GTA V remains a gaming powerhouse since its 2013 launch, selling over 200 million copies, making it the second best-selling game after Minecraft, which has surpassed 300 million. Sales figures reflect player interest and influence industry decisions on expansions and sequels. While Minecraft’s sandbox appeal has led to its acquisition by Microsoft and various DLCs, Tetris still holds the title for total sales across all platforms, with over 520 million copies sold globally.
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The Significance of Sales Figures in Gaming
While the sales numbers of a video game don’t always correlate with its quality and might not hold much weight for dedicated fans, they nonetheless indicate player interest in the game and act as a barometer of success for publishers. These statistics play a crucial role in the decision-making processes of major players in the gaming industry regarding whether a title will receive expansions, sequels, or face the risk of fading into obscurity. Recent examples include the disappointing sales of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and the unfortunate collapse of Concord, which resulted in the studio’s closure.
Over the years, the ranking of the best-selling video games globally has evolved significantly. A notable newcomer is Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which has quickly ascended into the top 15 within just four years—much faster than many games that have taken a decade or longer to reach such heights. At the pinnacle of this list, however, stand the two titans of the gaming industry, with sales surpassing 500 million copies across all platforms: Minecraft and Grand Theft Auto V.
GTA V vs. Minecraft: The Sales Showdown
Since its launch in 2013, GTA 5 has consistently captivated players, securing the second spot in the sales rankings with over 200 million copies sold. In first place is Minecraft, which has seen its popularity soar since its debut in 2011, amassing over 300 million copies sold globally. This remarkable success can largely be attributed to its sandbox gameplay, allowing players the freedom to create and destroy in a procedurally generated world, either solo or with friends. This engaging formula appeals to gamers of all ages, with Mojang‘s title recommended for players aged 7 and up.
The Minecraft phenomenon led to its acquisition by Microsoft just three years post-launch. Since then, the game has enjoyed a plethora of DLCs, including skin packs inspired by other beloved franchises like Mass Effect and Skyrim. Notably, the game was even featured in an exhibition at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in 2011, and a film adaptation is on the horizon for 2025, starring Danielle Brooks, Emma Myers, Jack Black, and Jason Momoa.
While Minecraft holds the title of the best-selling video game in the world, it’s important to note that if we consider all platforms, Tetris takes the crown with over 520 million copies sold worldwide.