Let’s take a step into gaming history as we tackle the 10 Most Successful Video Game Franchises. Since the birth and development of video games, people and companies alike have been spending time and money in search for the greatest game. Very few games have set themselves apart from all the rest and even fewer stands out successfully in both creating fans and making money. Some games have broken through and created lasting memories and gaming history, but only a chosen few have made successful franchises, making the game and the world itself a living lore.
In this list we consider the money made by these franchises, as well as the popularity among critics and fans alike. If you’re looking for just a game to enjoy, and the most successful one at that, it would be best if you’d also check out our list on The 10 Best Selling Video Games of All Time.
So, what franchises do you think will make this list? You might find favourites that you’ve played in the past or new discoveries that could lead you to more hours of immersion and enjoyment. Whatever the case, prepare your mind, wallets, consoles and computers. We’re about to dive into the pool of these successful franchises.
10. FIFA
The only sports franchise to break through into the list is FIFA. Football has been one of the more popular games internationally, and the results of the success of FIFA speak of that popularity. But the game is successful not only because of its fan base, but because of its crisp and realistic gameplay recognized by many as the best there is in all football games.
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9. Final Fantasy
Japan has made its share of successes in different industries and video games are no exception. One of the most popular fantasy franchises of all time is Final Fantasy. Becoming an icon for role playing games everywhere and defining the Japanese Role Playing Game genre, Final Fantasy is only one of the very few franchises that can dare to change the setting, story and characters every instalment and still find decent success. Even with recent changes to their system that people are 50/50 about. Final Fantasy is no doubt still one of the best games and graphics in the market.
8. Tetris
One of the earliest games of our time and also one of the most successful games, Tetris has had its hands on every format and has had thousands of variations and partnerships with other titles and big names. Tetris also inspired a lot of popular puzzler games today.
7. Need for Speed
Need for Speed is the only racing game to enter this prestigious list of franchise winners. Need for Speed was one of the first racing games, and also one of the most memorable.
6. The Sims
Maxis’ life simulator was the first to tackle a simulation of life itself and the reception of the game was astounding. Who knew people were into making fictional lives based on their own lives. A lot of other companies have tried to emulate The Sims success but no one could come even close.
5. Call of Duty
Call of Duty spans a good number of years and a lot of games, as the publisher make it a point to release a Call of Duty annually. Even with the criticisms Call of Duty has had to face. It is still considered one of the best and the most successful military shooters in history and one of the most successful video game franchises ever.
4. Grand Theft Auto
Few have made a bold step into gaming the way Rockstar did with Grand Theft Auto. GTA is one of the first games to introduce open world setting. Meaning players could do anything they wanted and can also still follow a story if the wanted to. With a variety of things to do, Grand Theft Auto is one of the most successful games in the open world genre.
3. Wii Games
With the introduction of the interactive console the Wii, Nintendo decided to publish a variety of games that were only compatible with the console. With the aim of family-friendly games and games you can enjoy with friends. Wii found traction and had their games sell well despite the technological gap compared to other consoles.
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2. Pokémon
Nintendo does it again, and Japan does it again through Pokémon. The introduction of pets you can train and battle as well as the diverse lore and creatures, coupled along with its own animation kick-started Pokémon’s success into the global phenomenon it is today. They continue to have a large fan base, and continued improvements to its games.
1. Mario
Who knew that an Italian plumber made by Japan would become the most successful franchise in all gaming today? Mario has had a number of games and spin-offs with most of them having decent to amazing success at their respective eras and consoles. Combining all of that success, popularity and earnings, no one can come close to the success the moustached man has had over the years.
There you have it the 10 Most Successful Video Game Franchises today. If you are not yet familiar with a few of these, now is the chance to pick them up.
