What is the best selling video game of all time? It sounds like a simple question, but the real answer isn’t as obvious as most people think. Some titles have dominated for decades, others exploded thanks to online multiplayer, and a few reached massive numbers through clever distribution strategies.
We’ve ranked the top best-selling video games of all time using verified sales data, download figures, and publisher reports. Whether you’re a lifelong gamer, a curious analyst, or just settling a debate, this list gives you the numbers, the context, and the reasons behind each game’s success.
Below is a quick overview before we break each title down in detail.
| Rank | Game | Copies Sold |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minecraft | 350M+ |
| 2 | Grand Theft Auto V | 225M+ |
| 3 | Wii Sports | 82.9M+ |
| 4 | Red Dead Redemption 2 | 82M+ |
| 5 | Mario Kart 8 / Deluxe | 79M+ |
| 6 | PUBG: Battlegrounds | 75M+ |
| 7 | Terraria | 58M+ |
| 8 | Tetris (EA Mobile) | 100M+ downloads |
1. Minecraft – Over 350 Million Copies Sold
Developer: Mojang Studios | Released: 2011 | Platforms: PC, Console, Mobile, VR
Minecraft is the best selling video game of all time. As of 2025, it has sold over 350 million copies across every major platform, PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android. No other title comes close to that number.
The game’s premise is deceptively simple: place and break blocks to build structures, explore procedurally generated worlds, and survive against hostile mobs. But that simplicity is exactly what makes it universally playable. A 7-year-old building a house and a 35-year-old engineer recreating a working CPU in-game are both fully engaged.
| Platform | Estimated Sales Share |
|---|---|
| PC / Java Edition | ~35% |
| Console (Xbox, PS, Switch) | ~40% |
| Mobile (Bedrock) | ~25% |
In April 2025, the live-action A Minecraft Movie expanded the brand’s cultural reach even further, introducing the franchise to new audiences who may not have played the game yet.
Why Minecraft Continues to Dominate Decades Later
Minecraft has been out for over 14 years, yet it still ranks as the top best-selling video game globally. Three core factors explain this:
- Cross-platform availability, Players can purchase once and access their world across devices via Bedrock Edition cross-play.
- Constant free updates, Mojang releases major content updates annually (e.g., the 2024 “Tricky Trials” update added new dungeons and weapons at no extra cost).
- Education and creator ecosystems, Minecraft: Education Edition is used in over 35 countries and 10,000+ schools. On YouTube, Minecraft content generates billions of views per month.
The game’s player base grew by 22% between 2020 and 2023, adding roughly 40 million new active players. That’s not a legacy title coasting, that’s active, compounding growth.
2. Grand Theft Auto V – Over 225 Million Copies Sold
Developer: Rockstar Games | Released: 2013 | Platforms: PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Grand Theft Auto V has sold over 225 million copies, making it the second best selling video game of all time. Originally released in September 2013, GTA V has been re-released three times across console generations, a feat very few titles have managed.
The game follows three protagonists in the fictional city of Los Santos and delivers one of the most cinematic open-world experiences ever made. Its story mode alone offers 30+ hours of gameplay. But the real commercial engine behind its ongoing dominance is something else entirely.
How GTA Online Supercharged Long-Term Sales
GTA Online launched alongside the base game in October 2013. By 2024, it had generated over $8 billion in cumulative revenue, largely through Shark Cards (in-game currency packs) and premium DLC expansions.
Here’s what made GTA Online such a powerful sales driver:
- Free updates every 6–12 weeks kept players engaged and attracted new ones.
- New platform ports, The PS5/Xbox Series X version, released in March 2022, was free for the first three months on PlayStation, pulling in millions of new installs.
- Standalone release, GTA Online became available as a free standalone title on PS5 in 2022, further separating sales from the base game.
Rockstar confirmed in early 2024 that GTA V’s monthly active user count still exceeded 145 million players. For a 12-year-old game, that’s a staggering figure, and it explains why GTA V remains the second-highest best-selling video game ever recorded.
3. Wii Sports – Over 82.9 Million Copies Sold
Developer: Nintendo | Released: 2006 | Platform: Nintendo Wii (exclusive)
Wii Sports sold 82.9 million copies and holds the distinction of being the best-selling single-platform game in history. It shipped bundled with virtually every Nintendo Wii console sold in North America and Europe, which gave it an enormous built-in install base from launch day.
The game includes five sports: tennis, bowling, boxing, golf, and baseball. None of them required prior gaming experience. Motion controls meant that grandparents, parents, and kids could all play together, and they did. Wii bowling nights became a cultural moment in the late 2000s.
Why it matters beyond the numbers:
- Wii Sports demonstrated that mainstream audiences would engage with physical gaming interfaces.
- It paved the way for Nintendo’s later hardware innovations, including the Nintendo Switch’s Joy-Con controllers.
- The game inspired entire rehabilitation therapy programs, used in senior care facilities to support motor skill retention.
Although Wii Sports isn’t technically “sold” in the traditional sense (most copies came bundled), Nintendo counts bundled copies in official sales data, which is the standard practice across the industry. On that basis, it remains one of the top best-selling video games of all time.
4. Red Dead Redemption 2 – Over 82 Million Copies Sold
Developer: Rockstar Games | Released: 2018 | Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
Red Dead Redemption 2 has sold over 82 million copies as of 2025, cementing its position among the best-selling video games of all time. It took Rockstar Games over eight years and reportedly $540 million to develop, and it shows.
The game is set in 1899 and follows Arthur Morgan, an outlaw navigating the decline of the American frontier. Its open world spans five distinct biomes, with a level of environmental detail that still benchmarks modern hardware. Snow accumulates realistically on Arthur’s coat. NPC characters follow daily schedules. Animals behave according to predator-prey dynamics.
Sales milestones at a glance:
| Year | Cumulative Sales |
|---|---|
| 2018 (launch week) | 17M |
| 2020 | 36M |
| 2022 | 55M |
| 2025 | 82M+ |
Unlike GTA V, RDR2 does not have a dominant online monetization engine, Red Dead Online was underwhelming compared to GTA Online. Yet the single-player campaign is so acclaimed (97 awards at launch, including five BAFTAs) that word-of-mouth kept driving sales for years. It’s a strong reminder that quality alone can sustain a game’s commercial life.
5. Mario Kart 8 / Deluxe – Over 79 Million Copies Sold
Developer: Nintendo | Released: 2014 (Wii U), 2017 (Switch Deluxe) | Platforms: Wii U, Nintendo Switch
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has sold over 79 million copies, making it the best-selling Mario Kart title ever and a consistent contender in the best selling video game of all time rankings across all Nintendo platforms. The Nintendo Switch version alone has outsold the original Wii U release by more than 10:1, highlighting the impact of platform success on total sales.
The formula is familiar: race against opponents across colorful tracks using power-ups like shells, banana peels, and lightning bolts. But Nintendo refined every element. 200cc mode added blistering speed for competitive players. Anti-gravity racing introduced vertical track sections. The Booster Course Pass DLC, released between 2022 and 2023, added 48 remastered courses, extending the game’s commercial life significantly.
What drives repeat purchases:
- Families buy it as a shared household game, it supports up to 4 players locally.
- It’s consistently the top recommended Switch title for new console owners.
- Online play supports up to 12 players globally with minimal matchmaking delay.
Nintendo has not announced a standalone Mario Kart 9 as of May 2026, meaning MK8 Deluxe continues to be the definitive kart racing experience and keeps accumulating sales.
6. PUBG: Battlegrounds – Over 75 Million Copies Sold
Developer: Krafton | Released: 2017 | Platforms: PC, Xbox, PS4, Mobile (separate)
PUBG: Battlegrounds has sold over 75 million copies on PC and console alone, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time in the multiplayer genre. When the mobile version, PUBG Mobile, is counted separately, total combined downloads exceed 1 billion across all versions.
The core concept: 100 players parachute onto an island, scavenge for weapons and armor, and fight to be the last survivor as a shrinking blue zone forces players into conflict. That loop was simple, tense, and infinitely replayable.
PUBG’s industry impact by the numbers:
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Peak concurrent players (Steam) | 3.24 million (January 2018) |
| Total PC + console copies sold | 75M+ |
| PUBG Mobile lifetime downloads | 1B+ |
| Countries with PUBG as top mobile game (2021) | 40+ |
PUBG didn’t just sell well, it invented the battle royale genre as we know it. Fortnite, Warzone, and Apex Legends all owe their commercial existence to the template PUBG established. In 2022, PUBG: Battlegrounds went free-to-play on PC and console, shifting its revenue model to cosmetics and boosting the active player count by 150% in the first month.
7. Terraria – Over 58 Million Copies Sold
Developer: Re-Logic | Released: 2011 | Platforms: PC, Console, Mobile
Terraria has sold over 58 million copies, a remarkable achievement that places it firmly in the conversation for the best selling video game of all time, especially considering it’s a 2D sandbox game created by a very small team. It launched in 2011 at $9.99 and has remained one of the most frequently discounted titles on Steam—often dropping to $2.49 which has significantly boosted long-term adoption.
The game blends exploration, crafting, and combat in a side-scrolling world. Players dig underground to find ore, craft gear, build bases, and fight 30+ boss enemies. It looks simple but has more content than many AAA titles, over 5,000 items, 20 biomes, and 400+ enemies.
What separates Terraria from similar titles:
- Re-Logic released the final major update, version 1.4.5 “Labor of Love,” in 2022, offered entirely free to all existing owners.
- It has a Metacritic score of 83 on PC, with over 500,000 user reviews on Steam averaging 98% positive.
- It never needed a sequel. The original game has been consistently updated for 14 years, making each returning player’s library purchase feel evergreen.
Terraria proves that a small development team with a clear vision can produce one of the best-selling video games of all time, without blockbuster marketing budgets.
8. Tetris (EA Mobile) – Over 100 Million Downloads
Developer: EA Mobile (licensed from The Tetris Company) | Released: 2006 (mobile) | Platform: iOS, Android
Tetris on EA Mobile surpassed 100 million downloads, making it one of the most downloaded mobile games before the free-to-play era reshaped the market. That figure covers paid downloads only, no ad-supported or freemium tiers.
But Tetris as a franchise tells an even bigger story. Across all platforms and licensees since its original 1984 release by Alexey Pajitnov, Tetris has sold over 520 million copies combined as of 2022. It has appeared on more platforms than any other game in history, from the original Soviet Electronika 60 computer to the Nintendo Game Boy, SNES, NES, iOS, Android, and even a programmable LED building in Rotterdam.
Tetris by the numbers:
| Version | Platform | Notable Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| Original | Electronika 60 | 1984, first release |
| Game Boy Edition | Game Boy | Bundled: 35M+ units sold |
| EA Mobile | iOS/Android | 100M+ paid downloads |
| Tetris Effect | PS4/PC/VR | 2018, critically acclaimed revival |
| All versions combined | Multi-platform | 520M+ copies as of 2022 |
The EA Mobile version specifically earns its place on this list because its 100 million paid downloads, at a time when mobile games cost $0.99 to $4.99, represented genuine consumer spending, not free-to-play volume. It helped define what mobile gaming could be commercially, and the Tetris brand continues to release new, award-winning entries like Tetris Effect: Connected in 2021.
Final Rankings at a Glance
Here’s the complete ranking of the best selling video game of all time covered in this list:
| Rank | Game | Developer | Year | Copies Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minecraft | Mojang Studios | 2011 | 350M+ |
| 2 | Grand Theft Auto V | Rockstar Games | 2013 | 225M+ |
| 3 | Wii Sports | Nintendo | 2006 | 82.9M+ |
| 4 | Red Dead Redemption 2 | Rockstar Games | 2018 | 82M+ |
| 5 | Mario Kart 8 / Deluxe | Nintendo | 2014/2017 | 79M+ |
| 6 | PUBG: Battlegrounds | Krafton | 2017 | 75M+ |
| 7 | Terraria | Re-Logic | 2011 | 58M+ |
| 8 | Tetris (EA Mobile) | EA Mobile | 2006 | 100M+ (downloads) |
What These Sales Numbers Actually Tell Us
Looking across the list of contenders for the best selling video game of all time, a few clear patterns stand out patterns that don’t get discussed often enough:
Longevity beats launch hype. Every game on this list has sustained sales for 5+ years post-release. None of them peaked and disappeared. Minecraft, GTA V, and Terraria are still actively generating revenue in 2026.
Simplicity scales. Wii Sports, Tetris, and Minecraft all have mechanics that a first-time player can understand in under 5 minutes. Complexity has a ceiling. Simplicity with depth does not.
Platform bundling amplifies sales. Wii Sports shipped with the Wii console. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe shipped as the headline Switch game. Bundling compresses the sales curve dramatically.
Price accessibility matters. Terraria’s $9.99 launch price, and frequent $2.49 Steam sales, made it a no-risk purchase. PUBG’s shift to free-to-play grew its player base by 150% in one month.
Optimizing the player experience extends longevity. Beyond gameplay design, factors like responsive controls, stable performance, and quality audio-visual setup all contribute to long-term engagement.
Exploring practical ways to improve gaming experience, from better display settings to immersive audio, can significantly enhance how players connect with a game, increasing retention and word-of-mouth growth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best-Selling Video Games
1. What is the best selling video game of all time?
Ans. Minecraft is the best selling video game of all time with over 350 million copies sold as of 2025. Its success stems from cross-platform availability, constant free updates, and universal accessibility across all age groups and skill levels.
2. How does Grand Theft Auto V remain the second best-selling video game after 12 years?
Ans. GTA V has sold over 225 million copies largely due to GTA Online, which generated $8 billion in cumulative revenue through Shark Cards and DLC. Free content updates every 6–12 weeks, platform ports, and a standalone PS5 release kept players engaged and attracted new buyers consistently.
3. Why is Wii Sports counted as one of the best-selling video games if it came bundled with consoles?
Ans. Industry standard practice counts bundled games in official sales figures. Wii Sports sold 82.9 million copies, and Nintendo includes these bundled units in investor reports, making it the best-selling single-platform game in history.
4. What factors make a best-selling video game successful long-term?
Ans. Longevity over launch hype, simplicity with depth, platform bundling, and price accessibility are key. Games like Minecraft, Terraria, and GTA V sustained sales for 5+ years post-release through consistent updates, cross-platform support, and affordable pricing strategies.
5. How many copies has Tetris sold across all versions?
Ans. Tetris has sold over 520 million copies combined across all platforms and licensees since 1984, technically exceeding Minecraft. However, Minecraft holds the #1 ranking for individual game editions, as industry rankings typically measure single products rather than franchise totals.
6. Why doesn’t Fortnite appear on the best-selling video games list?
Ans. Fortnite is free-to-play with no traditional unit sales figure. Its revenue model relies entirely on cosmetic microtransactions. While it earned $5.1 billion in 2020 alone, it cannot be directly compared to games measured by copies sold, making it ineligible for traditional best-selling rankings.
