The gaming industry is packed with countless titles, but only a few achieve legendary status—selling millions of copies and winning over fans across generations. With that in mind, otakukan has put together a Top 10 list of the best-selling games in history.
These are the games that every player has either owned or at least heard about—titles that have stood the test of time and remain popular across multiple platforms. Even as new sequels and enhanced editions come out (which don’t always live up to expectations), these classics continue to entertain and captivate players worldwide.
For new releases, this list represents the ultimate benchmark—the gold standard that every game aspires to reach. Becoming one of the best-selling games of all time means earning a place in gaming history, amassing a devoted fanbase, and proving that some games truly are timeless.
Best-selling games in history
10. Overwatch and The Witcher 3
Our list kicks off with a tie between two gaming giants: Overwatch and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. And what a tough matchup this is!
On one hand, Blizzard’s Overwatch revolutionized multiplayer gaming, establishing itself as the gold standard for hero shooters and influencing countless games that followed. On the other, CD Projekt Red’s The Witcher 3 is widely regarded as one of the greatest RPGs ever made—an unforgettable single-player experience set in a vast, open world.
Comparing them is almost impossible since they cater to completely different gaming styles. However, Overwatch does face one major disadvantage: while The Witcher 3 is still actively sold and played, Blizzard officially shut down Overwatch to make way for its sequel. Despite this, both games have cemented their place in gaming history, each offering incredible experiences that defined their respective genres.
Units sold: 50 million
9. Human Fall Flat: One of the best-selling multiplayer
Indie games often struggle to gain mainstream recognition, but Human: Fall Flat is a rare exception. This quirky physics-based game lets players customize their characters, explore diverse environments, and enjoy hilarious, unpredictable moments with friends—turning every playthrough into a chaotic adventure.
Developed by Curve Games, the title has been a massive hit since its 2016 release, proving that indie games can compete with the industry’s biggest names. And if outselling The Witcher 3 and Overwatch isn’t enough to celebrate, then maybe it’s time to redefine what success in gaming really means!
Units sold: 55 million
8. Super Mario Bros: The rise of an icon
The Mario franchise needs no introduction—it’s one of the most successful and influential in gaming history. But before Mario became the global icon he is today, one game played an important role in cementing his legacy: Super Mario Bros.
Released on the NES (or “Nintendinho,” as it’s known in some regions), Super Mario Bros. didn’t just redefine platformers—it reshaped the entire gaming industry. At a time when the market was collapsing (following the infamous video game crash of 1983-1985, which led to Atari’s downfall), Mario stepped in and helped revive the cartridge-based gaming era.
Without Super Mario Bros., gaming as we know it might have taken a very different path. It’s not just a classic—it’s a cornerstone of video game history.
Units sold: 58 million
7. Terraria: The best-selling indie in history
If Human: Fall Flat is considered a major indie success (even rivaling some AAA titles), then Terraria takes things to an entirely different level. Since its 2011 release, this 2D sandbox adventure has attracted millions of players thanks to its endless exploration, building, and creativity opportunities.
Terraria remains one of the most downloaded titles across multiple platforms, unlike many games that fade over time. Its colossal popularity is easy to measure—look at its Steam reviews, which boast over 1 million user ratings and an “Extremely Positive” average. Few games in history achieve this level of recognition, solidifying Terraria as one of the most beloved indie titles ever.
Units sold: 60.7 million
6. Red Dead Redemption 2
The most recent game on this list, Red Dead Redemption 2, was released in 2018 by Rockstar Games—and it didn’t take long to be recognized as a true masterpiece. If Rockstar’s reputation wasn’t enough to prove its quality, the game’s 70 million+ players worldwide certainly do.
With Arthur Morgan as the protagonist, players can explore an expansive open world, experience countless immersive stories, and interact with a highly detailed environment. The game’s success also paved the way for Red Dead Online, allowing fans to dive into multiplayer adventures—much like GTA Online, but set in the Wild West.
Few games achieve the level of storytelling, realism, and impact that Red Dead Redemption 2 has, making it one of the most unforgettable gaming experiences of the modern era.
Units sold: 70 million
5. PUBG Battlegrounds
Before Fortnite, Free Fire, Apex Legends, and the countless other multiplayer Battle Royale games that followed, there was only one true king: PUBG: Battlegrounds.
Inspired by a Japanese novel, PUBG introduced the now-iconic formula—100 players dropped into a massive battleground, scavenging for weapons and gear, all fighting to be the last one standing. When it launched in 2017, the game became an instant phenomenon, drawing millions of players eager to test their survival skills.
Initially a paid game, PUBG dominated the genre for years. However, with the rise of free-to-play competitors, it eventually transitioned to a free-to-play model, generating revenue through skins and cosmetic items. Despite the competition, PUBG remains a legendary title, laying the foundation for the Battle Royale craze that continues to dominate the gaming world today.
Units sold: 75 million
4. Mario Kart 8 & Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
Originally released for the Wii U in 2014, Mario Kart 8 truly found its massive success with the Deluxe edition on the Nintendo Switch in 2017. Not only is it the best-selling game on the third most popular console in gaming history, but it has also solidified itself as one of the greatest racing games ever made.
If launching red shells at your friends wasn’t enough to draw in millions of players, Nintendo added beloved characters from Splatoon, The Legend of Zelda, and Animal Crossing. The game also received a huge expansion pack, featuring dozens of classic and brand-new tracks, ensuring its place as one of the definitive titles of both the Mario Kart series and modern gaming.
Units sold: 75.8 million
3. Wii Sports
The massive success of Wii Sports might seem like a given, considering it was bundled with almost every Wii console worldwide (except in Japan). However, its popularity wasn’t just about numbers—it was the first game that introduced millions to motion-controlled gaming with the Wii Remote.
Despite its simplicity, Wii Sports delivered exactly what players needed—a fun, accessible experience perfect for family gatherings, casual play, and friendly competition. The game featured five classic sports—boxing, bowling, golf, baseball, and tennis—offering something for everyone and quickly becoming a staple of weekend parties and social gaming.
More than just a pack-in title, Wii Sports became a cultural phenomenon, proving that gaming could be engaging for all ages and cementing its place as one of the most iconic games in history.
Units sold: 82.9 million
2. GTA 5: An indispensable experience of Rockstar
At this point, talking about the success of GTA 5 might feel repetitive—but that’s simply because it remains one of the biggest achievements in gaming history. This Rockstar Games masterpiece revolutionized the open-world genre, delivering an expansive, immersive world, a gripping storyline, unforgettable characters, and endless gameplay possibilities.
Originally launched for PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2013, GTA 5 has since spanned multiple console generations, with enhanced versions released for PS4, Xbox One, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Its influence is so massive that, even before its release, GTA 6 is already being predicted as a potential record-breaker—possibly even surpassing its predecessor.
Few games have defined an era quite like GTA 5, and its legacy as one of the most successful and beloved titles of all time is unlikely to fade anytime soon.
Units sold: 210 million
1. Minecraft: Small blocks at the top
While many games on this list have their dedicated fanbases, none have dominated the industry quite like Minecraft. As the best-selling game of all time, this blocky sandbox world—originally created by Markus “Notch” Persson—became an instant phenomenon, extending far beyond gaming into YouTube content, books, merchandise, and more.
Its endless creativity and open-ended gameplay made it a global sensation, attracting players of all ages. It’s no surprise that Microsoft acquired Mojang, the studio behind Minecraft, and has since expanded the franchise with spin-offs like Minecraft Dungeons and Minecraft Legends. A live-action movie is also in the works, further solidifying Minecraft’s legacy for future generations.
With its limitless possibilities, ever-growing community, and continued innovation, Minecraft isn’t just a game—it’s a cultural phenomenon that shows no signs of slowing down.
Units sold: 300 million
Other games sold that are not forgotten
While our top 10 best-selling games list is impressive, there are plenty of other legendary titles that deserve recognition. Classics like Pokémon Red/Blue/Green, which sparked a worldwide craze in the late 1990s, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, a game that brought comfort to millions during the pandemic, are just a few examples. Meanwhile, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim continues to be a fan favorite across generations.
It’s worth noting that this list is ever-changing. As new releases break records or older games get revamped for modern consoles, rankings may shift. For instance, The Witcher 3 could soon claim 10th place on its own, while GTA 6, set to launch in late 2025, is already anticipated to shake up the rankings.
As the gaming industry evolves, so will this list—making it exciting to see which titles will stand the test of time and which new contenders will rise to the top.
