Jamesty
As of September 2025, global video game sales exceeded 10 billion units across platforms. Monster Hunter Wilds and Elden Ring: Nightreign topped US and European charts in 2025, but the all-time best-sellers have affected gaming culture for decades. Through creative gameplay, cultural significance, and lasting replayability, these games have sold hundreds of millions of copies. Verified unit sales from publishers, industry trackers like VGChartz, Statista, and Wikipedia determine the top 10 best-selling video games of all time. These games showcase gaming’s growth from puzzle classics to open-world epics. Sales figures include all platforms and re-releases but exclude free-to-play downloads unless monetized.
List Of Top 10 Best Selling Video Games In The World 2025
1. Tetris
Invented by Soviet programmer Alexey Pajitnov in 1984, Tetris has sold over 520 million copies worldwide. Its simple but addicting mechanics—rotating and stacking falling tetrominoes to clear lines—have made it a global craze, imported to the Game Boy and smartphones. Nintendo’s 1989 Game Boy bundle sold 35 million units and helped the portable sell 118 million. Tetris 99 on Nintendo Switch Online and mobile revivals like Tetris Effect: Connected, which included VR and multiplayer, keep Tetris relevant in 2025. From the 1996 film The Tetris Effect to addiction psychology studies, its cultural impact is huge. It sells because? Its infinite high-score chases and tutorial-free accessibility keep it new for generations.
2. Minecraft
Minecraft (2011), Mojang’s sandbox masterpiece, is the 21st century’s best-selling game with over 300 million sales. Word-of-mouth spread its 2009 alpha launch, which had 33,000 players on day one and 600,000 by beta. Minecraft has 140 million monthly active users in 2025 thanks to The Wild Update and cross-play on PC, consoles, and smartphones. From redstone creations to Hypixel-sized multiplayer servers, its blocky world-building inspires inventiveness. It makes billions from products and spin-offs like Minecraft Dungeons after Microsoft bought it for $2.5 billion in 2014. Unlimited freedom attracts kids to design fantasy dwellings and adults to simulate physics. One observer said, “It’s less a game, more a digital Lego set.”
3. Grand Theft Auto 5
Over 215 million copies of Grand Theft Auto V (2013) have been sold due to its satire of American excess and innovative online mode. Players swap between three characters in heists, chases, and turmoil in Los Santos. GTA Online alone drives sales by 2025, with the Expanded & Enhanced PS5/Xbox Series X edition adding ray-tracing and speedier loading. Its $8.6 billion lifetime sales and 2026 GTA VI anticipation keep it charting. Radio stations, celebrity voice acting (Ned Luke as Michael), and modification extend the game’s lifespan. Despite its brutality controversy, it’s a cultural touchstone that inspires memes and virtual economy research.
4. Wii Sports
Wii Sports (2006) sold 82.9 million copies for every Wii console (101.63 million total). Tennis, bowling, golf, baseball, and boxing made gaming accessible to elderly and families. In 2025, Ring Fit Adventure and Switch ports continue its legacy, but Nintendo’s original Wii sales data shows that it single-handedly pushed Wii adoption. Bowling’s intuitive Wii Remote controls make exercise entertaining, spurring global tournaments. Health experts say it reduces sedentary lifestyles, selling millions in Japan and the West. Smashing a virtual tennis ball was sufficient to make it a bestseller, proving simplicity wins.
5. PUBG Battlegrounds
PUBG Studios’ battle royale pioneer PUBG: Battlegrounds (2017) has sold 75 million copies and reached 3.2 million Steam gamers. Its intense 100-player drops on massive landscapes like Erangel inspired Fortnite and Apex Legends. Free-to-play since 2022 has increased its player base to 1 billion, and cosmetic sales have boosted revenue above $5 billion by 2025. Asian mobile versions dominate, while PC/console updates like destructible areas keep it new. Realistic scavenging for stuff and third-person strategy by Brendan Greene made for nail-biting moments. Its esports scene (PUBG Global Championship) keeps it as battle royale’s godfather despite cheaters.
6. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
The best-selling Switch game is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017, Switch improved version), which has sold over 69 million units. It adds fight mode, 48 tracks, and smart steering for casual play to the Wii U original. Switch 2 speculations keep it a party staple in 2025, outselling Super Mario Odyssey. Retro tracks and anti-gravity pandemonium revived Booster Course Pass DLC. Blue shells and banana peels fuel rivalries, while Koopa Troopa and Link bring variation. Racing as Bowser with friends is perfect for all ages, producing $3 billion+ in sales.
7. Red Dead Redemption 2
Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018), lauded for its immersive 1899 outlaw setting, has sold over 64 million copies. As Arthur Morgan, players hijack trains, hunt bison, and debate morality in a shrinking frontier. Updated in 2025 with PS5/Xbox and Red Dead Online improvements, Metacritic scores it 97%. It rivals Unforgiven in thematic complexity, covering loyalty, redemption, and loss. Wildlife simulation and honor system offer replayability, while PC mods expand it. Technically impressive, it earned $725 million launch weekend, but its emotional tale keeps sales going.
8. Super Mario Bros
Super Mario Bros. (1985) became a Nintendo icon after selling over 58 million units in re-releases. Mario’s Mushroom Kingdom adventure—jumping pipes, stomping Goombas—defined 2D gaming. It inspired 25 million-selling Super Mario Bros. Wonder HD remasters on Switch in 2025. Fire Flower and warp zones made levels addictive, influencing Sonic and indie hits. The chiptune music is famous, and Virtual Console and Super Mario All-Stars boosted sales. 8 realms, unending challenge: simplicity meets mastery.
9. Overwatch
Overwatch (2016) sold over 50 million copies and will have 100 million players by 2025. Team-based 6v6 battles combine FPS precision and MOBA strategy with Tracer and Reinhardt in objective mayhem. Free-to-play Overwatch 2 (2022) raised engagement with PvE story modes and new heroes. Esports competitions like Overwatch Champions Series captivate millions, and unique mythos (omnics vs. humans) inspires fan art. Skin and battle pass sales exceed $1 billion. Its vivid graphics and “play of the game” highlights make every match dramatic.
10. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015), from CD Projekt Red, follows Geralt of Rivia in a morally murky fantasy world and sold over 50 million copies. Bloody Baron’s quests combine monster-slaying with branching tales. New updates in 2022 and 2025’s Phantom Liberty expansion (sold 5 million) upgraded PS5/PC. The 94% Metacritic-rated Gwent card mini-game and photo mode add depth. The Witcher Netflix series was influenced by Andrzej Sapkowski’s books. Sales show its 100+ hours of material and important options.
