The world's most successful games include Tetris, Minecraft and Grand Theft Auto (GTA). Tetris is the most successful computer game series of all time, with around 495 million copies sold. Minecraft, originally developed by Swedish studio Mojang, tops the list of best-selling video games with 238 million sales by 2023.

In addition to these giants, there are many other games that have made a splash in the world of gaming, such as the popular Fifa series with 260 million copies sold or Overwatch as the best-selling game in the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) genre with over 50 million sales. The most successful games in the world are a sign of how much gaming has shaped culture and leisure activities in our society.

The Top 10 Most Successful Games in the World

Minecraft is the most successful video game of all time, with over 200 million copies sold worldwide. It was developed by Swedish developer Markus "Notch" Persson and is available for numerous platforms.

Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) ranks second among the most successful games, with 175 million units sold. The open-world game, developed by Rockstar Games, is available for multiple consoles including PlayStation and Xbox.

Tetris, a classic puzzle game, is in third place among the most successful games. It was originally developed in the then Soviet Union and has since become one of the most popular games in the world.

Some of the other top 10 games include:

• FIFA 19 - Football simulation game with sales of $786 million in 2019.
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare - First-person shooter game with sales of $645 million in 2019.
• FIFA 20 - Another soccer simulation game from the FIFA series with sales of $590 million in 2020.
• Playerunknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG) - A very popular Battle Royale game with more than 50 million copies sold.
• Wii Sports - A sports simulation game developed by the manufacturer Nintendo that sold more than 82.9 million copies.

These games have become very successful due to their innovative game mechanics, impressive graphics and gripping stories. They have helped shape video game culture around the world and are representative of their respective genres.

Top-selling games

The most successful games in the world are characterized by high sales figures and impressive revenues. Some of the most well-known examples are Tetris, Minecraft and Super Mario.

Tetris is the best-selling computer game series to date, with around 495 million copies. It was originally developed in the 1980s and still enjoys great popularity.

Minecraft is the best-selling video game in the world to date, with 238 million sales (as of February 2023). It was originally developed by the Swedish studio Mojang and stands out for its creative possibilities and the fact that players can create their own world.

Super Mario is also a successful title in video game history. The main series has grossed almost $16 billion in the process. The franchise's success spans several genres, including party games, racing games, and classic platform titles.

Some other top-selling games worldwide include:

• Grand Theft Auto V
• FIFA - soccer simulation series from Electronic Arts
• Call of Duty - first-person shooter series from Activision
• Fortnite - Battle Royale game from Epic Games
• The Legend of Zelda - action-adventure series from Nintendo

The above games and their developers have achieved extraordinary success and left a lasting mark on the video game industry. These games are among the highest-grossing in the world and have captivated millions of gamers.

Influential game genres

Over the years, various game genres have shaped and influenced the video game industry. Some of these influential genres include:

• Action-Adventure: games like "The Legend of Zelda" and "Uncharted" have popularized and significantly influenced the action-adventure genre. They combine elements of action and adventure games and offer players a mix of combat, puzzles, and exploration.
• Role-playing games (RPG): Games such as "Final Fantasy," "The Elder Scrolls," and "The Witcher" are notable examples of the role-playing game genre, which features complex plots, character development, and tactical combat. RPGs often have large open worlds where players can explore at will and complete numerous side quests.
• Strategy games: Titles such as Civilization, StarCraft, and Age of Empires represent the strategy game genre, in which players must manage resources, research technologies, and command troops to defeat opposing armies and grow their civilizations. Strategy games can be played in real-time (RTS) or turn-based (TBS).
• Multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA): the MOBA genre has evolved from real-time strategy games, and games such as "Dota 2" and "League of Legends" are strongly embedded in the gaming community. MOBAs are team-based games in which two teams compete against each other to destroy the opponent's base.
• Battle Royale: This genre has gained popularity in recent years, mainly due to the success of games like "Fortnite" and "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG)." In battle royale games, players are placed on a map and must battle each other as the playing field gets smaller and smaller until only one survivor or team is left.

These genres have shaped the gaming landscape and spawned a variety of influential titles that continue to push the video game industry forward. They offer players different gameplay styles and mechanics, and provide memorable gaming experiences.

Platforms and distribution channels

Over the years, various platforms and distribution channels for video games have evolved. These are important in bringing the world's most successful games to a wide audience. In this section, some of the most popular platforms and distribution channels are presented.

The first important platform is Steam, the world's best-known and most popular distribution platform for PC games. It is now a standard for any gaming enthusiast and offers an impressive collection of thousands of titles that continues to fill up every day. Steam is also known for its sales and discounts that allow gamers to purchase games at a reduced price.

Other important platforms include Origin and Uplay. Origin is a distribution platform operated by Electronic Arts (EA) that focuses primarily on EA titles. Uplay is Ubisoft's in-house platform and provides access to their game library. Both platforms have similar features to Steam and allow you to download and install games as well as share them with other gamers.

Apart from these PC platforms, consoles such as the PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch are also important distribution channels for video games. Each of these consoles has its own digital marketplace where games can be purchased and downloaded. These include the PlayStation Store, the Xbox Store and the Nintendo eShop.

To better understand the different platforms and distribution channels, here is a brief overview:

• Steam: best known PC distribution platform, offers a large number of titles.
• Origin: platform operated by EA, focused on EA titles.
• Uplay: in-house platform of Ubisoft, access to their game library
• PlayStation Store, Xbox Store, Nintendo eShop: digital marketplaces for console games.

In addition to these well-known platforms and distribution channels, there are also smaller providers and specialized platforms that focus on specific genres or indie games. Choosing the right platform depends on your own preferences and interests.

Developers and publishers

The world of computer games is very large and diverse. Developers and publishers play a crucial role in creating these successful games. Some of the most famous developers and publishers are Nintendo, Tencent, and Nexon. They have developed and published some of the most successful games in the world.

Nintendo is a Japanese company known for games like the "Pokemon" series, the "Super Mario" series, and the "Animal Crossing" series. These games have reached many millions of players worldwide and generated high sales. Nintendo stands out for its creative ideas and entertaining game concepts.

Tencent is a Chinese company that was the leader in video games in the third quarter of 2022, with global revenues of around $8.3 billion. Tencent is known for games such as League of Legends and Honor of Kings, among others, which delight many gamers worldwide.

The South Korean company Nexon Corporation is based in Tokyo, Japan, and was founded in 1994. Nexon is both a developer and publisher of computer games. Some of Nexon's most famous games are "MapleStory" and "Dungeon Fighter Online", which reach millions of players around the world.

It is important to emphasize that cooperation between developers and publishers is crucial to the success of these games. In some cases, a developer can also act as a publisher and vice versa. These companies invest a lot of time, resources and innovation in creating games that are appreciated and played all over the world.

E-Sports And Competitions

The world of e-sports has seen a rapid growth in recent years. More and more people are becoming interested in professional video game competitions, where big prize money and fame are at stake. Some of the most successful games in the world have established themselves in the e-sports scene, attracting viewers from all over the world.

Among the most successful and popular e-sports titles are Defence of the Ancients 2 (Dota 2), League of Legends (LoL) and Counter-Strike. These games offer complex, strategic game mechanics that encourage teamwork and personal skill. Millions of U.S. dollars in prize money are paid out in major tournaments such as The International (Dota 2) or the League of Legends World Championships.

Other e-sports games include:

• Hearthstone
• Overwatch
• Fortnite
• Call of Duty
• Rocket League

These games also attract large fan bases and allow professional gamers to earn a living through competition and sponsorship. In the future, we can expect more and more video game titles to establish themselves in the e-sports industry and interest in professional gaming to continue to grow.

E-sports tournaments are becoming increasingly popular, leading to more and more organizers and sponsors entering the market. As a result, new tournaments are being launched all the time, and prize money is on the rise. It is not surprising that a strong e-sports community has also developed in Germany, based around talented players and professional teams.

Future Forecasts And Trends

In the fast-paced world of video games, there are constantly new trends and developments shaping the industry. Future predictions and trends are critical to better understand what gamers will experience in the coming years.

One significant trend in the gaming industry is the focus on mobile gaming. More and more people are playing on mobile devices, which is driving developers to create games optimized specifically for these platforms. Another trend is the growth of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies. These offer players an immersive and interactive experience and could have a major impact on the gaming landscape in the future.

The diversity of games and the influence of indie developers will also continue to grow. With the proliferation of digital distribution platforms and the ability to develop and publish games in a short period of time, independent developers can more easily implement their ideas to create more innovative and unique gaming experiences.

The influence of game streaming and cloud gaming has also grown in importance. Platforms such as Twitch and YouTube Gaming allow gamers to share their gameplay experiences in real time, while cloud gaming services such as Google Stadia and NVIDIA GeForce Now allow gamers to access a wide range of games without the need for a powerful computer or dedicated console.

Finally, monetization of games will continue to be a key issue in the industry. Models such as free-to-play and microtransactions make it possible to generate long-term revenue from a game and thus ensure its success. At the same time, the subscription model is also gaining in importance as more and more game companies allow their customers to access a large number of games for a monthly fee.

Conclusion

The world's most successful games impress with their diversity, innovation and enduring popularity. It becomes clear that both graphic-intensive titles and easily accessible games with a clear concept can reach a large fan base.

Some of the most successful games, such as Minecraft with over 200 million copies sold, demonstrate the power of open-world design and creative freedom. The Grand Theft Auto series on the PlayStation, on the other hand, shows that action-packed and intense games also have a place in gamers' hearts.

It's also important to note that the popularity of games is not just based on sales figures. Twitch statistics, such as Resident Evil Village, show that live streaming and viewer engagement are having a growing impact on how games are judged.

In the world of sports games, FIFA is a standout name, with a total of 260 million copies sold. This shows that gamers are also looking for a strong connection to real-world sports and leagues, and want to enjoy competing together with friends and family.

Ultimately, the world's most successful games are characterized by engaging gameplay, compelling stories, and a dedicated community. These elements help these titles cement their place in video game history and inspire generations of players.