In this article, you will be introduced to the top 10 biggest video games of all time. These games have made a lasting impact on the industry, shaping the way we experience virtual worlds and captivating millions of players worldwide.
From immersive storytelling to groundbreaking technology, these video games have surpassed expectations and become household names. As we explore each game’s influence and accomplishments, prepare to be amazed by the scale and success that these video games have achieved.
Grand Theft Auto V
Game Overview
Grand Theft Auto V, commonly referred to as GTA V, is an action-adventure game developed by Rockstar North and published by Rockstar Games. It was released in 2013 and is the fifteenth installment in the Grand Theft Auto series. The game is set in the fictional state of San Andreas, which is heavily based on Southern California. Players assume the roles of three protagonists and follow their interconnected stories as they engage in various missions and activities in an open-world environment.
Sales and Popularity
Since its release, Grand Theft Auto V has achieved extraordinary success both in terms of sales and popularity. Within just 24 hours of its launch, the game grossed over $800 million, making it the fastest-selling entertainment product at that time. As of now, it has surpassed over 130 million copies sold worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time. The immense popularity of GTA V can be attributed to its engaging storyline, stunning graphics, and the ability for players to explore and interact with the vast open world.
Gameplay Features
GTA V offers a wide range of gameplay features that contribute to its immersive experience. Players can freely explore the open world on foot or by utilizing various vehicles such as cars, bikes, and planes. The game features an impressive array of side activities and mini-games, including tennis, golf, and a fully-functioning stock market. Additionally, players can engage in heists, which serve as the cornerstone of the game’s main storyline. These heists require strategic planning, coordination, and execution, adding an element of suspense and excitement to the gameplay.
Online Multiplayer
One of the major highlights of GTA V is its online multiplayer component, known as Grand Theft Auto Online. It allows players to connect with others from around the world and participate in various game modes and activities. In this dynamic online world, players can form crews, embark on missions, compete in races, and even engage in large-scale heists together. The multiplayer aspect adds a whole new dimension to the game, enhancing its longevity and replayability.
Developers and Publishers
Grand Theft Auto V was developed by Rockstar North, a subsidiary of Rockstar Games. Rockstar Games is an acclaimed video game developer and publisher, known for its high-quality and innovative titles. With their meticulous attention to detail, Rockstar Games has created a masterpiece in GTA V that showcases their commitment to delivering immersive and captivating gaming experiences.
Overall, Grand Theft Auto V has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry, redefining the open-world genre and setting new standards for storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and online multiplayer. Its immense sales, popularity, and the dedication of its developers are a testament to its enduring appeal.
Minecraft
Game Overview
Minecraft, developed by Mojang Studios and initially released in 2011, is a sandbox game that allows players to build and explore virtual worlds made up of textured cubes. The game offers a variety of different game modes, including survival mode, creative mode, and adventure mode, allowing players to tailor their experience to their liking.
Sales and Popularity
Minecraft has achieved unparalleled success in terms of sales and popularity. With over 200 million copies sold across various platforms, it holds the distinction of being one of the best-selling video games of all time. The game’s accessibility, imaginative gameplay, and endless creative possibilities have resonated with players of all ages, contributing to its widespread appeal.
Gameplay Features
In Minecraft, players are placed in an infinite virtual world and tasked with gathering resources, crafting tools and structures, and surviving against various creatures and environmental challenges. The game’s open-ended nature encourages creativity and allows players to express themselves through their constructions. From building large-scale cities to creating intricate redstone machines, the possibilities are truly limitless in Minecraft.
Modding Community
One of the key factors contributing to Minecraft’s enduring popularity is its vibrant modding community. Minecraft mods allow players to modify and enhance the game by adding new features, functionality, and content. This community-driven aspect of the game has led to the creation of countless mods, ranging from simple quality-of-life improvements to complex gameplay overhauls. The availability of mods further expands the game’s longevity and ensures that players continue to find new ways to enjoy the Minecraft experience.
Cross-Platform Availability
Minecraft’s cross-platform availability has greatly contributed to its popularity and success over the years. The game can be played on a wide range of platforms, including PC, consoles, and mobile devices. This accessibility allows players to connect and play together regardless of their preferred gaming platform, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.
Minecraft has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape. Its endless creative potential, accessibility, and thriving modding community have made it a timeless favorite among gamers of all ages. Whether building towering structures or embarking on grand adventures, Minecraft continues to captivate players and unleash their imagination.
Tetris
Game Overview
Tetris, created by Russian software engineer Alexey Pajitnov, is a tile-matching puzzle game that was first released in 1984. The objective of the game is to manipulate falling tetrominoes (geometric shapes made up of four square blocks) to form complete horizontal lines, thus clearing them from the playing field. With its simple yet addictive gameplay, Tetris quickly became a cultural phenomenon and has since been ported to numerous platforms.
Cultural Impact
Tetris has had a profound cultural impact since its release, transcending the boundaries of gaming. It was one of the earliest video games to be widely played on portable devices, such as the Game Boy, which greatly contributed to its popularity. The game’s universal appeal and addictive nature have made it a symbol of the gaming industry as a whole, representing the simplicity and timeless appeal of puzzle games.
Enduring Popularity
Despite being over three decades old, Tetris remains a beloved and highly recognizable game to this day. Its intuitive gameplay and addictive nature have ensured its enduring popularity across generations. Tetris has been praised for its ability to captivate players with its simple mechanics while providing an ever-increasing level of challenge. From its humble beginnings on early computer platforms to its widespread availability on modern consoles and mobile devices, Tetris continues to be played by millions worldwide.
Evolution of Tetris
Over the years, Tetris has evolved to incorporate new features and gameplay variations while maintaining its core mechanics. Recent iterations of the game have introduced multiplayer modes, allowing players to compete against each other in real time. Additionally, Tetris has embraced virtual reality (VR) technology, providing players with an even more immersive and engaging experience. These advancements in technology have revitalized the game and kept it relevant in an ever-evolving gaming landscape.
Tetris stands as a testament to the power of simplicity in game design. Its cultural impact, enduring popularity, and evolution over time have solidified its position as one of the most iconic and influential video games of all time.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)
Game Overview
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, commonly known as PUBG, is an online multiplayer battle royale game developed and published by PUBG Corporation. Released in 2017, the game quickly gained immense popularity for its intense and immersive gameplay. Players are dropped onto a map where they must scavenge for weapons, equipment, and resources while eliminating opponents, with the ultimate goal of being the last person or team standing.
Battle Royale Genre
PUBG played a significant role in popularizing the battle royale genre, which involves a large number of players competing against each other in a shrinking play zone. The success of PUBG paved the way for many other battle royale games, creating a new subgenre within the gaming industry.
Sales and Popularity
PUBG enjoyed tremendous success in terms of sales and popularity. Within four months of its early access release, the game had sold over 30 million copies and amassed a massive player base. PUBG’s popularity was not limited to a specific region, as it gained traction worldwide, drawing players from different countries and cultures. Its success can be attributed to its realistic and tactical gameplay, coupled with the adrenaline rush of competing in an intense battle for survival.
Gameplay Features
PUBG’s gameplay features a combination of intense action, strategic decision-making, and survival elements. Players must carefully plan their movements, utilize the available resources, and adapt to the ever-changing environment to outwit and outlast their opponents. The game’s open-world map offers a variety of terrains, from urban areas to rural landscapes, which adds depth and complexity to the gameplay experience.
Influence on the Gaming Industry
PUBG’s impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. Its success inspired numerous developers to create their own battle royale games, leading to a surge in popularity for the genre. The massive player count and the competitive nature of PUBG also contributed to the growth of esports, with the game becoming a staple in professional gaming competitions. PUBG’s influence can still be felt in the industry today, as battle royale games continue to dominate the multiplayer gaming landscape.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds revolutionized the multiplayer gaming scene with its gripping battle royale gameplay. Its massive sales, widespread popularity, and influential role in shaping the gaming industry make it one of the most significant video games of recent times.
Fortnite
Game Overview
Fortnite, developed by Epic Games and initially released in 2017, is a free-to-play battle royale game that quickly gained global popularity. Players are dropped onto a large map and must compete against each other to be the last person or team standing. Fortnite offers a unique blend of shooting mechanics, building structures, and strategic decision-making.
Battle Royale Genre
Fortnite played a crucial role in the explosion of the battle royale genre’s popularity. Building upon the success of earlier titles within the genre, Fortnite incorporated its distinct gameplay mechanics, which set it apart from the competition. The ability to construct structures in real-time added a layer of creativity and versatility to the gameplay, attracting a massive player base.
Sales and Popularity
Fortnite’s popularity soared to unprecedented heights shortly after its release. Its free-to-play model, combined with its accessibility across platforms, made it incredibly appealing to a wide audience. The game boasts over 350 million registered players worldwide, and its mesmerizing live events and collaborative partnerships with popular franchises, such as Marvel and Star Wars, have further solidified its place as a cultural phenomenon.
Gameplay Features
Fortnite’s gameplay revolves around the fast-paced action of battle royale matches. Players parachute onto the map, scavenge for weapons and resources, and engage in intense combat encounters. One of the distinguishing gameplay features of Fortnite is its building mechanic, which allows players to construct various structures, such as walls, floors, and ramps, in real-time. This unique aspect adds an additional layer of strategical depth, encouraging players to adapt and be creative in their approach.
Cross-Platform Availability
Fortnite’s cross-platform availability has been a major contributing factor to its widespread popularity. The game can be played on various platforms, including PC, consoles, and mobile devices, enabling players to join in and connect with friends regardless of the device they are playing on. This inclusivity has fostered a sense of community and allowed players to enjoy the game together seamlessly.
Fortnite’s impact on the gaming industry cannot be understated. It has revolutionized the battle royale genre, redefining what it means to create a compelling and engaging multiplayer experience. With its vibrant community, innovative gameplay mechanics, and continuous updates and events, Fortnite has firmly established itself as a cultural phenomenon and a dominant force in the gaming landscape.
World of Warcraft
Game Overview
World of Warcraft (WoW) is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Blizzard Entertainment and released in 2004. Set in the fantasy world of Azeroth, players create characters and embark on epic quests, battle monsters, and interact with other players in a persistent online universe.
Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG)
World of Warcraft falls within the MMORPG genre, characterized by its vast, open world and the ability for players to interact with each other in real-time. WoW allows players to immerse themselves in a rich and dynamic virtual world, forging alliances, forming guilds, and participating in large-scale player versus environment (PvE) and player versus player (PvP) content.
Subscriber Numbers
Throughout its long and storied history, World of Warcraft has consistently maintained a massive subscriber base. At its peak in 2010, the game boasted over 12 million subscribers worldwide. Although the number has fluctuated over the years, with the rise of free-to-play models and changing player preferences, WoW remains one of the most successful and recognizable MMORPGs to date.
Expansions and Longevity
A key aspect contributing to World of Warcraft’s longevity and success is the regular release of expansions. Blizzard Entertainment has consistently introduced expansions that add new continents, quests, dungeons, and raids to the game. Each expansion offers new challenges and content, keeping the game fresh and engaging for both new and veteran players alike. The latest expansion, Shadowlands, introduced a new realm of the afterlife, further expanding the game’s narrative and gameplay possibilities.
Impact on the MMO Genre
World of Warcraft’s influence on the MMO genre is undeniable. It set a new standard for what players could expect from an online role-playing game. The game’s seamless integration of PvE and PvP content, rich lore, and immersive world-building provided a blueprint for future MMORPGs. WoW’s success paved the way for the development of countless other MMOs and continues to inspire and shape the genre to this day.
World of Warcraft remains a titan in the MMORPG landscape. Its enduring popularity, engaging gameplay, and vast, ever-expanding world have cemented its status as one of the most influential and beloved video games of all time.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Game Overview
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, developed by Nintendo and released in 1998, is an action-adventure game that follows the journey of Link, the protagonist, as he seeks to save the land of Hyrule from the clutches of the evil Ganondorf. The game combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat in a captivating and immersive fantasy world.
Critical Acclaim
Ocarina of Time is widely regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time and has received universal acclaim from critics. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and emotionally resonant storytelling pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the realm of video games. The game’s numerous awards and accolades further solidify its status as a legendary title.
Legacy and Influence
Ocarina of Time’s impact on the gaming industry is immeasurable. It set a new bar for 3D gaming and established many conventions and tropes that are still prevalent in the action-adventure genre today. The game’s nonlinear exploration, memorable characters, and epic quests inspired future generations of game developers and artists, leaving a lasting imprint on the industry as a whole.
Gameplay Mechanics
Ocarina of Time introduced several innovative gameplay mechanics that have become synonymous with the Zelda franchise. The game featured a revolutionary targeting system, called Z-targeting, which allowed players to lock onto enemies and perform precise attacks. The use of musical instruments, such as the ocarina, added a layer of depth to the gameplay, allowing players to manipulate time and interact with the environment in unique ways.
Timeless Appeal
Despite being over two decades old, Ocarina of Time continues to captivate players with its timeless appeal. The game’s immersive world, memorable characters, and gripping narrative transcend the limitations of its technology and continue to resonate with players of all ages. Ocarina of Time stands as a testament to the power of exceptional game design, as it remains a beloved and treasured experience for many.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is a shining example of the artistry and craftsmanship that is possible in video game development. Its critical acclaim, enduring legacy, innovative gameplay mechanics, and timeless appeal make it one of the greatest and most influential games ever created.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
Game Overview
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, developed by Infinity Ward and released in 2019, is a first-person shooter (FPS) game that serves as a reboot of the highly successful Modern Warfare series. The game takes players on a modern-day military campaign, tackling a global threat across various locations around the world.
Popularity and Sales
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare enjoyed immense popularity and commercial success upon its release. It set a new record as the fastest-selling game in the Call of Duty franchise, grossing over $600 million in its first three days. The game’s realistic graphics, intense gameplay, and engaging storyline appealed to both casual and hardcore players, solidifying its status as a must-play FPS title.
Gameplay Features
Modern Warfare offers an immersive and cinematic single-player campaign that places players in the shoes of various characters involved in a global conflict. The game also boasts a robust multiplayer mode that features a wide array of maps, weapons, and customization options. The multiplayer experience emphasizes strategic team-play and rewards skillful execution, creating an intense and competitive environment.
Influence on First-Person Shooter (FPS) Genre
The original Modern Warfare, released in 2007, revolutionized the FPS genre, and the 2019 reboot followed suit. Modern Warfare’s gritty depiction of modern warfare and its emphasis on realism set a new standard for storytelling and immersion in the genre. The game’s influence can be seen in subsequent FPS titles, with many developers striving to capture the same level of authenticity and intensity.
Multiplayer Modes
One of the defining features of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is its diverse range of multiplayer modes. From traditional team deathmatch to objective-based game modes, the game offers a variety of multiplayer experiences catered to different playstyles. These modes, combined with the constant updates and seasonal content, ensure that players always have new challenges to tackle and opportunities to showcase their skills.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare continues to captivate players with its intense gameplay, incredible visuals, and immersive storytelling. The game’s impact on the FPS genre, its popularity, and its ability to deliver thrilling multiplayer experiences make it a standout title in the long-running Call of Duty franchise.
FIFA series
Game Overview
The FIFA series, developed by EA Sports, is a long-running sports simulation franchise that focuses on the game of soccer (football). FIFA games strive to provide an authentic and immersive soccer experience, allowing players to control their favorite teams and players on the virtual pitch.
Sports Simulation Genre
The FIFA series falls within the sports simulation genre, which aims to recreate the rules, strategies, and atmosphere of real-world sports. FIFA games employ advanced physics engines, realistic player animations, and accurate representations of stadiums and teams to deliver a true-to-life soccer experience.
Sales Figures
FIFA games consistently top sales charts, making them some of the best-selling video games each year. The franchise’s popularity spans the globe, with millions of players engaging in virtual soccer matches across various platforms. The game’s attention to detail, official licensing of teams and players, and annual updates contribute to its enduring appeal and impressive sales figures.
Licensing and Realism
One of the standout features of the FIFA series is its comprehensive licensing agreements with major soccer leagues and clubs worldwide. This allows FIFA games to feature authentic team names, player likenesses, and accurate representations of stadiums. The attention to detail and realism create an immersive experience for soccer enthusiasts, further enhancing the game’s appeal.
Online and Offline Gameplay
FIFA games cater to both online and offline gameplay experiences. Players can challenge friends locally or online, participate in competitive online leagues, or embark on a solo career in offline game modes. This versatility ensures that players can tailor their FIFA experience to their preferred style of play, whether they prefer to go head-to-head with friends or tackle challenging AI opponents.
The FIFA series stands as the definitive soccer simulation franchise, offering players a realistic and immersive soccer experience. Its immense popularity, sales figures, and attention to detail have solidified its position as a staple in the sports gaming genre.
Super Mario Bros.
Game Overview
Super Mario Bros., developed by Nintendo and released in 1985, is a side-scrolling platform game that follows the adventures of Mario as he embarks on a quest to save Princess Peach from the villainous Bowser. The game introduced numerous groundbreaking concepts and laid the foundation for modern platformers.
Cultural Impact
Super Mario Bros. is not only one of the most iconic video games but also a cultural phenomenon. It served as a major catalyst in revitalizing the gaming industry after the North American video game crash of the early 1980s. The game’s intuitive controls, vibrant visuals, and memorable characters resonated with players of all ages and helped cement Mario as a cultural icon.
Gameplay Mechanics
Super Mario Bros. introduced groundbreaking gameplay mechanics that have become synonymous with the platforming genre. The game featured precise controls, intricate level design, and a sense of momentum that propelled players through each stage. The power-ups, such as the Super Mushroom and Fire Flower, introduced new abilities and added depth to the gameplay, creating a balance between challenge and accessibility.
Legacy and Influence
Super Mario Bros.’s impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. It revolutionized the platforming genre, establishing many of the conventions still seen in modern 2D and 3D platformers. The game’s success also solidified Nintendo’s position as a dominant player in the industry, setting the stage for future Mario titles and iconic franchises.
Mario Franchise
Super Mario Bros. launched one of the most successful franchises in video game history. The Mario series has continued to innovate and captivate players across numerous iterations, spanning multiple consoles and generations. The franchise’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its timeless appeal, memorable characters, and its ability to consistently deliver fun and engaging gameplay experiences.
Super Mario Bros.’s cultural impact, groundbreaking gameplay mechanics, and enduring legacy make it a cornerstone of the gaming industry. The game continues to inspire generations of players and embodies the spirit of joy, creativity, and adventure that defines the world of Super Mario.