activities, including mining resources, crafting items, and constructing structures. The game has no defined storyline, giving players the freedom to create their own experiences and adventures.

History:

Released in 2011 by Mojang Studios, Minecraft was initially created by Markus Persson, also known as “Notch.” The game gained popularity for its open-ended gameplay and creative potential. Over time, it has evolved with updates and expansions, becoming one of the best-selling video games of all time.

Company:

Minecraft was developed by Mojang Studios, a Swedish game development company founded by Markus Persson and Carl Manneh. In 2014, Mojang was acquired by Microsoft, and the game continues to receive updates and expansions under Microsoft’s ownership.

Tetris (1984) – 520 million copies sold

Storyline:

Tetris is a tile-matching puzzle game where players must arrange falling geometric shapes, called tetrominoes, to form complete lines. When a line is completed, it disappears, and the player earns points. The game’s objective is to prevent the screen from filling up with blocks by clearing lines and managing the arrangement of shapes.

History:

Created in 1984 by Alexey Pajitnov, a Russian computer scientist, Tetris was initially developed while Pajitnov was working at the Soviet Academy of Sciences. The game gained international popularity after being licensed and distributed by various companies, including Nintendo, which included it in its Game Boy lineup. Tetris is renowned for its simple yet addictive gameplay and has become one of the most recognized and enduring puzzle games in video game history.

Company:

Tetris was originally developed by Alexey Pajitnov, and the rights to the game have been managed by The Tetris Company, which was established in 1996 by Pajitnov and Henk Rogers to oversee the game’s licensing and development. The game’s enduring popularity and influence have made it a classic in the gaming world.