10 Best Selling Video Games in 2018

What are the 10 Best Selling Video Games in 2018? Let’s find out. Video games have come a long way from the pong in 1972. Due to advances in computer programming, processing power, and graphics cards, many video games have graphics that can sometimes can be mistaken for the real thing. Many video games are also inherently social, allowing video game players to play with friends. Due to better graphics, more compelling storylines, and added interactivity, video games have arguably become a lot more fun.

Adam Ziaja / Shutterstock.com

The way people play video games has also changed. Whereas many people played video games on a dedicated console or PC in 80’s and early 90’s, many now play games on mobile smartphones. With the emergence of virtual and augmented reality, many will likely go use HoloLens or whatever Google or Facebook makes.

Like movies, video games come in a variety of genres. Some, like Grand Theft Auto, are simulation based and violent. Others, like World of Warcraft, are multiplayer and fantasy oriented. Yet others are based on America’s favorite sports, such as football, basketball, or baseball. Some video game franchises have been around for a long time. Madden Football, for example, has had over 20 different iterations and has been around for decades. Nintendo’s Mario Brothers has been around for even longer, and has spawned dozens of variants. Other big games such as Fortnite, have been around for less than a year. Some video games are simple and light hearted to play, others are more real life and plot-line heavy.

Although they widely vary in terms of features and genre, the 10 best selling video games in 2018 all share one thing in common in our list — they are fun to play and are affordable to purchase. Due to their addictiveness and their affordability, each of the video games on our list has generated considerable revenue for their makers and hundreds of thousands of hours of enjoyment for their players.

In terms of the total market, year to date sales have been robust, with total software spending rising 8% year over year, thanks in large part to Nintendo Switch titles. Total spending on software numbered $613 million in March alone.

So without further elaboration, let’s analyze the 10 best selling video games in 2018 so far. As a note, many of these titles are published by publicly traded companies such as Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), NINTENDO Ltd/ADR (OTCMKTS: NTDOY), Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE), TAKE-TWO INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE, INC Common Stock (NASDAQ:TTWO), and Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATVI). Others are published by private companies. 

#10 Mario Kart 8

Barone Firenze / Shutterstock.com

Number ten on our list of 10 Best Selling Video Games in 2018 is NINTENDO Ltd/ADR (OTCMKTS: NTDOY)’s Mario Kart 8. Mario Kart is a racing game where gamers can be iconic characters such as Mario or Luigi and race versus computer and friends alike. It’s also really fun to play according to game purchases. According to NINTENDO Ltd/ADR (OTCMKTS: NTDOY), Mario Kart 8 has sold 8.42 million copies for the Wii U and 37.1 million for the Wii since inception.

#9 MLB 18: The Show

Number nine on our list of 10 Best Selling Video Games in 2018 is the Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE) published game, MLB 18: The Show. With real-life graphics and all the big names from major league baseball available at a player’s fingertips, MLB the Show gives other games such as Madden Football and NBA 2K a run for its money in terms of sports entertainment and living vicariously. Not surprisingly, Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE:SNE)’s game is very popular on Sony’s Playstation platform.

#8 Sea of Thieves

Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com

Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) published Sea of Thieves is number eight on our list of best selling video games year to date. Since its launch in March 20, Sea of Thieves quickly became ‘the best-selling Microsoft Studios first-party title on Windows 10’ according to Craig Duncan of Rare Studio. In terms of its battle for gaming market share, having a popular game with over 2 million players definitely helps Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) keep pace along with other leaders.

#7 PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds

Sanzhar Murzin/Shutterstock.com

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds is similar to the current craze in the gaming world, Fortnite Battle Royale. Both games are very addictive and involve players fighting in a shrinking island. What sets PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds apart, however, is that the game is perceived as somewhat harder by some and more shooting based. The game can be just as fun, however, for many.

#6 NBA 2K18

Given the popularity of the NBA worldwide, it isn’t surprising that TAKE-TWO INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE, INC Common Stock (NASDAQ:TTWO)’s NBA 2K18 is one of this year’s best sellers. With authentic game play and near-real life graphics, NBA 2K18 arguably is the best one yet in the long line of basketball games made possible by TAKE-TWO INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE, INC Common Stock (NASDAQ:TTWO). With the NBA gaining more ground internationally, the game sales could potentially increase down the road.

#5 Grand Theft Auto V

TAKE-TWO INTERACTIVE SOFTWARE, INC Common Stock (NASDAQ:TTWO)’s Grand Theft Auto V isn’t just a blockbuster that rivals the biggest movies that Hollywood has ever produced. Grand Theft Auto V is also very fun and has combines the perfect mixture of storyline, player-freedom, and gameplay to create an entertainment title that millions of people around the world still enjoy.

#4 Call of Duty: WWII

Pixabay/Public Domain

Given the massive popularity of the previous Call of Duty games, it isn’t surprising that Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATVI)’s Call of Duty: WWII is one of the best selling games of 2018. In terms of game play, Call of Duty: WWII, which was released in November 2017, allows players to experience the battles from the beaches of Normandy and elsewhere. The game has great graphics and good story line. It isn’t surprising given that Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATVI) knows how to publish games. Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATVI) shares have done well over the past five years.

#3 Dragon Ball: Fighterz

Copyright: robtek / 123RF Stock Photo

Dragon Ball: Fighterz offers players high end anime graphics, along with compelling fighting gameplay. The game is available for Playstation 4, Xbox One, among other things. Dragon Ball: Fighterz is number three on our list of the 10 best selling video games in 2018.

#2 Monster Hunter: World

Chepko Danil Vitalevich/Shutterstock.com

Developed by Capcom, Monster Hunter: World allows users to experience a very compelling hunting experience filled with excitement and surprises. In Monster Hunter: World, players go on quests to hunt monsters and receive materials to be stronger.

#1 Far Cry 5

Clocking in at number one is Far Cry 5, which sports amazing graphics and a great story line. Set in Hope County, Montana (a fictional place), users do it all, and help the resistance defeat a cult. Given how popular the past Far Cry games were, it’s not surprising that Far Cry 5 is played by millions around the world.

Disclosure:none