New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Minecraft, the world's best-selling video game, has set a new sales benchmark. Mojang Studios, the game's developer, announced during a recent event that they've sold over 300 million copies globally. This achievement leaves its closest competitor, Grand Theft Auto V, trailing with 185 million copies sold as of August 2023.
However, when it comes to best-selling franchises, Super
Mario reigns supreme with over 800 million sales across its multi-game series. Following closely is the classic game Tetris, boasting over 520 million sales since its inception in the 1980s. Notably, Tetris has seen at least 425 million units sold on mobile devices, with various versions released since 2008. Given the differences in mechanics and graphics across its versions, Tetris is typically categorized as a series, while Minecraft remains consistent across platforms.
Helen Chiang, the head of Minecraft Studios, expressed her astonishment at the 300 million sales milestone, reminiscing about the game's humble beginnings. Launched in November 2011, with a pre-release version available in 2009, Minecraft's sandbox nature has endeared it to a diverse audience, from children to adults. The game's appeal lies in its limitless creative potential, allowing players to construct intricate worlds using Lego-like blocks.
Microsoft acquired Minecraft in 2014 for $2.5 billion, and it has since become a cornerstone of their gaming division. This acquisition was further bolstered by Microsoft's recent $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard, the makers of Call of Duty.
Minecraft's success isn't limited to the game itself. YouTube videos related to Minecraft have amassed over a trillion views. Even YouTube giants like MrBeast and PewDiePie have dabbled in Minecraft content. The game's influence is far-reaching, even being used to host articles by journalist Jamal Khashoggi to bypass government censorship.
The jump from the previously announced 238 million sales in April 2021 to the current 300 million is significant. This surge likely results from players purchasing multiple copies across different platforms. While Mojang has been open about its overall sales, the breakdown across platforms remains undisclosed. However, the ability to carry over progress across devices might explain Minecraft's soaring sales, as players can seamlessly transition their gameplay experience from one device to another.
In conclusion, Minecraft's unparalleled success is a testament to its universal appeal and adaptability across platforms.
