Your search for the perfect sports game is over as we bring you the 11 top selling sports video games. Over the decades video games have received a good number of breakthroughs and it’s astounding how each generation of new technology pushes boundaries and integrates society into a virtual interactive world. With new technology and innovations on the rise, one aspect of our reality that has become a mainstay in the video gaming world is sports.
The annual release of new games for different sports genres are a good indication of how much video game companies are earning releasing these kinds of games on the market. It’s all well justified, allowing fans and the like to be able to control and play their favourite players and teams, as well as give them the opportunity to live a virtual life managing or controlling someone on that career path. Some would even argue that it’s all the upsides minus the downsides of being in such competitive and risky sports. Even athletes take a break from time to time and play a few games of digital sports, playing digital versions of themselves or even their career rivals.
Regardless of the reason you’re into playing sports video games. These top selling sports video games will give you your money’s worth and can be enjoyed either individually or with friends. Remember though that for each game on this list, we consider the financial success of the franchise as well as the financial success and reception of their individual games. As most of the games in the list do yearly stand-alone updates to cater to new technologies and upgrades.
If you’re looking for other genres and not only on sports, be sure to check out our list on the 10 Best Selling Video Game Franchises of All Time.
Without further delay, here are the top 11 sports video games of all time:
11. Major League Baseball (MLB 2K13)
Despite the recent issues on 2K stopping development for any more MLB games after the 2013 edition. Major League Baseball (MLB) breaks through as one of the top selling baseball games of all time. The franchise sold over 5.5 million copies from its conception up to its recent hiatus.
10. Championship Manager (Football)
Originally conceived by two brothers during the early days of programming, Championship Manager earned its reputation as one of the first football team managing simulators then subsequently earned both a development company and a publisher. Currently handled by Square Enix, Championship Manager now enjoys a healthy amount of attention in the handheld and mobile gaming world; selling over six million copies from its creation.
9. Football Manager (Football)
Much like Championship Manager, Football Manager found success after its original release during the 80s. Eidos would acquire Football Manager into their roster of games and continue development for the PC and the mobile market.
8. NASCAR (EA)
NASCAR spearheads racing as a sport and video game taking on racing game enthusiasts and NASCAR fans alike. The franchise has sold over 9 million copies.
7. PGA Tour
Golf has also found great success in the video gaming world with the PGA Tour series of games selling over 25 million copies during its tenure. The most prominent of the PGA Tour titles is the Tiger Woods version which has been the name and brand of the franchise from 1998 up to around 2013.
6. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater
Extreme sports and skating legend Tony Hawk sold over 30 million copies of the Pro Skater franchise under his name. Proving how great extreme sports could be in a gaming environment.
5. NBA (Live/2K)
The National Basketball Association proves global popularity and dominance over a most other sports in the video gaming society. NBA Live from EA sports has reportedly sold over 35 million copies, not considering the numbers from one of its big rivals 2K.
4. WWE (2K)
Though still debated as bordering the line of sports and entertainment, WWE has created a legacy as well in the digital world, selling over 60 million copies of their games worldwide.
3. Madden NFL
American football continues to increase in popularity and has cemented itself in modern society as proven by the success of both the sport and its video games. The NFL games spearheaded by the icon John Madden has sold over 150 million games.
2. FIFA
American football takes a back step to international football, with FIFA showing over 200 million games sold. A large factor in their sales is the wider international fan base.
1. Wii Sports
The only sports game in the list not to be taken from an actual sports franchise, Wii Sports steps over the competition with over 200 million copies sold along with the release of the Nintendo Wii.
Whatever your choice, statistics of each of these games have proven their money’s worth to hundreds of millions of gamers around this world. Surely these 11 top selling sports video games are top for a reason, and would not let any new buyer be disappointed.
