It’s no secret that video games have become an integral part of our culture and daily lives. From classic arcade games to modern-day consoles and PCs, the world of gaming has come a long way in terms of graphics, gameplay, and storytelling. However, one question remains unanswered – what is the best selling video game ever?
To answer this question definitively, we need to take a closer look at the sales figures and impact of some of the most popular games in history. In this article, we’ll analyze the top-selling video games of all time based on physical and digital sales, as well as their lasting impact on popular culture and gaming industry.
1. Tetris
Tetris is one of the earliest and simplest video games that has managed to capture the hearts and minds of millions of people worldwide. Created in 1984 by Alexey Pajitnov, Tetris is a puzzle game where players control falling blocks and must fit them together to create rows without letting them fall off the screen. The game was first released for the Soviet Union’s Elektronika computer system, and it quickly became popular in the West when it was ported to other platforms such as the Atari 2600, Game Boy, and NES.
Tetris is widely regarded as one of the most successful video games of all time. It has sold over 40 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling game of all time in terms of physical sales. Even today, Tetris continues to be popular on mobile devices, with millions of people still playing the game every day.
2. Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros., also known as Super Mario World, is a platform game developed by Nintendo for its Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1985. The game follows Mario as he travels through various worlds, jumping on enemies and collecting power-ups to rescue Princess Toadstool from the evil Bowser.
Super Mario Bros. was a massive success, selling over 30 million copies worldwide. It is still considered one of the greatest video games of all time, with its iconic characters, catchy music, and innovative gameplay mechanics. The game’s influence can be seen in countless other platformers and games that came after it.
3. Minecraft
Minecraft is a sandbox adventure game developed by Swedish programmer Markus Persson in 2009. The game allows players to explore an infinite world, gather resources, build structures, and create their own unique experiences. It was initially released as a desktop game but has since been ported to multiple platforms, including mobile devices.
Minecraft has sold over 200 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling games of all time. The game’s popularity can be attributed to its open-ended gameplay, creativity, and community-driven features. It has also inspired numerous spin-offs and mods that continue to keep players engaged and entertained.
4. Pokemon Go
Pokemon Go is a mobile augmented reality (AR) game developed by Niantic in 2016. The game allows players to capture and train virtual creatures called Pokemon in real-world environments, using their smartphones’ GPS to locate nearby Pokemon and gyms.
Pokemon Go has sold over 500 million downloads worldwide, making it one of the most successful mobile games of all time. Its popularity can be attributed to its addictive gameplay, social features, and real-world interaction with the environment. The game has also inspired a massive fanbase and merchandise, as well as several other AR games that have followed in its footsteps.
5. Grand Theft Auto III
Grand Theft Auto III is an open-world action-adventure video game developed by Rockstar Games for the PlayStation 2 in 2001.