For decades, "In Game News" has tracked the pulse of this industry, and few metrics speak louder than cold, hard sales. Today, as free-to-play (F2P) titans like *Fortnite* and *CS: GO* command astronomical player counts, we turn our gaze to the paid game behemoths—the titles that have genuinely moved the most units. Our analysis, updated February 3 with fresh numbers for *GTA V* and *Red Dead Redemption II*, reveals a compelling truth: traditional premium games, especially those leveraging hardware bundles, still carve out an undeniable legacy. This isn't a popularity contest for active users; it's a testament to raw purchasing power, and the caveats are crucial: we're only counting paid copies, but pack-in sales, like those that propelled *Wii Sports* or the original *Super Mario Bros.*, absolutely count towards these monumental figures. These are the undisputed, best-selling paid games of all time.
While the digital distribution and F2P models have certainly shifted the gaming ecosystem, the sheer longevity and impact of these premium titles prove that quality, accessibility, and sometimes, a little bundling magic, still reign supreme. Let’s break down the ultimate top 10.
The Undisputed Top 10 Best-Selling Paid Games of All Time:
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Tetris - 520 Million (Pack-in Sales Included)
Before battle royales or sprawling open worlds, there was *Tetris*. Our editorial desk has seen countless games come and go, but few have achieved the cultural ubiquity of this Soviet-era puzzle masterpiece. With over 520 million units sold across its lifetime—a figure undoubtedly bolstered by its legendary pack-in status with the original Nintendo Game Boy, which alone accounted for 35 million copies—*Tetris* isn't just a game; it's a phenomenon. Its simple, elegant design ensures it's as relevant today as it was in 1984, transcending platforms and generations. We often joke about "playing Tetris" when packing our gear, and that common parlance is the ultimate testament to its enduring authority.
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Minecraft - 300 Million
It's no shocker that *Minecraft* holds the #2 spot, clocking in at an astounding 300 million copies sold as of 2023. This isn't just a game; it's a digital universe, a creative sandbox that has captivated a generation. Our industry veterans remember its humble beginnings, but Microsoft's shrewd acquisition of Mojang in 2014 for $2.5 billion solidified its status as a perennial money printer. Forget a *Minecraft 2*; the genius lies in its continuous expansion, nurturing a global community, and inspiring spin-offs like *Dungeons* and *Legends*. It has literally sold copies in every country and territory, from Antarctica to Vatican City—a testament to its truly universal appeal.
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Grand Theft Auto V - 225 Million
Rockstar Games consistently proves they operate on a different plane, and *Grand Theft Auto V* is their magnum opus. Released in 2013, this open-world action-adventure has defied all industry trends, selling an unimaginable 225 million+ copies and still climbing. We’ve watched it jump across three console generations, each time finding new audiences. But the sales numbers only tell half the story; *GTA Online* transformed it into a perpetual revenue engine, a blueprint for live-service success that other developers can only dream of replicating. It’s not just one of the best-selling games; it’s arguably the most successful entertainment product of all time, a fact that makes the anticipation for *GTA VI* (due November 2026) nothing short of tectonic.
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Wii Sports - 82.9 Million
The original *Wii Sports* is an essential entry on this list, not just for its 82.9 million copies sold, but for its industry-shaking impact. Bundled with the Nintendo Wii, it was a gateway drug to gaming for millions, introducing innovative motion controls that felt genuinely revolutionary at the time. We remember swinging that Wii Remote, perfectly mimicking a tennis serve or a bowling throw; it was pure, unadulterated fun that broke down barriers between "gamers" and "non-gamers." Its pack-in status was a masterstroke, making it a system seller and a core memory for an entire generation.
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Red Dead Redemption II - 82 Million
Rockstar's second entry on this prestigious list, *Red Dead Redemption II*, solidifies their reputation for unparalleled world-building and narrative depth. With 82 million copies sold since its 2018 release, this prequel delivered the sprawling 1899 American West adventure fans had waited nearly a decade for. While its online component, *Red Dead Online*, never quite reached the stratospheric heights of *GTA Online*, the single-player campaign stands as a modern classic, a benchmark for environmental storytelling and character development that few can match. It’s a game that begs to be savored, and clearly, 82 million players agreed.
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Mario Kart 8 + Deluxe - 78.02 Million (Pack-in Sales Included)
Nintendo's genius for bundling is on full display with *Mario Kart 8 + Deluxe*, which has raced past 78.02 million units. Initially a strong performer on the undersold Wii U (8.46 million), it truly hit its stride as *Mario Kart 8 Deluxe* on the Nintendo Switch, selling a staggering 69.56 million copies. As an editor, we’ve observed how Nintendo leverages its flagship titles as system sellers, often including *Mario Kart 8 Deluxe* in bundles, significantly boosting its numbers. Its continuous evolution with the Booster Pass DLC ensures its evergreen status and makes it a perpetual favorite in family rooms worldwide.
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PUBG - 75 Million
Before its transition to free-to-play, *PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds* (PUBG) was a paid game that moved an impressive 75 million copies across PC and console. This title didn't just capitalize on a trend; it largely *defined* the modern battle royale genre, setting the stage for every competitor that followed. Our team remembers the sheer frenzy around its 2017 release—the rough edges, the intense gunfights, the adrenaline of being the last squad standing. While it now thrives in the F2P space, these initial sales figures are a powerful reminder of its pioneering impact and how it quickly became a multiplayer juggernaut.
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The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim - 60 Million
Bethesda’s *The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim* is less a game and more a cultural touchstone, having sold 60 million copies since its 2011 debut. We’ve seen this game ported to virtually every device imaginable, spawning the legendary meme: "If you want us to stop releasing it, stop buying it," as Todd Howard famously quipped. This isn't just a testament to Bethesda's compelling open-world design, but to the game's intrinsic replayability and the community's undying love for its dragons, shouts, and epic quests. *Skyrim*'s longevity is unparalleled, making it a benchmark for enduring RPG experiences and a tough act to follow for *Starfield* and the long-awaited *Elder Scrolls VI*.
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The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - 60 Million
CD Projekt Red's *The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt* also hit the 60 million mark, a phenomenal achievement for a single-player, narrative-driven RPG. Released in 2015, we immediately recognized it as a masterpiece, but its sales trajectory has been particularly fascinating. Not only has it seen consistent, deep discounts, but our data shows a staggering 500% sales increase after the Netflix *Witcher* series premiered in 2020. This is a prime example of cross-media synergy elevating a game to new heights, proving that a compelling universe can drive engagement across platforms. With *The Witcher 4* now in development using Unreal Engine 5, the future looks incredibly bright for the franchise.
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Super Mario Bros. - 50 Million (Pack-in Sales Included)
Kicking off our list is the original *Super Mario Bros.* for the NES, a game that moved 50 million units, thanks in no small part to its status as a pack-in title. Released in 1985, this wasn't just a game; it was the foundation of a genre, a masterclass in platforming design that continues to influence developers today. We've witnessed the Mario franchise grow into a global empire, and it all began with those iconic levels, the unforgettable music, and the innovative gameplay of this seminal title. Its inclusion here underscores the power of a perfectly crafted game bundled with revolutionary hardware, creating an entry point for millions into our beloved hobby.
What this definitive list clarifies is that while the gaming landscape is ever-changing, certain truths remain. Innovation, robust design, powerful storytelling, and strategic distribution (hello, pack-ins!) are timeless ingredients for monumental success. These aren't just high sales figures; they represent millions of hours of shared experiences, defining moments for countless players, and the enduring legacies of the developers who crafted them. We'll be keeping a close eye on these giants, especially as the industry continues to evolve, but for now, this stands as the ultimate leaderboard for paid game sales.