As a long-time expert in the gaming industry, I am often asked the question: what is the most popular game of all time? To answer this question, I have conducted extensive research by contacting publishers, consulting financial reports, news, interviews, and more. After thorough analysis, I present to you the following list of the 10 best-selling video games of all time. At the top of this list is Subway Surfers, with a staggering 2.05 billion downloads. This endless game by SYBO has consistently dominated the Android and iOS charts since its release, making it the most played mobile game in history. Its popularity is undeniable, and it remains the undisputed king of video games. In second place is Minecraft, with over 300 million copies sold worldwide.
This open-world game is highly appreciated by both new and experienced players and is available on a wide variety of platforms, from PC to mobile devices and consoles. Its endless possibilities and hundreds of available mods make it a fan favorite. In third place is Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, with a total of 77.32 million copies sold. Originally released for Wii U, this game saw a significant sales rebound when it was released for Switch through Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Its inclusion in Nintendo's annual Black Friday package has also contributed to its success. The fourth spot goes to Tetris, with over 520 million sales over its lifespan.
This iconic puzzle game has been released in various versions over the years, and its popularity shows no signs of slowing down. With billions of sessions played online every year, it remains a beloved classic among gamers. In fifth place is Mario Kart World, with 5.63 million copies sold. This is the last installment in the Mario Kart series, and it has already made its mark as one of the best-selling games of all time. Its success is a testament to the enduring popularity of the Mario franchise. The sixth spot goes to Generation 1 Pokémon games, with 47 million copies sold.
These games introduced us to the world of Pokémon and have remained fan favorites since their release. Their success has spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs, solidifying their place in gaming history. In seventh place is Super Mario Bros., with over 40 million copies sold. This classic platformer game has been a staple in the gaming industry since its release in 1985. Its success has led to numerous sequels and remakes, cementing its place as one of the best-selling games of all time. The eighth spot goes to Grand Theft Auto V, with over 140 million copies sold. This action-adventure game has been a massive success since its release in 2013, and its popularity shows no signs of waning.
With its immersive gameplay and engaging storyline, it's no surprise that it has made it onto this list. In ninth place is The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, with over 30 million copies sold. This open-world RPG has captured the hearts of gamers worldwide with its vast world and endless possibilities. Its success has led to numerous awards and accolades, solidifying its place as one of the best-selling games of all time. And finally, in tenth place is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, with over 20 million copies sold. This action RPG has been a massive success since its release in 2015, and its popularity has only grown with the release of its sequels and spin-offs.
Its success has also led to the development of several new Witcher games, including The Witcher 4 and a remake of The Witcher 1.As an expert in the gaming industry, I am often asked if any of these games will be surpassed by future releases. Will Grand Theft Auto 6 or The Elder Scrolls 6 make it onto this list? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure, these 10 best-selling video games of all time have made their mark in the gaming world and will continue to be beloved by gamers for years to come.