The gaming industry boasts several successful franchises that have generated hundreds of billions of dollars in revenue over the years. These franchises have significantly influenced the industry due to their global appeal, with top performers achieving unit sales that surpass entire entertainment sectors.
Based on verified sales data from industry sources, the following franchises have the highest lifetime unit sales as of 2025.
Mario – 957 Million Units
Nintendo’s Mario franchise is one of gaming’s most successful, achieving total sales of 957 million units as of March 2025. The Super Mario platform series has contributed 452 million units, while Mario Kart has added 190 million.
Over its 40-year history, Mario has transitioned through various genres and console generations, from Super Mario Bros. to Super Mario Odyssey and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Its broad appeal and consistent quality have solidified its status as a remarkable commercial success in the gaming world.
Tetris – 520 Million Units
Tetris has sold 520 million units across all platforms as of September 2025, with 425 million units coming from mobile versions, making it the most successful mobile gaming franchise to date.
Its simple, addictive gameplay has ensured continued success over four decades, appealing to all demographics.
Call of Duty – 500 Million Units
As of October 2024, the Call of Duty franchise by Activision has sold 500 million units across its annual releases.
Known for its compelling single-player campaigns and competitive multiplayer modes, the series remains a top-seller each year, maintaining strong digital engagement and a significant presence in esports.
Pokémon – 489 Million Units
As of March 2025, Nintendo’s Pokémon franchise has sold 489 million video game units.
Known for its “gotta catch ’em all” gameplay, it has become one of entertainment’s most valuable properties, generating substantial revenue from games, trading cards, and merchandise. Annual game releases continue to contribute to its commercial success.
Grand Theft Auto – 455 Million Units
As of August 2025, Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto franchise has sold 455 million units across its mainline titles, with Grand Theft Auto V alone accounting for 215 million units, making it one of the best-selling video games of all time.
The series’ controversial themes and gameplay freedom have contributed to its global appeal, especially with the upcoming release of GTA VI in 2025.
Minecraft – 350 Million Units
As of April 2025, Microsoft’s sandbox game Minecraft has sold 350 million units across various platforms. Its infinite creative possibilities and cross-platform compatibility contribute to its immense popularity.
The game’s educational versions and merchandise have expanded its influence beyond traditional gaming markets into classrooms and retail spaces worldwide.
FIFA / EA Sports FC – 325 Million Units
Electronic Arts’ football simulation series, formerly known as FIFA, has sold over 325 million units since its inception in 1993 and remains a market leader following its rebranding to EA Sports FC in 2023.
Its success stems from official licensing, realistic gameplay, and the popular Ultimate Team mode, which collectively contribute to billions in annual revenue. In fiscal year 2025, the franchise achieved over $1 billion in net bookings.
Wii Series – 205 Million Units
Nintendo’s motion-controlled gaming series has sold 205 million units by September 2025, with key titles including Wii Sports, which has sold 82.9 million units, Mario Kart Wii, which has sold 37.38 million units, and Wii Sports Resort, which has sold 33.14 million units.
The innovative motion controls transformed gaming accessibility, attracting families and casual players globally.
Lego Games – 200 Million Units
The Lego video game franchise has sold over 200 million units worldwide as of 2024. Developed primarily by TT Games, it includes popular titles such as Lego Star Wars and Lego Batman.
Its family-friendly and humorous approach has ensured consistent success across both licensed and original content.
The Sims – 200 Million Units
The Sims, developed by Electronic Arts, has sold over 200 million units worldwide since its release in 2000, as of 2019. Known for its focus on virtual life management, the franchise has built a dedicated fanbase across generations.
It continues to grow, with expansion packs and downloadable content contributing significantly to revenue beyond initial sales.
Assassin’s Creed – 200 Million Units
Ubisoft’s historical action-adventure franchise Assassin’s Creed has sold over 200 million units as of September 2022. The series’ unique blend of historical settings, parkour gameplay, and open-world exploration has created consistent commercial success.
Annual releases and expanded universe content have maintained strong market performance across multiple platforms and console generations.
Final Fantasy – 203 Million Units
Square Enix’s role-playing game series Final Fantasy has sold over 203 million units worldwide as of July 2025. The franchise’s combination of epic storytelling, cutting-edge graphics, and innovative gameplay has made each major release a commercial event.
The Final Fantasy Pixel Remaster collection has contributed 5 million units to the franchise’s recent growth alone.
Sonic the Hedgehog – 182 Million Units
Sega’s platforming franchise Sonic the Hedgehog has accumulated 182 million unit sales in traditional paid games as of 2025. While Sega reports 1.77 billion total “units and downloads,” this figure includes free-to-play mobile downloads, which are not counted in traditional sales metrics.
The 182 million figure represents only paid game purchases. Recent films and games, such as Sonic X Shadow Generations, have helped revitalize the franchise’s commercial performance.
Resident Evil – 174 Million Units
Capcom’s survival horror series Resident Evil has sold 174 million units as of June 2025. The franchise pioneered modern horror gaming and has successfully reinvented itself multiple times to maintain commercial relevance.
Recent remakes, including Resident Evil 4 (10.6 million units) and Resident Evil 7 (15.4 million units), continue driving strong sales performance.
The Legend of Zelda – 170 Million Units
Nintendo’s adventure franchise, The Legend of Zelda, has achieved over 170 million units sold across its 38-year history as of August 2025. Recent entries, such as Breath of the Wild (35+ million) and Tears of the Kingdom (22+ million), have revitalized the series commercially.
The franchise combines exploration, puzzle-solving, and action elements that have sustained strong sales across multiple console generations.
NBA 2K – 160 Million Units
Take-Two Interactive’s basketball simulation NBA 2K has sold 160 million units worldwide as of 2025. The franchise has dominated basketball gaming through realistic gameplay, official NBA licensing, and popular online modes.
NBA 2K25 alone sold 4.5 million copies in its launch quarter while showing double-digit growth in average revenue per user.
Need for Speed – 150 Million Units
EA’s premier racing franchise, Need for Speed, has sold over 150 million units since its 1994 debut, as of October 2013. The series popularized arcade-style street racing with iconic entries like Underground and Most Wanted, driving massive sales.
Despite competition from other racing games, Need for Speed maintains its position as one of gaming’s top commercial performers.
Madden NFL – 130 Million Units
Electronic Arts’ American football simulation franchise Madden NFL has sold over 130 million units as of August 2018. The franchise has maintained commercial dominance through official NFL licensing, realistic gameplay, and annual roster updates.
As North America’s biggest sports game franchise, Madden continues to generate substantial revenue through both game sales and in-game content.
Monster Hunter – 120 Million Units
Capcom’s action RPG franchise Monster Hunter has achieved 120 million units sold as of 2025. The series has experienced tremendous growth with recent entries, including Monster Hunter: World (28.5 million) and Monster Hunter Rise (17.2 million).
The franchise’s cooperative gameplay and challenging boss battles have created a dedicated global fan base, with Monster Hunter: World becoming Capcom’s fastest-selling game in 2018.