The best selling video games of all time reflect how interactive entertainment has grown across platforms and player preferences. These titles combine strong design, broad accessibility, and long term engagement to reach the top of worldwide sales charts.
From household consoles to mobile devices, the following best sellers have defined genre expectations and set new records for units shipped and revenue generated.
| Rank | Game | Platform(s) | Primary Genre | Estimated Units Sold |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minecraft | PC, Console, Mobile | Sandbox | Over 300 million |
| 2 | Grand Theft Auto V | PC, PlayStation, Xbox | Action Adventure | Over 200 million |
| 3 | Tetris | Global Multi Platform | Puzzle | Over 170 million |
| 4 | PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) | PC, Console, Mobile | Battle Royale | Over 80 million |
| 5 | Apex Legends | PC, Console, Mobile | Battle Royale | Over 70 million |
Defining The Best Sellers
Best selling video games of all time are measured by units shipped or digital copies sold, often including free to play monetization through in game items. These metrics highlight which titles have reached the widest audience across different markets and business models.
Cross Platform Reach And Accessibility
Several top sellers perform strongly on multiple devices, from PCs and consoles to phones and browsers. Minecraft and Tetris exemplify how flexible design and simple rules help a game adapt to many platforms over decades.
Genre Diversity Among The Leaders
The list includes sandbox creation, action adventure, puzzle, and battle royale genres. This variety shows that player demand spans different play styles, from creative experimentation to fast competitive matches.
Global Revenue Trends And Live Service Models
Games like Grand Theft Auto V and Apex Legends combine upfront purchases with ongoing content and monetization. Live service elements help maintain revenue long after the initial launch, contributing to sustained sales performance.
Key Takeaways For Players And Stakeholders
- Minecraft remains the single best selling game due to its cross platform flexibility and enduring creative appeal.
- Established franchises like Grand Theft Auto continue to perform strongly through expanded audiences and ongoing content.
- Puzzle classics such as Tetris maintain relevance by adapting to new devices and player habits.
- Battle royale mechanics in PUBG and Apex Legends demonstrate the commercial power of competitive multiplayer experiences.
- Long term live service support and monetization strategies are critical for sustaining high revenue over time.
FAQ
Reader questions
How are best selling video games of all time counted across platforms?
Figures include physical copies, digital downloads, and in app purchases where tracked, with platform holders and third party reports used to estimate totals while acknowledging regional variations.
Do free to play games appear on the best selling list?
Yes, games such as Apex Legends and PUBG appear because their monetized live service models generate substantial revenue despite being free to download.
Which genre dominates the top selling video games list?
Action adventure and battle royale games are prominent, but sandbox and puzzle titles also show that genre diversity is essential for long term sales success.
Can mobile devices compete with consoles and PCs for best selling status?
Many top sellers reach their largest audiences on mobile, where broad accessibility and lower entry barriers drive higher unit counts and consistent engagement.