Video games have become one of the most popular forms of entertainment worldwide, connecting millions across diverse cultures and age groups. Be it heart-pounding action adventure, strategic role-playing challenge, or a casual sandbox environment, video games offer something for everyone.
Keeping pace with the technological advancements, the gaming industry has evolved from pixelated arcade classics to immersive, cinematic masterpieces. Today, the industry has become a cultural force that continues to grow, driven by communities, innovative design, and groundbreaking storytelling.
Talking about video games and 2025, the most anticipated products were fewer in number. This year’s “best of” offering is less about finding the perfect games and more about finding rewarding experiences. The industry also saw a record number of layoffs, with major companies such as Sony Interactive Entertainment, Microsoft Gaming, Bungie, Riot Games, and EA competing to satisfy investors.
While MMO (Massive Multiplayer Online) games have largely been underwhelming, executives are still hunting for loot-based games that will see players part with the money for a title over the long haul.
In all of this, all the other games remain classic. Here are the top 10 most popular video games of all time. The list has been made based on entertainment, innovation, and community engagement.
Minecraft
It is a sandbox phenomenon that allows players to build, explore, and survive in a procedurally generated world. The game’s endless possibilities for creativity, combined with a robust modding community, have made it a cultural icon. Whether the players are constructing elaborate structures or surviving against the odds, Minecraft has something for everyone. Developed by Mojang Studios and released in 2011, the multi-platform game (available on PC, consoles, and mobile) falls under the genres of sandbox and survival, featuring key features such as creative and survival modes, multiplayer servers, and mod support. Minecraft’s popularity can be judged by a simple fact: some 238 million copies of it have been sold so far, making it the best-selling video game of all time.
Fortnite
Fortnite revolutionised the battle royale genre with its blend of competitive gameplay, creative building mechanics, and a vibrant art style. Apart from having engaging gameplay, Fortnite has become a social platform, hosting concerts, events, and collaborations with major franchises. Developed by Epic Games and released in 2017, the multi-platform (PC, consoles, mobile) game comes under the genre called “Battle Royale, Survival, Sandbox.” It currently has a player base consisting of over 400 million registered accounts worldwide.
Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V)
We are talking about a game that has moved on from being a masterpiece of open-world design and storytelling to having its own meme culture. Set in the fictional city of Los Santos, the game offers a sprawling sandbox filled with missions, heists, and activities. Its online mode, GTA Online, has kept the game relevant for years. Developed by Rockstar Games and released in 2013, the action-adventure, open-world game allows its players to step into the shoes of three playable protagonists while conducting dynamic missions. So far, over 185 million copies of GTA V have been sold worldwide.
League Of Legends
Coming in a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) format, “League of Legends” has become one of the most popular competitive games globally. With its strategic gameplay and thriving esports scene, it has cultivated a dedicated community of players and fans. Developed by Riot Games and released in 2009, “League of Legends” was among the earliest games which established the esports industry on a global scale. The game still has over 100 million monthly active players.
Call Of Duty: Warzone
It is a free-to-play battle royale game that combines the fast-paced action of the popular “Call of Duty” franchise with large-scale multiplayer battles. The game’s realistic graphics and dynamic gameplay make it a standout in the genre. Developed by Infinity Ward and Raven Software and released in 2020, the game popularised battle royale in a military simulation setting. Its features, like realistic combat scenarios, team-based gameplay, and seasonal updates, helped it earn more than 100 million players within the first year.
Among Us
Among Us is a social deduction game that became massively popular in 2020. Players take on the roles of “Crewmates” or “Impostors” aboard a spaceship, working to complete tasks or sabotage the mission. Its simplicity and social focus have made it a viral hit. Developed by Innersloth and released in 2018, the game has key features like multiplayer gameplay, cross-platform support, and customisable avatars. The game once had over 500 million active users.
The Legend Of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild
The game redefined the action-adventure genre with its open-world design and sense of exploration. Players control Link (a courageous young man of the elf-like Hylian race) and Princess Zelda, a princess within the bloodline of the goddess Hylia, as they fight to save the land of Hyrule from Ganon, an evil warlord turned demon king who wishes to use the Triforce, a sacred relic that can grant any wish its user desires when complete, to remake the world in his own dark image. On the way, the duo solves puzzles, battles enemies, and discovers secrets. Created by Japanese game designers Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka under the banner of Nintendo, the game has features like non-linear gameplay, dynamic weather systems, and physics-based puzzles. It has been the winner of multiple “Game of the Year” awards.
Roblox
Roblox is a platform that lets players create, share, and play games made by other users. Its focus on user-generated content has built a thriving community of creators and players, making it a favourite among younger audiences. It has features like game creation tools, a virtual economy, and multiplayer worlds. Released in 2006, it still has over 230 million monthly active users.
Pokémon GO
Pokémon GO brought augmented reality (AR) gaming into the mainstream by encouraging players to explore the real world to capture Pokémon. We are talking about a popular Japanese media franchise that features video games, an animated series, a trading card game, and other media, all revolving around humans coexisting with creatures called Pokémon possessing special powers. Developed by Niantic and released in 2016, the game possesses features like real-world exploration, events, and trading mechanics. It has also hit the coveted mark of over one billion downloads.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
“Counter-Strike: Global Offensive” is a tactical first-person shooter that has defined competitive gaming for over a decade. Its emphasis on skill and strategy, combined with a thriving esports scene, has made it a mainstay in the gaming community. Released in 2012, the game comes with features like team-based gameplay, weapon economy, and competitive matchmaking.