Ever since their inception, video games have been a popular form of entertainment for old and young people alike. Back then, little did we know that games would evolve to become one of the biggest niches in the entertainment industry – did you know that games are projected to generate around $385 billion in revenue by the end of the year?
Most people spend countless hours immersed in virtual worlds, but what’s the most popular video game of all time? As you will see in this article, the answer is not a simple one, as different metrics can be used to measure popularity. We’ll also discuss the main factors that made them successful and popular!
Read also: The best-selling video games of 2023 – the ultimate list
To learn what’s the most popular video game ever, we must explore a promising bunch
In the ever-evolving realm of gaming, a few titles have etched their names in history as the best-selling and most popular. Topping the list is Minecraft, a sandbox game that has become a cultural phenomenon with over 200 million copies sold.
Following closely is Roblox, a game creation platform that has captured the imagination of millions, providing an immersive space for players to design their own games. Fortnite, with its dynamic battle royale mode, has achieved iconic status with an estimated 350 million registered players. Grand Theft Auto V/Online, the brainchild of Rockstar Games, holds the title of the sixth-best-selling game of all time, boasting over 150 million units sold and maintaining its popularity since its release in 2013. Overwatch 2, the much-anticipated sequel, is poised to join the ranks of these giants, building upon the success of its predecessor.
Other stalwarts on the list of the most popular video games right now include Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Super Mario Bros., and Red Dead Redemption. With the gaming landscape constantly evolving, these titles continue to shape the industry, making their mark as some of the best-selling and most-played games in history.
So – what’s the most popular video game of all time?
When talking about the most popular video game of all time, it’s important to define which metrics we’re using – because there are many ways to define it. Some would only look at total sales since their release, others would look at their average daily/monthly player counts, whereas others would look into the number of copies sold throughout multiple releases of a game franchise.
Instead, we’ll try to look at this issue from multiple angles at the same time and find out, once and for all, what’s the most popular video game in history.
Minecraft
Having said that, most people would agree that Minecraft is the game that has achieved unparalleled popularity in recent years. Initially developed by Notch, an all-time legendary independent developer, and released in 2011, Minecraft has been a massive success, selling over 238 million copies over 12 years. According to NewZoo, it’s also the most popular PC game worldwide.
The game’s popularity can be attributed to a variety of factors. Despite having an “end”, Minecraft is an open-ended game, highly encouraging the player to do whatever they feel like doing. This can include things like taming all peaceful animals, conquering all in-game achievements (called “advancements”, which serve as a rough progression guide), constructing monumental buildings from the ground up, and designing automatic farms for passive resource generation to name a few.
And if the player finds the game a bit stale after creating some worlds, there is a variety of game modes they can try. Some people love playing Minecraft in a social environment, some would rather play on heavily customized servers (like Hypixel for minigames and Wynncraft for an MMORPG), and others prefer to play with mods – like the extremely hardcore GregTech: New Horizons, or casual (“kitchen sink”) packs like the Enigmatica series.
Another factor at play in Minecraft’s overwhelming success is its presence on YouTube and other digital platforms, which helped popularize the game during its first years and keep it relevant afterward.
Not only has Minecraft been a successful game on its own, but it’s spawned numerous spin-off titles, like Minecraft: Story Mode (2015), an episodic point-and-click game developed by Telltale Games, Minecraft Dungeons (2020), a dungeon-crawler that was well-received by gamers, and Minecraft Dungeons (2023), an action strategy game that was released just a while ago.
All in all, Minecraft’s success is a testament to its ability to provide players with near-endless possibilities, creative freedom, replayability, and charming (albeit simple) voxel-based graphics, making it one of the most iconic and successful video games of all time.
Roblox
While not exactly a game on its own, Roblox remains one of the most popular game platforms ever. Initially launched in 2006, the platform had a rocky start, but flourished over the years as a leading game platform, with around 67 million daily active users and over 210 million monthly active users.
The thing that differentiates Roblox from almost every other game in this list is its reliance on user-generated content. It acts as a platform where developers can create games (called “experiences”) and monetize them however they wish, which makes it as diverse and open-ended as Minecraft at times.
Honestly, the sheer variety of content offered by these experiences is unmatched. Whether you’re a fan of cars and love to drift in a futuristic rendition of Tokyo, someone who would gladly hold left click collecting billions of pollen over hundreds of hours, someone who is looking for a tycoon experience, or an outright first-person shooter, Roblox has got you covered.
In fact, Roblox is so diverse it contains over 50 million experiences created by 9.5 million developers for players to choose from, even though most of them are either empty or severely outdated. Even if you had infinite time, chances are you wouldn’t be able to experience everything the platform has to offer.
Contributing to Roblox’s immense popularity are its social features (players can add each other as friends and then play together on another experience), accessibility (the game is available on the most popular platforms and is free-to-play), educational purposes (like educators using Roblox to teach IT skills for children in a fun and engaging way), and even virtual concerts (did you know Lil Nas X’s concert was attended by over 33 million players?).
Overall, despite not being the most popular video game as of this article, Roblox is a versatile and diverse game that has, time and again, claimed the top spot from Minecraft, and chances are it will again soon.
Fortnite
Loved (and hated) by millions of players worldwide, Fortnite is a multiplayer online battle royale game. Developed and published by Epic Games in 2017, the game was quick to assert itself as the leading game in the genre, amassing over 350 million registered players in only 4 years. Since its release, Fortnite has maintained a steady monthly active user count, hovering at around 80 million players – which is no easy feat!
One of the biggest reasons behind Fortnite’s overwhelming success is its unique building mechanics, which allow players to create structures using various materials on the fly. This adds both strategic and tactical elements to the gameplay, enabling players to express their skills on the battlefield to gain the upper hand in combat or to cover against incoming fire.
The game’s constant update stream and additions have also contributed to its popularity. Fortnite receives regular patches that introduce new weapons, items, models, and collectibles, helping keep the gameplay fresh and engaging for newer and older players alike.
Like Roblox, Fortnite is extremely accessible. The game is completely free-to-play, it’s available on the most popular gaming platforms, and it offers extensive cross-play and cross-save capabilities.
Furthermore, Epic Games has also collaborated with many franchises and brands, which include Travis Scott (and his legendary in-game concert), DC, Marvel, Naruto, Dragon Ball, Boku no Hero Academia, Star Wars, and many more, which helped keep Fortnite the most relevant game of the genre.
Grand Theft Auto V/Online
The latest rendition of a franchise that achieved universal acclaim, Grand Theft Auto V was one of the most successful releases of all time, being shadowed only by even more anticipated titles like Cyberpunk 2077.
Developed by Rockstar Games and released in 2013, GTA V is an action-adventure game set in an open-world environment with lots of things to do, collect, and discover. It also comes with a bustling city to explore and a fully-fledged story with dozens of missions to keep players entertained. And they do, as the game achieves close to 20 million monthly players.
However, one of the main factors behind its success lies in its multiplayer mode, Grand Theft Auto Online (or GTA Online). It enables players to create characters of their own and join other players in an online world where they can participate in heists, complete side quests, take on odd jobs, and engage in multiple criminal activities.
As this mode has been continuously updated over the past years, new content and features are added regularly to keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. Furthermore, GTA Online offers a variety of game modes as well, like team deathmatch, survival, racing, drifting, roleplay servers, and many more, adding a layer of fun on top of everything and giving the base game a welcome twist.
Fun fact: GTA V is so popular that it generates hundreds of millions in profit every year, with estimates suggesting it has grossed close to $8 billion throughout its life!
Overwatch 2
The highly anticipated sequel to the overwhelmingly successful first-person shooter, Overwatch 2 was developed by Blizzard Entertainment and released in 2022. The game promised to build upon the success of the base game by revamping the graphics and adding new features, game modes, maps, and playable heroes – and they delivered!
Even though the highly anticipated story mode – a complete story-driven PvE campaign – is not yet a thing, it’s pretty safe to say it’s coming out soon. However, there’s still a lot to enjoy: the team size was reduced from 6 to 5 heroes, which opens up the space for different strategies, there are rotating game modes, custom matches, and competitive (ranked) matches if that’s your thing.
Overwatch 2 is available for PC, PS4/PS5, Nintendo Switch, and the latest Xbox platforms, and despite being the most recent game in this list, Overwatch 2 has already gathered 25 million monthly active users and is seeing around 1.7 million players every day according to activeplayer.io.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)
Another staple in the realm of battle royale games, PUBG has been Fortnite’s biggest competitor for what feels like a lifetime, grossing over $16 billion in revenue and selling over 75 million copies since its debut.
Like its “cousin,” this intense and gritty title took over the world with a simple, but thrilling premise: you and many other players parachute onto a massive map and fight for survival until there’s one person or team standing.
However, unlike Fortnite, PUBG puts an emphasis on realism and tactical gameplay. Every bullet counts, and positioning, stealth, precision, and strategy are paramount. Despite fierce competition from other games, PUBG is still one of the most iconic games ever, consistently achieving over 600,000 concurrent players daily.
Wii Sports
In 2006, an unassuming collection of sports mini-games called Wii Sports became quite the phenomenon. Packed with the revolutionary Nintendo Wii console, it used intuitive motion controls to turn living rooms into virtual sports arenas, letting players mimic the motions of bowling, tennis, golf, and more with the Wii remote.
This popular game’s genius lies in its accessibility and ability to bring gaming to a new audience. Its simple yet charming graphics and approachable gameplay made it a hit with players of all ages and skill levels. It broke down barriers and promoted social gaming experiences as families and friends gathered to cheer each other on.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Developed by CD Projekt Red, a name you’ll see again later in this article, The Witcher 3 left an unforgettable mark in the gaming world. Once you stepped into the boots of Geralt of Rivia, you were immersed in a richly detailed world brimming with life and consequences, with every decision shaping the narrative and fates of those around you.
What truly set this fabulous game apart was its unparalleled attention to detail and commitment to impeccable storytelling. The writers crafted an epic yet intimate narrative exploring themes like love, betrayal, and personal growth, while the world itself is a masterclass in worldbuilding.
As of March 2023, it had sold over 50 million copies, cementing it as one of the best-selling games of all time.
The most popular video games of all time: honorable mentions
Let’s also talk about some influential and popular games/franchises within their niches!
- Tetris franchise: originally developed by Alexey Pajitnov in 1985, Tetris is one of the most iconic games to ever exist. Simple, addictive, and engaging in its gameplay, this franchise is a gift that keeps on giving, with new titles being released every now and then for the latest gaming platforms;
- Super Mario franchise: this list would be incomplete without the most successful franchise of all time by total sales. It features a plumber called Mario and his iconic mustache, who goes through a series of obstacles and colorful worlds to save Princess Peach, but there are numerous spin-offs too for those who are not looking for a platform game;
- FIFA franchise: it’s the first game to be officially licensed by FIFA, and it’s one of the most popular soccer simulation games that allows players to mix and match professional footballers to create their dream team;
- League of Legends: currently the most played MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) game available, teams of 5 players select champions with unique abilities and compete in strategic team-based showdowns;
- Valorant: a tactical first-person shooter game where teams of players can play as agents with unique abilities to stop the opposing team from achieving their goal.
What are the most popular recent games, though?
So far, we have only covered the most famous games of all time by player count, but the gaming industry is constantly looking to reinvent itself, spewing indie and AAA titles that go viral in a matter of weeks every now and then.
In this section, we’ll explore some of the most popular recent games, showcasing the variety and innovation of the industry:
Elden Ring
FromSoftware’s latest masterpiece, Elden Ring has taken the gaming world by storm since its release in February 2022, having peaked at 953 thousand concurrent players. This action role-playing game, set in a vast and beautiful open world, engaged players with its challenging combat, deep lore, and unparalleled exploration, with many players claiming that “walking around feels amazing!”
We can attribute Elden Ring’s massive success to its seamless blend of FromSoftware’s iconic “Souls-like” gameplay with a meticulously crafted world built in partnership with the one and only George R. R. Martin.
The game’s atmosphere, rich in mystery and wonder, was a treat for players seeking a truly immersive and rewarding experience that combined lore, exploration, and great mechanics in a single package.
By the way, Elden Ring is getting a highly anticipated DLC called Shadows of the Erdtree in less than a week. According to IGN’s Mitchell Saltzman, this expansion could singlehandedly up the bar of what a DLC means – Shadows of the Erdtree seems to have more content than many fully-featured games, including over 20 hours of content, more than 40 new bosses, and a hell lot of places to explore.
So don’t be surprised if social media is all about Elden Ring for the rest of June 2024!
Cyberpunk 2077
Developed by CD Projekt Red, Cyberpunk 2077 was one of the most highly anticipated games of recent times. Despite a rocky launch marred by technical issues that would put every developer to shame, the company behind did deliver a thing of beauty – a game with an ambitious, futuristic, and dystopian open-world, gripping narrative, and stunning visuals that garnered a dedicated following, peaking at over 1 million concurrent players on Steam.
Set in Night City, players assume the role of V, a mercenary making her way through a world of corporate greed, tech-augmented humans, and the criminal underworld. Cyberpunk 2077’s exploration of themes such as transhumanism and the darker aspects of technological advancement (as is customary in its homonymous genre), creates a truly immersive experience that could very well be our future.
Palworld
Palworld is a unique and quirky open-world survival game that caused a really interesting first impression – its trailer starts off just fine… and escalates quickly at around the midpoint. It’s so insane you HAVE to see it for yourself.
Developed by Pocketpair, Inc., this popular game allows players to tame and breed their own “Pals,” adorable yet bizarre creatures that can be trained and customized.
If it sounds familiar, it’s because it is, as the game took heavy inspiration from games like Pokémon. It has a twist, however: set in a whimsical and colorful world, Palworld also has exploration, crafting, and even industry-building features, creating an addictive gameplay loop and making it a standout title.
And stand out it did. Achieving no less than 2.1 million concurrent players in early 2024, Palworld completely smashed SteamDB’s records, securing a gigantic lead over the previous record-holder (Lost Ark at 1.32 million concurrent players).
By the way, did you know Palworld was the most popular game of January 2024?
Lethal Company
Lethal Company is yet another popular game that has become widely discussed in recent times. Topping Steam’s recommendations for quite a while, it got over 240,000 concurrent players earlier this year.
This grisly, cel-shaded gem amazed gamers, who can’t get enough of its gruesome aesthetic and cooperative loot hunts. With its sense of wonder and charm, Lethal Company transcended its limited content and work-in-progress (WIP) systems, leaving players eagerly anticipating future updates and receiving critical acclaim in the process.
Created by an indie developer, this game’s success can be attributed to its unique mix of survival horror and comedy elements, which sets it apart from other games in the genre. The game’s co-op gameplay and exploration of hostile exomoons, complete with unique creatures and traps, garnered a massive following after some popular streamers showcased the game.
With all this success, fans are eagerly waiting for what’s next for Lethal Company. With its developer promising future updates that will feel like “breaking into an alien zoo and releasing the animals,” it’s clear that this game is just getting started.
Whether it will dominate the horror gaming scene and pave the way for new games in a similar fashion remains to be seen, but Lethal Company is a game to watch in 2024.
Starfield
From the creators of the legendary Elder Scrolls and Fallout series comes Starfield, a game that got lots of buzz since its announcement. Developed by Bethesda Game Studios, this ambitious sci-fi RPG took players on epic journeys through the depths of space.
Starfield is set in a meticulously planned universe, where you’ll have the freedom to explore countless planets, each with its own unique environments, cultures, and mysteries to uncover. Whether you’re going to roleplay as a cunning trader, an intrepid explorer, or a ruthless outlaw, the game’s open-ended gameplay allows you to shape a narrative for yourself.
Last Epoch
Developed by Eleventh Hour Games, this indie gem has been making waves since its early access release in 2022, and it’s easy to see why.
At its core, Last Epoch is a love letter to the classic action RPG genre, offering a deep, customizable, and rewarding gameplay experience reminiscent of Diablo and Path of Exile, considered by many the most famous ARPGs right now. However, what sets Last Epoch apart is its commitment to innovation and ability to breathe new life into familiar mechanics.
Three of its standout features include a fresh take on crafting and upgrading items (for example, unique equipment may drop with “Legendary Potential”, allowing them to be infused with a regular item modifier), skills (their customization options are almost endless), and ways to play the game (players can choose to either interact with an auction house or find everything themselves with better rewards).
Like Cyberpunk 2077, this game featured an awkward launch with unstable servers – but still managed to gather over 264,000 players over its first weekend. And, with a robust development roadmap for the next 4 expansions, Last Epoch’s future is promising.
Stray
We all know how competitive and crowded the video game market can be, so it’s rare for a title to capture the collective imagination of casual and hardcore gamers alike. Hard as it was, that’s precisely what Stray accomplished when it was released in 2022.
Developed by BlueTwelve Studio, this unique adventure game puts you in the paws of a stray cat, tasked with exploring a cyberpunk city inhabited by robots and uncovering the mysteries that lie beneath its neon-lit streets.
From the moment you start playing, Stray’s charm is undeniable. The game’s stunning visuals, coupled with its attention to detail in recreating the most authentic feline experience, create a world that’s equal parts familiar and fantastical.
Whether you’re scratching old furniture, knocking over objects, or simply exploring the game’s environments, a sense of wonder and delight fills every second of the experience. With an extensive list of accolades, Stray is still considered one of the most successful indie titles ever.
Baldur’s Gate 3
Finally, Baldur’s Gate 3 made serious waves in the gaming world, and for good reason! Larian Studios’ latest masterpiece hooked players with its rich storytelling, deep characters, and combat mechanics that will leave you breathless. This epic, high-fantasy adventure is a must-play for anyone who’s ever wielded a virtual sword or cast a digital spell.
From its deep character customization to its crazy plot twists, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a popular game that will keep you on the edge of your seat. And then there are the moments that will leave you thinking “What the hell just happened??!!?”, like when you accidentally summon a demon in the middle of a tavern or get frisky with a shapeshifter.
All in all, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a wild ride, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for this epic adventure!
The most popular video game ever: now you know the main contenders
In conclusion, video games have become a dominant force in the entertainment industry, with some games reaching millions of unique players every month. From traditional, staple games of the past (like Tetris and Super Mario) to modern takes on popular game genres, like Fortnite (battle royale), Overwatch 2 (tactical FPS), Last Epoch (action RPG), and Roblox (basically all genres), the gaming industry continues to innovate and thrive.
But what’s the secret behind their overwhelming success? What makes them reach so many players and keep them interested for months or even years? Well, for one, a solid understanding of game design principles and the ability to implement them is a must, and so is choosing the most suitable art style for your game.
As a game development studio, we understand that nailing all aspects of game creation is no easy task, and that’s why we’re here to help you out. By working with us at Main Leaf, you can rest assured that our team of experienced game developers, designers, and artists is more than qualified to help you bring your vision to life.
Whether you’re looking to create a popular game for PC, mobile, or console, we have the knowledge and resources to help you succeed, ensuring your game will stand out in a crowded market that grows by the day.
So, if you’re ready to bring your game idea to life, request a game quote below – and let’s get started right away!
