Video games have been around since the 1970s, wowing and entertaining gamers ever since. From consoles to online gaming, there are countless games that appeal to every enthusiast.
Most gamers know which games are some of the most popular – but have you ever wondered which ones were the most financially successful?
Here are a few of them.
Pac-Man
Coming in 12th on the list of top grossing video games of all time, this vintage classic appeared on the scene in 1980. It was originally known as Puck Man, due to its shape being reminiscent of a hockey puck. It was also designed to look like the shape of a pizza with one slice cut out. It was made specifically to appeal more to women and younger gamers in a market that, at the time, was saturated with games related to war and sports. As of 2016, this hit game has generated more than $14 billion and it remains a gamer favorite, even in today’s sophisticated video game industry.
Pokémon Red / Green / Blue / Yellow
These role playing games first appeared in 1996 with other iterations following through the early aughts. They were created by game designer Satoshi Tajiri who used to love to collect insects as a child and wanted to pass this love on to the next generation, with a digital spin. It’s a feel-good game that sparked the devotion of millions of fans, and it’s generated over $30 million in sales, putting them at No. 8 on the list.
Super Mario Brothers
No one will be surprised to see this game at No. 6 on the list. Somehow, Nintendo’s two Italian plumbers fighting against evil mushrooms and the power-hungry Koopa Troopas, captured the world’s heart. For 20 years, this was the all-time best-selling game on the market, bringing in $15 billion dollars and more than $30 when you count all the Mario spin-offs.
Minecraft
We’re guessing no one at Mojang Studios realized that this sandbox video game would one day become the No. 1 grossing video game of all time, with more than 200 million sales. Without having levels to “beat,” this game offered players endless opportunities, including the ability to create their own personalized worlds. Gamers seem to have fully embraced the “no rules, no limits” philosophy of Minecraft.
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