Top 20 Highest-Grossing Video Game Franchises

20. Pro Evolution Soccer (Winning Eleven)

• Total Revenue: ~$5.65 billion
• Total Copies Sold: ~111 million

Known as Winning Eleven in Japan, Konami’s soccer franchise began in 1995 and later became Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) internationally. Though overshadowed by FIFA’s licensing power, PES once reigned as the gameplay king for footy enthusiasts, especially in the PS2 era. Over 100 million copies sold highlight its enduring popularity. In recent years, Konami rebranded the series as eFootball and shifted to a free-to-play model, aiming to rebuild its user base. Despite struggles, PES/eFootball’s legacy as FIFA’s longest-running rival cements it among the all-time top sports game franchises.

19. Dragon Quest

• Total Revenue: ~$6.02 billion
• Total Copies Sold: ~84 million

A pioneering Japanese RPG created by Yuji Horii, Dragon Quest (or Dragon Warrior in early North American releases) launched in 1986. With art by Akira Toriyama (of Dragon Ball fame) and turn-based combat, the series became a cultural phenomenon in Japan. While overshadowed by Final Fantasy internationally, Dragon Quest consistently sells millions with each new entry (XI, Builders spinoffs, etc.). Its charm lies in epic stories, nostalgic visuals, and simple yet addictive gameplay. As Square Enix continues to expand and localize titles, Dragon Quest remains an enduring cornerstone of the JRPG genre.

18. Sonic the Hedgehog

• Total Revenue: ~$6.23 billion
• Total Copies Sold: ~1.51 billion (including free mobile downloads)

SEGA’s speedy blue mascot burst onto the scene in 1991, challenging Mario’s platformer dominance. Classic 2D titles like Sonic the Hedgehog 2 defined the 16-bit era, followed by varied 3D experiments. While modern Sonic games have seen mixed reception, the franchise’s sheer volume of console releases and mobile spin-offs (e.g., Sonic Dash) accumulate massive sales/downloads. Recent successes include blockbuster Hollywood films. With new games like Sonic Frontiers and an evergreen fan community, Sonic remains a key SEGA icon merging nostalgia with next-gen potential.

17. Digimon

• Total Revenue: ~$6.35 billion
• Total Copies Sold: ~20+ million

Short for “Digital Monsters,” Digimon started in 1997 as Bandai’s virtual pet devices and quickly expanded into anime (Digimon Adventure) and video games. While often compared to Pokémon, Digimon focuses on story-driven RPGs, allowing “digivolutions” of monster partners. Multiple game series (Digimon World, Cyber Sleuth) and continued anime seasons sustain a loyal fan base. Though never reaching Pokémon’s level of success, Digimon’s estimated $6B in total franchise revenue comes from game sales, merchandise, card games, and animated films—showing the power of cross-media synergy.

16. Fantasy Westward Journey

• Total Revenue: ~$6.5 billion
• Total Copies Sold: N/A (MMORPG, free-to-play)

NetEase’s Chinese MMORPG, inspired by “Journey to the West,” launched in 2001 with colorful, turn-based gameplay. Fantasy Westward Journey became a major hit in China, drawing tens of millions of players. Later mobile adaptations soared in popularity, generating billions from microtransactions. Despite low visibility outside Asia, its domestic success places it among the highest-earning franchises. Continual updates and expansions keep players engaged, demonstrating how region-specific MMORPGs can thrive financially when they reach a massive local audience.

15. League of Legends

• Total Revenue: ~$8.4 billion
• Total Copies Sold: N/A (free-to-play MOBA)

Riot Games’ 2009 MOBA, League of Legends, revolutionized competitive gaming with its 5v5 team-based battles and free-to-play model. By blending deep strategy and frequent content updates, LoL amassed over 100 million monthly players at its peak. Its robust esports ecosystem (LCS, LCK) and annual Worlds Championship draw massive global viewership. Ongoing expansions like Teamfight Tactics and the Netflix series Arcane expand the universe. Fueled by microtransactions for cosmetic skins, League of Legends remains an esports juggernaut and a cultural staple in online gaming.

14. Grand Theft Auto

• Total Revenue: ~$9.3 billion
• Total Copies Sold: ~400 million

Rockstar’s GTA started in 1997 with top-down crime action, exploding in popularity when GTA III (2001) introduced a 3D open-world. Sequels like Vice City, San Andreas, and GTA V refined gameplay and storytelling, each becoming cultural events. GTA V alone surpassed 185 million copies sold, buoyed by GTA Online’s long-standing success. The series is renowned for its satirical take on American life, expansive city environments, and freedom of choice. With GTA VI on the horizon, the franchise is poised for another blockbuster era.

13. CrossFire

• Total Revenue: ~$10.6 billion
• Total Copies Sold: N/A (free-to-play, ~1 billion registered players)

Smilegate’s CrossFire (2007) is a Counter-Strike-style tactical FPS that skyrocketed to popularity in Asia, especially under Tencent’s publishing in China. Its simple mechanics and low system requirements fostered a huge user base, exceeding a billion total accounts. Though less recognized in the West, CrossFire’s in-game item sales have kept it among gaming’s top earners. Recent expansions (CrossfireX) and esports events maintain its momentum, highlighting the power of free-to-play shooters in emerging markets.

12. Warcraft (World of Warcraft)

• Total Revenue: ~$10.6 billion
• Total Copies Sold: N/A (subscription-based + expansions)

Blizzard’s Warcraft universe, begun in 1994, hit a massive milestone with 2004’s World of Warcraft (WoW)—an MMORPG phenomenon. WoW reigned as the largest Western MMORPG, raking in billions via monthly subscriptions and expansions like Dragonflight. The franchise also includes popular spinoffs such as Hearthstone (digital card game). Though subscription counts have fluctuated, WoW’s cultural significance endures, regularly updated and shaping the genre. Blizzard’s storied RTS roots (Warcraft I–III) and the still-active WoW community ensure Warcraft remains a heavyweight in fantasy gaming.

11. Street Fighter

• Total Revenue: ~$12.2 billion
• Total Copies Sold: ~48 million

Capcom’s Street Fighter defined the 2D fighting genre starting in 1987, exploding globally with Street Fighter II (1991). Iconic characters and special moves, plus a strong esports tradition, keep each new installment (SFIV, SFV, SF6) in the spotlight. Spin-offs and crossovers (Marvel vs. Capcom) broadened its reach. The competitive scene thrives with events like the Capcom Pro Tour. Known for its “easy to learn, hard to master” formula, Street Fighter stands as a high-revenue arcade and console stalwart in gaming culture.

10. Space Invaders

• Total Revenue: ~$13 billion
• Total Copies Sold: ~9 million (arcade + console)

Taito’s Space Invaders from 1978 was a milestone of arcade history. Its simplistic, addictive shooter mechanics enthralled millions, driving unprecedented arcade earnings—famously causing a coin shortage in Japan. Though overshadowed by modern AAA games, it remains an enduring pop-culture icon with repeated re-releases. Few titles match its pioneering impact on the early golden age of gaming, ensuring its continued presence in retro compilations and brand partnerships.

9. Pac-Man

• Total Revenue: ~$14 billion
• Total Copies Sold: ~90 million

Released by Namco in 1980, Pac-Man became the face of arcade gaming for a generation. Guiding the hungry yellow character through mazes while dodging ghosts captivated casual and hardcore players alike. Multiple reimaginations (Ms. Pac-Man, Pac-Man Championship Edition) and wide merchandising shaped its global brand. Although modern releases are less frequent than in the past, Pac-Man’s legacy persists through retro game sales, mobile spinoffs, and cultural references. Few gaming icons match Pac-Man’s instant recognizability and multi-billion-dollar revenue track record.

8. Wii Series (Nintendo)

• Total Revenue: ~$14.8 billion
• Total Copies Sold: ~215 million

Consisting of motion-based titles like Wii Sports, Wii Fit, and Wii Party, the Wii Series helped Nintendo capture a family-oriented, casual gamer audience starting in 2006. Bundled with many Wii consoles, Wii Sports alone sold 82+ million, turning living rooms into virtual bowling alleys and golf courses. Additional hits like Wii Fit (fitness) and Wii Play (mini-games) bolstered total sales to exceed 200 million. Though the Wii era passed, the legacy continues with successor experiences like Nintendo Switch Sports, reflecting Nintendo’s skill in broadening gaming demographics.

7. Lineage

• Total Revenue: ~$15 billion
• Total Copies Sold: N/A (subscription/F2P)

A Korean MMORPG created by NCSoft in 1998, Lineage revolutionized large-scale PvP sieges. While overshadowed globally, it dominated Asian markets, especially South Korea, through subscription fees and microtransactions. Sequels like Lineage II and mobile versions (Lineage M) each contributed billions in revenue, making the franchise a flagship for NCSoft. Loyal players and ongoing expansions keep Lineage relevant, exemplifying how an Asia-centric title can produce extraordinary lifetime earnings in online gaming.

6. Dungeon Fighter Online

• Total Revenue: ~$18 billion
• Total Copies Sold: ~850 million accounts (free-to-play)

Developed by Nexon’s Neople studio, Dungeon Fighter Online (DFO) is a 2D beat ’em up RPG extremely popular in China and Korea. Its arcade-style combat and frequent content updates enticed hundreds of millions of registered players, raking in billions via in-game items. Though lesser known in the West, DFO’s consistent success in Asian markets cements it as one of the top-grossing video game franchises. With expansions to mobile and console attempts, DFO keeps riding its free-to-play wave of monetization and fan loyalty.

5. FIFA (EA Sports FC series)

• Total Revenue: ~$20 billion
• Total Copies Sold: ~325 million

Released yearly since 1993 by EA Sports, FIFA redefined soccer simulation through official licenses, realistic gameplay, and the incredibly lucrative Ultimate Team mode. Over 325 million copies sold underline its global dominance. In 2023, the series rebranded to EA Sports FC following FIFA’s license expiration, but the core formula persists—annual roster updates, refined physics, and major esports tournaments. The massive worldwide passion for football ensures this series keeps netting top-dollar revenue, especially through in-game card packs.

4. Final Fantasy

• Total Revenue: ~$20 billion
• Total Copies Sold: ~200 million

Conceived by Hironobu Sakaguchi in 1987, Final Fantasy helped define the JRPG genre. With each mainline entry presenting a new world and story, the franchise integrates innovative battle systems, emotive narratives, and cutting-edge visuals. Hallmarks range from the turn-based paradigms of the SNES era to modern real-time hybrids in FFXV and FFXVI. Major standouts include Final Fantasy VII—credited with popularizing console RPGs in the West—and the MMO Final Fantasy XIV. The series’ longevity is sustained by Square Enix’s expansions, remakes, and the consistent devotion of fans worldwide.

3. Call of Duty

• Total Revenue: ~$30 billion
• Total Copies Sold: ~500 million

Since 2003, Activision’s Call of Duty has evolved from WWII shooters to modern and futuristic warfare, introducing new campaigns and robust multiplayer modes yearly. Each release typically tops sales charts, with sub-series like Modern Warfare and Black Ops fueling huge interest. Microtransaction models in Warzone further bolster revenue. Having sold around 500 million units, CoD remains a FPS phenomenon, supported by esports, continuous live updates, and annual expansions—securing its position among the best-known (and best-selling) gaming franchises.

2. Mario

• Total Revenue: ~$30 billion
• Total Copies Sold: ~760 million

Nintendo’s mustachioed plumber has starred in platformers, kart racers, sports games, and more since his 1981 debut in Donkey Kong. Crafted by Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario soared in popularity with Super Mario Bros. in 1985, pioneering side-scrolling platformers. Subsequent hits include Mario 64, Mario Kart, Super Mario Galaxy, and modern Switch titles like Odyssey. With spin-offs spanning nearly every genre, Mario’s cross-generational appeal, iconic characters, and consistent quality keep it near the top of gaming’s sales charts. Movies and theme parks (Super Nintendo World) show how the franchise transcends consoles into mainstream culture.

1. Pokémon

• Total Revenue: ~$90 billion
• Total Copies Sold: ~480 million

No series exemplifies transmedia success like Pokémon. Co-created by Game Freak, Creatures, and Nintendo in 1996, the brand’s “catch ’em all” concept captured global audiences with core RPGs, an anime, trading cards, and colossal merchandising. Whether through mainline games (Pokémon Red/Blue, Sword/Shield, Scarlet/Violet) or global hits like Pokémon GO, it continually redefines the monster-collecting formula. Earning an estimated $90 billion, Pokémon is the highest-grossing media franchise in history. With consistent game releases, expansions, and cultural ubiquity spanning multiple generations, Pokémon’s future dominance seems assured.

Which Game have you played?

From Pac-Man and Space Invaders pioneering early arcades to modern juggernauts like Pokémon and Call of Duty, these Top 20 Video Game Franchises showcase the industry’s rich diversity and profit potential. Each franchise leverages unique gameplay hooks, strong branding, and evolving fan communities, translating into billions of dollars in revenue—often stretching far beyond the games themselves (merch, film adaptations, esports, etc.). As new technologies and global markets emerge, these legacy series prove how innovation, nostalgia, and strategic expansion can sustain success for decades to come.