Making Money Providing Fun
Video games are massive money-making machines. While players enjoy the action, game developers and publishers reap the most significant rewards through record-breaking sales. Here are the top 15 video games bringing in fortunes through copies sold and high revenues.
1. Pokémon Red/Blue/Green/Yellow (47.5 Million Copies, Over $150 Billion)
Pokémon Red/Blue are classic games where players explore the Kanto region, capturing and training 151 Pokémon to become the Champion. Battle Gym Leaders, defeat the Elite Four, and trade with friends to complete your Pokédex. The games set the foundation for the beloved Pokémon franchise.
Pokemon Red , Blue & Yellow Trailer for Nintendo 3DS by XCageGame
Another Lucky Glitch
MissingNo, the infamous glitch Pokémon, became another one of the most significant urban legends in gaming. Players risked corrupting their save files to duplicate rare candies. The trick? After talking to the old man in Viridian City, Surf along Cinnabar Island's coast.
How to perform the MissingNo Glitch in Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow by Lukas75
Gotta Catch 'Em All
Competitive Pokémon battling has evolved into a complex sport with its own Olympics. The most expensive Pokémon card ever sold is a pristine Pikachu Illustrator card fetched $5.275 million. This proves that some Pokémon are literally worth their weight in gold.
I Bought The World’s Most Expensive Pokémon Card ($5,300,000) by Logan Paul
2. Super Mario Bros (58 Million Copies, Over $45 Billion Revenue)
One of the video game OGs, Super Mario, had to be here. Speed runners have torn this game apart, with the current world record holder, Niftski, completing it in a mind-bending 4 minutes and 54 seconds. The infamous World 8-4 has crushed millions of dreams, but did you know about…
Super Mario Bros - Full Game Walkthrough (NES) by packattack04082
The Secret Warp Pipes?
As you suffer through the entire course, Super Mario Bros all along had hidden Warp Pipes that serve as secret shortcuts to later worlds. The first Warp Zone in Worlds 1-2 is accessible via platforms above the ceiling, leading to Worlds 2, 3, or 4.
Super Mario Bros. (NES) - All Shortcuts by Darklink7884
There’s More
World 4-2 contains two Warp Zones: One reached by vine leading to Worlds 6-8, another to World 5. Then there’s the minus world glitch, which remains gaming's most famous accident. By performing a pixel-perfect jump in World 1-2, you'll enter an endless underwater level that Nintendo never intended to exist.
One Hour Game Music: Super Mario Bros - Underwater Theme for 1 Hour by JDubDotEXE
3. PUBG: Battlegrounds (75 Million Copies, Over $13 Billion)
Dropping into Erangel changed gaming forever and made massive sales when PUBG's heart-pounding final circles claimed 70 million players' sleep schedules. The legendary streamer Shroud once secured 43 kills in a single match—a record that still stands.
‘OG Battleground, Erangel is back - PUBG by WackyJacky101
Battle Royale Pioneer
Want to master PUBG like the pros? To become just like Shroud, you’ll have to spend hours practicing the infamous "bunny hop healing" technique. The game's most contested hot drop, School, has seen more virtual battles than any other gaming location in history.
A Glitch People Loved
The pan's ability to deflect bullets wasn't planned initially, but it was a glitch that players loved so much that the developers had no choice but to keep it. American pro player ChocoTaco's substantial earnings prove you can make a living wielding virtual frying pans.
4. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (46.4 Million Copies, Over over $13 Billion)
This life simulation game is where you move to a deserted island and build your dream community. The "Turnip Exchange" phenomenon created a real-world economy during lockdown, with players charging entrance fees to islands with high turnip prices. One player reportedly made over $100,000 selling in-game items on eBay.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Nintendo Switch Trailer - Nintendo E3 2019 by Nintendo of America
Pandemic Paradise
The mysterious money rock glitch let players hit the same rock infinitely for bells, and it led to massive inflation in the player economy before Nintendo patched it. Time travelers discovered you could manipulate Redd's art shop to get genuine pieces every time.
How to Find Your Money Rock | Animal Crossing New Horizons by ceomg
Moving Like A Winner
The game's most dedicated player, known as "CrossingChannel", accumulated over 5,000 hours of playtime and created a perfect five-star island without time traveling. The infamous Raymond villager sold for hundreds of real-world dollars during the height of villager trading.
Exciting News JUST Announced For Animal Crossing Players! by Crossing Channel
5. Grand Theft Auto V (205 Million Copies, $8.6 Billion Revenue)
Rockstar Games struck gold with GTA V. They shattered entertainment industry records by earning $1 billion in just three days. Want to know what makes this game unique? Its persistent online world keeps 205 million players coming back for more.
Grand Theft Auto V: The Official Trailer by Rockstar Games
It Welcomes A Wide Player Gap
The game's mature themes target players 18 and up, but its sophisticated storytelling and technical excellence attract an average player age of 30. During its peak from 2013 to 2015, GTA V redefined open-world gaming, and it offered unprecedented freedom and detail. Oh, they also won multiple gaming nominations.
Grand Theft Auto V: The Official Trailer by Rockstar Games
Earnings Surpassing Movies
Did you know GTA V has earned more than any movie in history? The game's continuous updates and rich multiplayer experience keep players engaged years after release. Its Los Santos setting has become gaming's most recognizable virtual city. GTA has also been controversial as in the “By the Book” mission.
Grand Theft Auto V: The Official Launch Trailer | PS4 by PlayStation
6. Mario Kart 8/Deluxe (72.73 Million Copies, $6 Billion)
If you love the Maria Universe, welcome to Kart 8. Here, the blue shell, gaming's greatest equalizer, has ended more friendships than any other item. Pro tip: If you're in the first place, holding a super horn neutralizes the dreaded blue shell, that is, if you can time it perfectly.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Nintendo Switch Presentation 2017 Trailer by Nintendo of America
Here’s The Trick
Rainbow Road's most dangerous shortcut requires hitting a specific pixel at high acceleration while drifting and, folks, no purple burst until the end. If you hack this, you’ll be among the few players who have mastered this technique. The current world record holder, French player Mathias Joron, uses it.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe 3DS Rainbow Road Gameplay by Zoulutine
Cash Through Tournaments
The most successful competitive player of Mario Kart 8, Eduardo "Errorist" Ortiz, has earned substantial amounts from tournaments he has been part of. His signature move? The "fire hopping" technique that Nintendo later patched out because it was too powerful.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe - Nintendo Switch Presentation 2017 Trailer by Nintendo of America
7. Wii Sports (82.9 Million Copies, Over $4 Billion)
Remember that one Christmas when everyone's grandma became a boxing champion? Wii Sports, with 82.9 million copies sold, converted living rooms into virtual sports arenas. The infamous "Wii strap warnings" came after countless TV screens met their doom from enthusiastic tennis serves.
Getting Pro in Wii Sports Boxing by shmoopycamp
Meet Matt
Matt, the legendary Wii Sports CPU opponent, became gaming's most feared virtual athlete. His perfect bowling scores crushed millions of players's spirits. Did you know there's a secret bowling trick? It might guarantee a strike if you try releasing the ball exactly 7.5 degrees off-center.
wii sports: john wick vs matt by Poofesure
Introducing Tournaments
Professional Wii Sports tournaments existed, with the 2008 Wii Games Summer Olympics drawing thousands. The game's baseball discipline had a hidden home run exploit—timing your swing with the pitcher's exact release point resulted in guaranteed homers.
Wii Sports Club - Baseball Gameplay [ HD ] by XCageGame
8. Minecraft (300 Million Copies, Over $2.6 Billion)
Spectacular doesn't begin to describe Minecraft's journey from an indie sensation to a global phenomenon. You might wonder how a game about placing blocks captured 300 million players' hearts. The secret sauce combines unlimited creativity with accessible gameplay, making it perfect for ages 7 to 70.
Minecraft Trails & Tales Update: Official Launch Trailer by Minecraft
The Secret?
During its peak years (2012-2015), Minecraft revolutionized gaming by proving simple graphics could trump flashy visuals. Microsoft's $2.5 billion acquisition in 2014 raised eyebrows, but the game's education edition now enriches classrooms worldwide, and this proves that games can both entertain and educate.
Minecraft: Story Mode [Minecon 2015 Trailer] by Telltale Games
It Goes Beyond The Screen
Have you ever noticed how Minecraft's influence extends beyond gaming? This pixelated powerhouse generates billions in ecosystem revenue from merchandise to YouTube empires. The average player's age hovers around 24, and this demolishes the myth that it's just for kids.
DTG PRINTING a Custom Minecraft T-Shirt in Under 30 MINUTES! by Ricoma Prints
9. Wii Fit/ Plus (43.8 Million Copies, Over $2 Billion)
Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus are fitness games for the Nintendo Wii that use the Wii Balance Board as an accessory. The Wii Balance Board could support up to 330 pounds, and it has proven more accurate at detecting microscopic balance shifts similar to medical-grade equipment.
Wii Fit Plus - Obstacle Course (All Levels) by Typhlosion4President
Milestone After Milestone
Hidden within the yoga poses lurks the game's most challenging achievement: Maintaining a perfect balance in the Tree Pose for 5 minutes. Only a few players have managed this feat, making it rarer than most gaming platinum trophies. Achieving this level of balance requires exceptional control and patience.
Wii Fit Plus - Wii - Muscle Workout 16: Balance Bridge by Gaming Exhibit
Used By Professionals
This game is so good professionals use it. For instance, the running-in-place tracking is so accurate that marathon runners use it for indoor training during winter. Another is hula hooping, where Lydia Finn scored 333 in 2015 in the UK. Physical therapists also utilize the Balance Board.
Wii Fit - Aerobics - Free Run (Duration 10 min.) by Ziploc13
10. Overwatch ( 50 Million Copies, Over $1 Billion)
Blizzard’s Overwatch redefined team-based shooters with its diverse hero roster and fast-paced combat. Each hero brings unique abilities, and this makes teamwork essential. Fun fact: The game’s lore is so deep fans create theories connecting heroes’ backstories.
Overwatch Gameplay Trailer by PlayOverwatch
Competitive Action From The Get Go
Overwatch is about shooting and mastering hero synergies. With roles like Tank, Damage, and Support, players must work together to win. The ranked Competitive Mode tests skills in intense battles, while limited-time events introduce unique challenges. Hardest part? Climbing Grandmaster and Top 500 ranks.
Overwatch 1 D.VA Overwatch Gameplay (No Commentary) (1080p 60) (PC) by Unknown
A Global Phenomenon With A Massive Fanbase
The game has become a cultural icon, spawning esports leagues, animated shorts, and a passionate community. Blizzard released animated origin stories for heroes, and these deepen the game’s lore. Its impact was so huge that Overwatch 2 was released to continue the legacy.
Overwatch Gameplay Trailer by PlayOverwatch
11. Red Dead Redemption 2 (67 Million Copies, $971 Million)
In this action-adventure game set in the American Old West in 1899, you play as Arthur Morgan, a Van der Linde ring member, as they move through a rapidly changing world. The game’s storyline explores loyalty, survival, and the conflict between lawlessness and order.
Red Dead Redemption 2: Official Trailer #3 by Rockstar Games
The Wild West Masterpiece
You'll engage in shootouts, heists, and other activities while making ethical choices that influence the story. Once, a player completed the main story in an incredible 5 hours and 15 minutes where they skipped vital cutscenes using the "bridge launch glitch".
Red Dead Redemption 2: Official Trailer #2 by Rockstar Games
New Recent Milestones
Red Dead Redemption 2 has reached a new milestone on Steam with 86,717 concurrent players, surpassing its previous record of 77,655 from November 2023. This achievement marks significant growth from its December 2019 launch, which saw 55,271 players demonstrate the game's enduring popularity.
12. Terraria (67.7 Million Copies, Over $513 Million)
Terraria is a sandbox experience game where participants explore a procedurally generated 2D world where they dig, build, fight, and explore. The Moon Lord boss fight, added in the final update, was beaten in under 30 seconds by player "Yrimir" using an elaborate hoik system.
Terraria Gameplay Trailer by Re-Logic
The Hoik System?
In short, the hoik system is a physics exploit involving platforms and speed acceleration that developers embraced rather than patched. This never-ending adventure's most complex achievement, "Supreme Helper Minion", requires completing 200 fishing quests. Since you can only do one per in-game day, it takes at least 200 real-world hours.
Terraria | A Hoik Tutorial?!? By Roka Josh
Another Feat To Beat
The rare Rod of Discord has a 0.2% drop rate from Chaos Elementals, and this leads to players creating elaborate farming systems. The record for the fastest legitimate acquisition is 3 minutes 47 seconds, set by streamer "ChippyGaming" in 2021.
The ULTIMATE Rod of Discord Farm Tutorial | Fully AFK in HARDCORE | Terraria by Khaios
13. Call of Duty: Black Ops III (43 Million Copies, $391 Million Gross Revenue)
This video game takes players into a futuristic world of advanced technology and combat tactics. In 2065, the game introduces cybernetic enhancements and specialized combat skills, allowing players to control unique soldiers with abilities like wall-running and cloaking. The game's gripping campaign explores the consequences of AI warfare and augmentation.
Official Call of Duty: Black Ops III Reveal Trailer by PlayStation
Challenging Levels And Multiplayer Mayhem
Black Ops III offers intense action through various multiplayer modes and challenging levels. The Zombies mode introduces the Nightmare campaign, a zombie-filled alternate reality. The multiplayer features introduce you to futuristic maps and exoskeleton-powered abilities; you can master a combination of quick reflexes and strategy to dominate the battlefield.
Official Call of Duty®: Black Ops III - “Shadows of Evil” Zombies Reveal Trailer by Call of Duty
14. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (50 Million Copies, $287 Million)
CD Projekt Red’s The Witcher 3 is praised for its massive world and moral choices. From battling monsters to making tough decisions, players shape Geralt’s journey. Challenging levels? Try Death March mode—where enemies hit harder, and healing is scarce. The map is 30 times larger than its predecessor.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Killing Monsters Cinematic Trailer by The Witcher
A Legacy That Keeps Growing
Even years after its release, The Witcher 3 continues to thrive. A next-gen update in 2022 enhanced graphics and gameplay, which has brought in a new wave of players. The game’s impact on the industry is undeniable because it has influenced future RPGs and kept the franchise alive and thriving.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Gameplay Trailer by GameSpot
Records, Challenges, And Player Feats
Some speedrunners have completed it in under 3 hours, while others spend hundreds of hours unlocking every ending. The brutal Death March difficulty tests even the most skilled players, with enemies dealing massive damage and resources scarce—from slaying legendary beasts to mastering Gwent.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition - Announcement Trailer | PS4 by PlayStation
15. Human: Fall Flat (55 Million Copies, About $62 Million)
This quirky puzzle game challenges players with wobbly, ragdoll-like physics. Each level is an open-ended puzzle where creativity is key. Mastering movement is harder than it looks, making even simple jumps tricky. The game started as a small indie project but became a hit.
Human: Fall Flat | 16 Amazing Levels by Xbox
A Wobbly, Hilarious Puzzle Adventure
Each level is an adventure because they are designed as a sandbox playground. You must solve physics-based puzzles using objects, teamwork, and trial and error. The game gets tricky when the platforming and puzzle-solving mix is blended, especially in levels like Dark and Ice, where slippery surfaces add difficulty.
Human Fall Flat: Ice Level! by Neebs Gaming
A Surprise Indie Success
Originally a small indie project, Human: Fall Flat became a global hit, selling millions of copies. The best parts must be its mod-friendly design and fun multiplayer chaos. Another fun fact is that the game regularly adds new free levels to keep the experience fresh and unpredictable.
Human Fall Flat: Dark (Happy Halloween!) by Vainglorious Gaming
