10 Top-Grossing Video Games of All Time

Since the time of arcades, people have been enraptured by video games. However, when judging the popularity and success of titles throughout the ages, the initial investment is only one factor to consider. After all, free-to-play games lack a price tag, but that hasn’t stopped them from conquering the ranks of the top-grossing games.

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Below, we’ve curated a list of the best-selling video games of all time, from classics that emerged from arcades decades ago and stole the hearts of millions around the world to modern battle royales that took the world by storm with their release.

10 Top-Grossing Video Games of All Time

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1. Space Invaders

To the surprise of none of our, shall we say, “veteran” players, Space Invaders finds its place at the top of this list. This top-down alien-blasting shoot-em-up found success by being the first title that brought arcade games to the masses. Space Invaders was the first video game many people had ever seen, offering cutting-edge technology that seemed like magic come to life. Though dated by today’s standards, the legacy of Space Invaders speaks for itself.

Today, finding an original Space Invaders arcade machine is like striking gold. Thankfully, you can enjoy the top-grossing video game of all time through one of its many modern versions. These pair the easy-to-learn gameplay players have loved for decades with new features like co-op that keep it fresh and fun.

2. Pac-Man

Pac-Man arrived from the success of Space Invaders and introduced a less violent but equally fascinating take on arcade gameplay. As the eponymous Pac-Man, you eat pellets and fruit, avoid ghosts, and work your way around a maze to satiate an insatiable appetite.

Like Space Invaders, Pac-Man has come a long way since the arcades. However, this game has stayed alive and well with so many modern releases that add new challenges and the ability to play with friends. While much of this can be attributed to Pac-Man’s iconic graphics and soundtrack, it’s also safe to say that Pac-Man remains a fan-favorite because of how easy it is to pick up and learn, making retro gaming possible for gamers of all skill levels.

3. Dungeon Fighter Online

Developed in South Korea, Dungeon Fighter Online is a title many in the West aren’t familiar with. This multiplayer side-scrolling beat ’em up has players take on hordes of monsters as a special class as they level up, collect gear, and expand their skills. Interestingly, Dungeon Fighter Online failed in its first American release, despite its overwhelming success in Asia.

This title masters the MMORPG formula within an ARPG game, pairing the action and hack-and-slash combat people love with social features that create a world that is fun to navigate and immersive. Not only that, consistent updates have kept this game up to speed with the times, adding new content and modernizing features as needed so players can continue to enjoy it over two decades later. 

4. Street Fighter II

The game that essentially created the fighting game genre, Street Fighter 2, is an arcade classic that can still be found all over the world. Interesting characters, head-to-head gameplay, and the accidental creation of the combo system had SF2 take the world by storm. The title still holds as the king of fighting games today, and, while much of this is thanks to the game’s initial novelty and ingenuity, the series’ consistent new installments and rereleases play a significant role in keeping fans’ eyes on this game.

5. Fortnite

The original Fortnite was a very different game than what we see today. At first, Fortnite was centered on building a base and fighting off waves of enemies, but the game’s financial performance was lacking. The developers pivoted to the battle royale genre, and Fortnite quickly became the biggest name in the business. 

Microtransactions are the backbone of this game, with in-game purchases giving gamers the opportunity to pick up new custom skins, including some only available thanks to partnerships with top pop culture icons. Drop in with 99 others, collect guns, create buildings, and take part in an expanding story in what is still one of the best PC games today.

6. Honor of Kings

Honor of Kings finds its place as the first MOBA game on this list, again, much to the surprise of Western players. This title from China operates via the typical MOBA formula, as players select one of many characters, pick a lane, and try to defeat the opposing team’s base.

This title has mastered what it means to be one of the best MOBA games, from an extensive roster of enjoyable characters to social features that let you enjoy the classic mechanics of this genre with friends. Plus, its quick-match style is great for those who often stray away from MOBAs because of their hefty game time.

7. PUBG: BATTLEGROUNDS

Based on an earlier mod for ARMA 2 and 3, PUBG: Battlegrounds, formerly PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, was the first mainstream title to draw the public to the battle royale formula. Players drop from a plane with 99 competitors, fighting off anyone in their way as blue electricity gradually shrinks the battlefield. 

An absolute revelation that Fortnite would later usurp, PUBG still holds a place in many players’ hearts as the best battle royale game ever released. Many players on Reddit look toward the game’s realistic graphics as one reason it remains popular and stands out among dozens of other titles in the same genre.

8. Lineage

Lineage was one of the early hits in the MMORPG market, borrowing heavily from the influence of Ultima Online and Diablo. This title found enormous success in South Korea and America, plugging a gap in what was then an underserved market. 

The story of Lineage was based on a series of fantasy comic books, though new content helped the game develop a world and lore of its own. While the game received mixed ratings throughout its lifespan, it did resonate with audiences in America who were disheartened to hear of the eventual ending of online servers. Lineage even received a later port to mobiles under the name Lineage M, maintaining the game’s legacy as one of the most successful games ever.

9. League of Legends

League of Legends was one of the first big MOBA games to gain the world’s attention, right after the success of the Defense of the Ancients mods for Warcraft 3. Just as famously, League of Legends is one of the games that proved the viability of free-to-play titles as AAA releases. 

Like other MOBAs, you pick and upgrade your character, fight on lanes, and destroy the enemy’s base, all while never having to put down a single cent. Few would have predicted this would go on to become one of the highest-grossing games of all time, but LoL didn’t let this stand in its way. Though there are several games like League of Legends available today, this title cemented its place as an icon within its genre and became one of the top-grossing video games of all time.

10. CrossFire

The only FPS on this list, CrossFire, takes a tactical approach that puts its own twist on classic Counter-Strike combat. This is another title that showed the early potential of the free-to-play model, finding enormous success in Asian markets. 

CrossFire has two teams face off against each other as sides of mercenary groups, gaining ranks and unlocking new weapons and skins. Spawning a film adaptation and a streaming series, CrossFire is one of the most profitable games ever released, which many diehard players might never have heard of.

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Discover Even More Popular Titles

From titles that got their start on arcade machines to the most popular games that the world instantly adored, learning about the top-grossing video games gives you a look at the history of gaming. And, when looking at the games that have earned the most revenue, no single genre or style dominates the rankings. With so much diversity and variety in gaming today, there’s sure to be one that anybody can enjoy among the top-grossing titles.

And, if by chance there isn’t, there are hundreds of other games you can play today. Whether you’re a fan of slice-of-life simulators or looking for something more action-packed, your next virtual adventure is just a download away.

Top-Grossing Video Games FAQ

Discover some of the most frequently asked questions about top video games, including the top-rated games and most played titles of all time.