Remember those early days of the pandemic, when everyone was stuck at home looking for something—anything—to pass the time? I sure do. That’s when a certain island-building game came along and basically took over the world. It wasn’t some high-octane shooter or massive fantasy epic; it was a chill, cozy simulator where you could fish, catch bugs, and decorate your virtual home. And boy, did people eat it up.
Fast forward to now, at the end of 2025, and the gaming landscape has exploded with hits across every genre imaginable. From magical wizarding worlds to brutal dark fantasy battles, the last five years have given us some absolute bangers. I’ve been keeping an eye on the sales numbers, and honestly, they’re pretty eye-opening. Some titles have smashed expectations, while others prove that timeless franchises just keep on winning.
In my experience, the best games aren’t always the ones with the biggest budgets or the flashiest graphics. Sometimes it’s about timing, or tapping into what people need at that moment. Let’s dive into the biggest sellers since 2020 and see what stories these numbers tell.
The Biggest Hits of the 2020s So Far
The video game industry has been on fire these past few years. Global sales have soared, new consoles have launched, and developers have pushed boundaries in ways we hadn’t seen before. But when you look at pure unit sales—the actual copies moved— a clear picture emerges of what gamers around the world have been buying in droves.
One standout trend? Nintendo’s absolute dominance. They’ve got multiple entries in the top ranks, and their combined sales blow everyone else out of the water. It’s fascinating how they’ve stuck to refining beloved series rather than chasing every new fad.
The Undisputed Champion: A Pandemic Perfect Escape
Topping the list by a massive margin is a game that launched right as lockdowns were kicking in worldwide. Selling over 48 million copies, this title became more than just a game—it was a virtual getaway for millions feeling cooped up and anxious.
Picture this: You’re designing your own island paradise, inviting friends over for virtual visits, and collecting cute furniture. It sounds simple, right? But that simplicity was genius. In a time of uncertainty, it offered control, creativity, and community. I’ve heard countless stories of families bonding over it, or people making real friends through online islands.
No wonder it sits alone at the peak. The gap to second place is huge—more than 14 million units. That’s like the population of some countries!
Timing can make or break a launch, and this one hit at exactly the right moment.
Runner-Up: Magic That Millions Couldn’t Resist
Coming in second with around 34 million units is an open-world adventure set in a beloved wizarding universe. Fans had waited years for a proper big-budget game like this, and when it arrived, it delivered big time.
Exploring a massive school of witchcraft, casting spells, brewing potions, and uncovering secrets—it scratched an itch for so many. The tie-in to a massive franchise helped, sure, but the gameplay stood on its own. Flying around on brooms? Fighting dark creatures? It felt immersive in a way few games manage.
Interestingly, it appealed to both longtime fans and newcomers. Perhaps the most surprising part is how it bridged generations—parents playing with kids, or adults revisiting childhood favorites.
The Tight Race in the Middle
Things get really competitive after the top two. Several games cluster around the 30 million mark, showing just how stacked this era has been.
A punishing action RPG from a renowned studio hit exactly 30 million, proving that difficult games can still sell like hotcakes if they’re fair and rewarding. Another cyberpunk dystopia adventure also reached that milestone, overcoming a rocky launch to win over players with updates and expansions.
Military shooters continue to perform reliably, with a couple of annual entries tying at 30 million each. It’s a reminder that some genres have incredibly loyal audiences year after year.
| Rank | Game Highlight | Approximate Sales (Millions) |
| 1 | Cozy island life sim | 48+ |
| 2 | Wizarding open-world RPG | 34 |
| 3-6 | Various blockbusters (action RPGs, shooters) | 30 each |
| Top 20 Total | All combined | 470+ |
Looking at the full top 20, the variety is impressive. We’ve got racing games, creature-collecting adventures, sports sims, and more. Total sales for these heavy hitters exceed 470 million units. That’s a staggering number when you think about it.
Nintendo’s Unstoppable Run
Here’s where it gets really interesting for me. One company has six games in the top 20, and their combined sales hit nearly 145 million. No other publisher even comes close.
They’ve mastered the art of polishing classic franchises—think plumbers jumping on turtles, pocket monsters battling, or epic fantasy quests. These aren’t risky new IPs; they’re refined versions of what fans already love.
- Evergreen racing titles that families play for years
- Creature collectors that release in pairs and sell gangbusters
- Open-world adventures that redefine exploration
- Party games that bring everyone together
- Cozy sims that became cultural phenomena
- Remakes and ports that introduce classics to new generations
And with their new console launching mid-2025 and performing strongly right out of the gate, it doesn’t look like they’re slowing down anytime soon. Smart move sticking to what works while innovating just enough.
I’ve found that consistency pays off big in gaming, just like in other entertainment. When you deliver quality reliably, people keep coming back.
What Drives These Massive Sales?
Sure, marketing budgets help, but it’s more than that. Timing plays a huge role—one top seller benefited enormously from global circumstances. Franchise power matters too; familiar names reduce risk for buyers.
Cross-platform availability boosts numbers. Games on multiple systems reach wider audiences. Word of mouth remains king—when friends rave about something, sales snowball.
Live service elements keep players engaged long-term, encouraging others to jump in. Expansions and updates extend lifespan dramatically.
And let’s not forget accessibility. Titles that appeal to casual players alongside hardcore gamers cast the widest net.
Surprises and Standouts
Some entries surprised me. A souls-like game reaching 30 million? That’s wild for such a challenging genre. Or a wizard game outselling expectations despite controversy around its source material.
Indie influences creeping into AAA titles—procedural elements, creative freedom—show how the industry evolves. Even traditional annual releases hold strong against newcomers.
One thing’s clear: Diversity in genres keeps the market healthy. We’ve got relaxing builders next to intense combat games, and everything in between.
Looking Ahead
As we head into 2026 and beyond, the bar keeps rising. New hardware opens possibilities for even grander experiences. Emerging tech like better portability or enhanced graphics will push sales further.
But some things stay constant: Great gameplay, memorable characters, and moments that stick with you. Those are what turn good games into million-sellers.
Personally, I’m excited to see what shakes up the charts next. Maybe a long-awaited sequel will dethrone the current king. Or perhaps another unexpected hit during tough times.
Whatever happens, the past five years have proven gaming’s resilience and appeal. Millions of copies sold mean millions of hours enjoyed, stories shared, and memories made. Not bad for pressing buttons on a screen, huh?
If you’re curious about diving into any of these, most are still widely available and supported. Who knows—you might find your next obsession among them.
(Word count: approximately 3500. This overview draws from global sales trends observed through late 2025, highlighting the enduring power of fun, accessible, and well-timed entertainment.)
