Top 10 Best-Selling Video Games Ever

Playing video games, which were once considered a leisure activity for youngsters have, has transcended that stereotype and come a long way. According to statics, every other software sold worldwide is actually a video game! The video game industry has grown by leaps and bounds with the progression of computer technology and the emergence of new optimized hardware.
Nowadays gaming is no longer restricted to the PC. There are various “consoles” in the market which specifically cater to gaming for a very addictive gaming experience. Front runners of the console world are Xbox created by Microsoft, PlayStation by Sony and Wii by Nintendo. Our list of top 10 best-selling video games is going to be based on sales achieved by games on any and all platforms irrespective of their genres. So, without further delay let’s delve into the foray:

10) The Sims

Before any of today’s massively addictive modern MMORPG (Massive Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game, for those who don’t speak game talk) there was one game that let people live free of social norms. Taking place within a virtual suburb, SIMS allows gamers to live an artificial life where they can go to school, get jobs, fall in love and have kids without any of the responsibilities these entail in real life! So far The Sims has sold 16 million copies and has around 10 million user subscriptions.

9) Pokemon

Any avid gamer would instantly recognize the title of Pokemon, those who don’t have any right to categorize themselves as gamers! Such is the cult following of this phenomenal game. This game has spawned cartoon series, trading cards, comics and toys. Pokemon single handedly revitalized the handheld gaming industry and enchanted kids all across the globe. The most successful title is of course Pokemon Red and Blue which have sold over 20 million copies.

Final Fantasy VII

This game was actually a contingency plan for its makers Square Enix which were on the verge of closing operations. An iconic status holder since its release back in the 80’s Final Fantasy immerses the players in a world of intricately woven story lines, breath taking graphics and a revolutionary new combat and strategy system. The most successful title Final Fantasy VII, has so far sold 10 million units according to statistics. The series has by no means concluded as producers keep churning out titles almost every year. Each title continues a highly engrossing story line and keeps the audience hooked!

7) Legend of Zelda – Ocarina Of Time

Some people might argue that Legend of Zelda series should have occupied a higher spot on this list as it is THE series which redefined action adventure gaming. Here’s my justification! While the series might have an aggregated sales of over 52 million copies sold, the individual title under discussion Ocarina of Time, has sold 7.6 million copies. This game provided gamers first taste of a virtually inexhaustible world to explore.

6) Nintendogs

Available for the Nintendo DS console, this simulation game makes the player in charge of a virtual dog. As with a real dog the player is to care for the virtual dog, feed it, play with it and care for it. This unique and unexplored concept made the game an instant and tremendous hit with audience of all ages. Nintendogs has so far sold 22 million copies, quite an achievement for a game which is exclusively available for portable gaming consoles.

5) Kinect Adventures

Although exclusive to the Xbox Kinect platform, Kinect Adventures has done amazingly well. Current sales estimate according to Microsoft, are 16 million and counting. This game makes use of Microsoft’s kinect motion detection technology and is mostly comprised of sport games compelling players to exert themselves physically.

4) Tetris

How can a game with minimalistic graphics and available (initially) on a single platform be on this list you ask? Well, the 31 million units sold lend it a spot there! Since its release Tetris has been ported to all major video game platforms including cellphones. It is truly a marvel, how a simplistic game which requires the players to arrange geometric shapes into order, has captivated the audience for so long! Statistics tell 31 million copies have been sold so far.

3) Super Mario Bro

Those associated with the gaming industry, avid players and developers literally sing praises of this iconic and legendary game. Super Mario Bros has spawned comics, TV shows and also full length films, which is quite an achievement for any video game. From game play to its universally recognized soundtrack, this game has enthralled generations of children and adults alike and continues to do so even to this day. With 41 million copies sold worldwide, this game will be remembered for generations to come.

2) Grand Theft Auto – San Andreas

Grand Theft Auto developed by Rockstar Studios and published by 2k games is the most successful sandbox action game of the genre. This is the fifth release of this immensely popular franchise which was simultaneously released for Xbox, PC and PlayStation. Suffice it to say this game is listed as the third best selling game of all time in the Guinness Book Of World Records and has so far sold around 22 million copies on all platforms.

1) Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3

Undoubtedly the king of FPS or first person shooter genre is the Call Of Duty series published by Activision and developed by Infinity Ward. Since its worldwide release on November 10th, 2009, this behemoth has sold around 22 million copies and counting. This estimate is an aggregate of sales on all platforms, which is so far, unrivaled by any game in history. COD as it is affectionately known, has a 94% positive critic rating for intense game play and depth of storyline. Needless to say the game has been a money minting entity for its creators and publishers and has made them a household name.