Games are considered popular only if it is financially successful; some of you might have contradictory opinions, but in this industry, Money talks. Welcome to the forever-evolving world of games, the Gaming Industry. In the year 2020, this industry made revenue of about US$159 billion and projected that by the year 2023, it would reach $200 billion, showcasing the fast-growing environment.
Today, revenue in the game market has reached beyond the prediction; it is expected to reach US$396.20 billion by the end of this year. In the olden days, the only way for games to make money is by selling them physically; thanks to advancing technology, there are more ways to earn money.
Mostly used for fun and entertainment, video games gained popularity after introducing “Spacewar,” the first highly distributed video game in the year 1970s. After a few years, there were many games developed and distributed, which led to games with more graphics and controls. Hope you’ve heard about the term “microtransactions”; if not, it’s perfectly alright as we plan to tell you what that is and how it works.
What are Microtransactions?
In-app purchases for additional features in a game can be referred to as microtransactions. By getting these products or features, the game simply becomes easier or more interesting. This trend has become one of the main sources of revenue for major gaming industries such as Supercell, King, Epic Games, Electronic Arts(EA), and so on.
Top 10 Video Games that made the Most Money
Certain games have experienced remarkable growth in terms of wealth and fame. It has influenced millions of users as well as generated great revenue for their publishers. Presenting before you the top 10 money makers of all time.
10. Tetris (1989)
- Sales: 48,000,000
- Release Date: June 14th, 1989
- Developer: Nintendo R&D1
Developed by Alexey Pajitnov, a Russian computer Scientist. It has a simple yet addictive gaming atmosphere using geometric shapes called “tetrominoes” as they travel from top to bottom. The user’s ultimate goal is to rotate these shapes to form a horizontal line.
9. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt & Overwatch
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Sales: 50,000,000
- Release Date: May 19th, 2015
- Developer: CD Projekt Red
The adventurous monster fighting game has rich storytelling and good gameplay mechanics. With complex characters, it is regarded as one of the greatest RPGs of all time which is loved by both players and newcomers.
Overwatch
- Sales: 50,000,000
- Release Date: May 24, 2016
- Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
A team-based first-person shooter game gains popularity for its mesmerizing gameplay, characters, and unique abilities. They work based on capturing and defending objectives and escorting payloads with team-based activities. All these features have contributed equally to its success and popularity.
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8. Red Dead Redemption 2
- Sales: 53,000,000
- Release Date: October 26, 2018
- Developer: Rockstar Studios
An action-adventure game where the player assumes himself to be Arthur Morgan, a member of an outlaw gang called the “Van der Linde gang.” It has a realistic image of the Wild West. It helps players engage in various activities and interact with other non-player characters.
7. Super Mario Bros.
- Sales: 58,000,000
- Release Date: September 13, 1985
- Developer: Nintendo R&D4
Created by Legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto for Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The game’s objective is to rescue princess peach from a villainous Bowser. The ultimate goal is to power up after overcoming enemies and obstacles.
6. Mario Kart 8 / Deluxe
- Sales: 62,250,000
- Release Date: May 29, 2014
- Developer: Nintendo EAD / Nintendo EPD (Deluxe)
A popular racing game that has control over various characters from the Mario franchise Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Bowser, among others. The players can collect various collectibles on the tract and can compete against their friends online. They have new characters like King Boo and Bowser Jr. The player can hold two items while running, which was previously one. Altogether it has an excellent gaming experience.
Also Read: Most Popular Video Games Right Now to Play in 2023
5. PUBG: Battlegrounds
- Sales: 75,000,000
- Release Date: December 20, 2017
- Developer: PUBG Corporation
A popular battle game where players are sent to a battleground to compete against each other. The players can play solo, duo, or in a squad. On encountering their opponents, they engage in gunshots using firearms or grenades and increase their chances of survival. It is a highly competitive game which kind of focuses on realism.
4. Wii Sports
- Sales: 82,900,000
- Release Date: November 19, 2006
- Developer: Nintendo EAD
One of the most iconic and popular console games, Wii Sports, had motion-sensing capabilities allowing players to physically interact with the game. Some games included Tennis, Baseball, Bowling, Golf, Boxing, and so on. It promotes user interactions and competitions to increase users’ competing skills.
Also Read: What was the first Video Game? Answered
3. Tetris (EA)
- Sales: 100,000,000
- Release Date: September 12, 2006
- Developer: EA Mobile
A puzzle video game developed by EA Mobile works similarly to Tetris titles. Players can create their soundtrack for their game. It has two modes, “Marathon” and “Magic” mode. A highly challenging game that works on fast response and awareness.
2. Grand Theft Auto V
- Sales: 180,000,000
- Release Date: September 17, 2013
- Developer: Rockstar North
A fictional city, “Los Santos,” where players have three main roles of Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. You are given missions and quests that include combat, puzzle-solving, and so on. The players can roam around freely and navigate to all corners of the city using vehicles or on foot. This game gives various hours of entertainment and unrestricted exploration.
1. Minecraft
- Sales: 238,000,000
- Release Date: November 18, 2011
- Developer: Mojang Studios
Developed by Markus Persson, it is also called “Notch”. It was later acquired by Microsoft Studios in 2014. It begins by creating a new world, and the user can choose their preferred gaming mode from Survival, creative, adventure, and spectator options. Players can build and explore things in their world.
Captivating players is no joke, and getting money from them to buy in-game purchases is just another level of success. Hence, these top 10 games have made these assumptions come true and make the most ROI. Their power of creativity, innovation, and passion stands as a motivation to all individuals who aim to make a career in the gaming industry. Tell me something that is not possible here.!?
Waiting for the next wave of games to hit the present and future generations with new and mesmerizing concepts.
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