Of the millions of games that exist, only a few have reached the pinnacle of popularity, immediately recognizable to players worldwide. Games like Pacman, Tetris and Poker have transcended generations, platforms and cultures to become iconic staples in entertainment. But what makes a game stand out to such a degree and become timeless? In this article, we look at the top 5 most played games in history to try and uncover why they continue to attract millions of players worldwide.
Minecraft
Even if you haven’t played Minecraft, you’ve surely heard of it. It’s a global phenomenon, with over 238 million copies sold as of 2023. Launched back in 2011 by Mojang Studios, the game centers around simple yet far-reaching gameplay mechanics that allow players to explore, build, and socialize in its trademark blocky, pixelated world.
The appeal of the game lies in its openness, as players can choose to battle monsters, build structures and entire towns, or even code their own mini games. The game also has interesting applications in education, as many schools use it to teach mathematics, history and engineering.
Tetris
Tetris is another game that’s beautifully simple yet endlessly entertaining. It’s been a huge part of gaming culture since its release in 1984 when Russian software engineer Alexey Pajitnov brought it to the world. With over 100 million copies sold across various platforms, this puzzle game will surely go down in history as one of the most legendary and iconic of all time.
The premise is simple: fit falling blocks into a row to clear the line. But, the execution requires meticulous reasoning with quick thinking, making it challenging and re-playable. An interesting fact about Tetris is that it helps to reduce flashbacks in people suffering from PTSD, as shown in various psychological studies.
Grand Theft Auto V
When speaking of legendary games, it’s impossible to overlook the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) franchise and GTA V in particular, which is still immensely popular despite being released over a decade ago. When the first GTA game was released, there was an explosion of controversy about its themes and content, with one Scottish politician condemning it in the House of Lords. Many say this public outrage actually drove the game’s popularity, making players all over the world curious as to what the fuss was about. GTA V has sold over 175 million copies, making it one of the best-selling video games ever.
Texas Hold’em Poker.
While digital games are all the rage in the modern world, they might not even exist if not for their predecessors, like card and board games, which certainly played a crucial role in the development of gaming in general. Of all the card games, Texas Hold’em is perhaps the most iconic, as it’s a game that’s been enjoyed since at least the early 1900s. Online poker platforms have further driven the game’s popularity, keeping it relevant in the digital age.
Texas Hold’em is simple to learn and incredibly complex to master. For those interested in learning the ropes, it’s often easiest to begin with online Poker, especially with so many high-quality training materials available and thanks to its easy accessibility. However, becoming a pro is not walking in the park, and it takes years of practice.
Fortnite
Fortnite, developed by Epic Games, is the newest game on the list, but its impact has rivaled that of even the most legendary mentions. Launched in 2017, Fortnite popularized the battle royale genre, where 100 players fight to be the last one standing. There are currently 350 million registered players, with millions logging in daily to play in the ever-evolving world. Since Disney’s investment in Fortnite, the game’s popularity continues to grow, as characters from all kinds of beloved TV shows and movies are regularly featured.
Wrap Up
These five games – Minecraft, Tetris, Grand Theft Auto V, Texas Hold’em Poker, and Fortnite – have all achieved insane levels of success and popularity. Despite being spread across various genres, they all share the ability to attract huge numbers of players and stand the test of time.
