In the wake of the release of the new generation consoles and a plethora of new games being launched, the list of the best-selling video games worldwide in 2014 definitely has some big surprises in store for us. This year we saw some very promising independent publishers going head to head with well-known franchises and giving them a run for their money. While the big wigs definitely weren’t ready to back down as they responded with the creation of more than ever extravagant marketing strategies and upped their development game to the next level. However, even if they did win the game of sales figures some of them suffered significant decreases in sales from their past game versions.
Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, for one, managed to bag the big title even when the sales were significantly low from its predecessor, Call of Duty: Ghosts, which continued to rock the charts even in its second year. This might be an indication for the established franchises to take a cue from the indie players who are constantly coming up with novel storylines and start putting more effort into developing newer, ground-breaking ideas for their future projects.
Anybody can spot that the gaming industry is in for a major change in scenario in the coming years and the best-selling video games worldwide in 2014 is something akin to a premonition of that. Check out how the year’s list has been a departure from the overall trend by comparison with the 10 Best Selling Video Games of All Time list and you will notice some significant changes.
Also, the shift to PS4 and Xbox One has all but added to the winds of change already blowing over the gaming industry. The sales of the new generation consoles have been significantly more than the comparative sales of PS3 and Xbox 360. And, of course the platform plays an important role in determining the popularity of games. The consumer base has not only increased but there is also a tendency to opt for games which run on these new platforms.
So, here’s the list of best-selling video games worldwide in 2014, the ones which finally came out victorious in the year-long battle:
10. Call of Duty: Ghosts
Publisher: Activision
Genre: First-person shooter
Since its release in 2013 the tenth installment of the Call of Duty game has been a fore-runner in the charts and continued its sales run to make an entry into the 2014 list.
9. Fifa 15
Publisher: EA Sports
Genre: Football Simulation, Sports
This year’s offering from the well-known Fifa series, a pretty straightforward simulation game for football fans, offers some new features like the Concept Squad which lets gamers build their own ‘dream squad’. It also features some new legendary players, exclusively for the Xbox One and Xbox 360 platforms.
8. Watch Dogs
Publisher: Ubisoft
Genre: Action-Adventure
Set in a fictional Chicago, the open-world adventure game is played from third person perspective and requires the gamer to complete mission to advance through the story and comes with an option to explore the open world of Chicago. Not only did Watch Dogs break the records for the biggest first day sales for Ubisoft with its release, it also managed to sell over 10 million copies by the end of the year.
7. NBA 2K15
Publisher: 2K Sports
Genre: Sports
The Basketball Simulation game, fairly straightforward, comes after its predecessor NBA 2K14 and packs some cool new features like the face scanning system, MyCareer Mode and Coaching advice. The new instalment made sales of 5.5 million units.
6. Super Smash Bros.
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Fighting
We can trust Nintendo to pack some amazing game quality and the new Super Smash Bros. for Wii U in high definition doesn’t disappoint. So what if it’s only a fighting game? It promises to be fun and it delivers. And all the many crossovers just make it better.
5. Minecraft
Publisher: Mojang, Microsoft Studios, Sony Computer Entertainment
Genre: Sandbox, Survival
The independent game just refuses to be bogged down by competition. The sandbox game has proved time and again that it’s here to stay as the Minecraft frenzy seems to hardly die down since its release. And that’s why is here in the 5th place of our list of the 10 best selling video games worldwide in 2014.
4. Grand Theft Auto V
Publisher: Rockstar Games
Genre: Action-Adventure
Heists, rides, firearms and a compelling open-world to explore, what more could you ask for? The Rockstar Games franchise has been known for its gripping storyline and this installment is no stranger to that. It can be played in first-person or third-person perspective and what makes it all the more amazing is the ability to switch between some very cool characters.
3. Destiny
Publisher: Activision
Genre: First-person shooter, Action Role-Playing
Another Activision first-person shooter offering, the game is developed by Bungie of the Halo series fame. And, it boasts of featuring Peter Dinklage and a soundtrack by Paul McCartney. All of which has been instrumental in making it a runaway hit this year even with the lack of an interesting storyline.
2. Madden NFL 15
Publisher: EA Sports
Genre: Sports
With life-like graphics and favorable reviews from critics, the American football simulation game by EA Sports earned its well-deserved position as the second best-selling game of 2014. And, if you’re a football fan you definitely wouldn’t want to miss trying out this one.
1. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare
Publisher: Activision
Genre: First-Person Shooter
True to the nature of the franchise, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, brings high-energy combat back to our consoles and this time set in future. Activision has also pushed the boundaries this year with featuring famous personalities and this one sees Kevin Spacey in his game avatar. The sales might have fallen but the Call of Duty franchise has once again proven its reign over the best-selling video games worldwide in 2014.
