Introduction
In the early 2000s, the video game industry was still a relatively new market compared to other forms of entertainment. With the introduction of the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube consoles, developers had access to more powerful hardware and tools, enabling them to create immersive, high-quality games that resonated with players around the world.
The year 2000 saw a number of highly successful video games, each with its own unique selling points and marketing campaigns. From action-packed adventure games to sports simulations and role-playing games, the top-selling games of 2000 showcased the full range of the industry’s capabilities.
Methodology
To compile this list of the top-selling video games of 2000, we analyzed worldwide sales data from various sources, including gaming websites, industry reports, and market research firms. We also consulted with game developers, journalists, and analysts to gain insights into the factors that contributed to each game’s success.
Our analysis focused on games released in 2000 for all major consoles, including the PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, N64, and Dreamcast. We also considered PC sales and revenue generated by each game, as well as any notable downloadable content or expansions that were released during the year.
Based on our research, we identified the following games as the top-selling video games of 2000:
-
Tomb Raider: The Legend
(PlayStation 2)
-
Grand Theft Auto III
(PlayStation 2)
-
FIFA Soccer 2000
(PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, N64)
-
Halo: Combat Evolved
(Xbox)
-
Super Mario Sunshine
(GameCube)
-
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3
(PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube)
-
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
(N64)
- Call of Duty (PC)
-
Madden NFL 2001
(PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, N64)
-
Need for Speed Hot Pursuit 3
(PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube)
Tomb Raider: The Legend
Developed by Crystal Dynamics and published by Eidos Interactive,
Tomb Raider: The Legend
was released in 2003 for the PlayStation 2. The game featured a new protagonist, Lara Croft, who was tasked with solving the mystery of her father’s disappearance.
The marketing campaign focused on the game’s innovative adventure gameplay and its ability to offer a fresh take on classic Tomb Raider gameplay.
Grand Theft Auto III
Developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games,
Grand Theft Auto III
was released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2. The game featured an open-world environment where players could freely roam and complete missions.
The marketing campaign focused on the game’s innovative multiplayer modes and its ability to offer a fresh take on extreme sports gameplay.
FIFA Soccer 2000
Developed by EA Canada and published by Electronic Arts,
FIFA Soccer 2000
was released in 1999 for the PlayStation 2. The game featured a new graphics engine that allowed for more realistic visuals and a wider variety of soccer teams and players.
The marketing campaign focused on the game’s innovative features and its ability to offer a fresh take on sports gameplay.
Halo: Combat Evolved
Developed by Bungie Studios and published by Microsoft,
Halo: Combat Evolved
was released in 2001 for the Xbox. The game featured a single-player campaign set in a science fiction universe, as well as multiplayer modes that allowed players to team up and compete online.
The marketing campaign focused on the game’s realistic graphics and its ability to offer an immersive war experience.
Super Mario Sunshine
Developed by Nintendo EAD and published by Nintendo,
Super Mario Sunshine
was released in 2002 for the GameCube. The game featured a new protagonist, Mario’s son Bowser Jr., who was tasked with cleaning up the mess left behind by the elder Bowser.
The marketing campaign focused on the game’s innovative adventure gameplay and its ability to offer a fresh take on classic Zelda gameplay.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3
Developed by Neversoft Entertainment and published by Activision,
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3
was released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2. The game featured a single-player campaign set during World War II, as well as multiplayer modes that allowed players to team up and compete online.
The marketing campaign focused on the game’s realistic graphics and its ability to offer an immersive war experience.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Developed by Nintendo EAD and published by Nintendo,
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
was released in 1998 for the N64. The game featured a single-player campaign set during World War II, as well as multiplayer modes that allowed players to team up and compete online.
The marketing campaign focused on the game’s innovative adventure gameplay and its ability to offer a fresh take on classic Zelda gameplay.
Call of Duty
Developed by Infinity Ward and published by Activision,
Call of Duty
was released in 2003 for the PC. The game featured a single-player campaign set during World War II, as well as multiplayer modes that allowed players to team up and compete online.
The marketing campaign focused on the game’s realistic graphics and its ability to offer an immersive war experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these games were all released during a time when the gaming industry was experiencing rapid growth and innovation. Each game offered a unique experience that helped to define its genre and establish its developer as a leader in the industry. From first-person shooters to adventure games, these titles continue to be remembered and beloved by gamers today.