The world of video games is constantly evolving, with new franchises emerging every year and old ones becoming even more popular. As of 2024, there are many contenders for the title of the best-selling video game franchise of all time. In this article, we will explore some of the most successful and iconic franchises, analyze their success factors, and ultimately determine which one reigns supreme.

First, let’s take a look at some of the most well-known and beloved video game franchises of all time. These franchises have sold millions of copies worldwide, garnered critical acclaim, and have become cultural phenomena.

1. Call of Duty: The first-person shooter franchise has been around since 2003 and has grown to include a massive multiplayer component. With annual releases and a dedicated fan base, it’s no surprise that this franchise has sold over 450 million copies. The success of Call of Duty can be attributed to its immersive gameplay, iconic characters, and frequent updates that keep players engaged.

2. FIFA: This sports simulation game is one of the most popular in the world, with millions of players around the globe competing for the title of world champion. Since its first release in 1993, FIFA has sold over 250 million copies. The success of FIFA can be attributed to its accessibility, the cultural significance of football, and regular updates that keep fans engaged.

3. The Legend of Zelda: This adventure game franchise, which debuted in 1986, is known for its immersive worlds, memorable characters, and engaging gameplay. With over 100 million copies sold worldwide, it’s clear that the Legend of Zelda has a special place in gamers’ hearts. The success of The Legend of Zelda can be attributed to its consistent quality, expandable universes, and the nostalgia associated with its original release.

4. Grand Theft Auto: This open-world crime simulation game has been a cultural sensation since its first release in 2001. With a loyal fan base and annual releases, GTA has sold over 175 million copies. The success of GTA can be attributed to its immersive gameplay, expandable universes, and the cultural significance of crime dramas.

5. Fortnite: This battle royale game has taken the world by storm since its release in 2017. With a massive multiplayer component and frequent updates, Fortnite has become one of the most popular games of all time, with over 3.4 billion accounts created as of 2021. The success of Fortnite can be attributed to its accessibility, cultural significance, and regular updates that keep players engaged.

Now that we have looked at some of the most successful franchises, let’s analyze their success factors. What makes these franchises so popular and enduring?

1. Consistent quality: Each of these franchises has consistently delivered high-quality games with engaging gameplay, memorable characters, and immersive worlds. This has helped to build trust with fans and keep them coming back for more.

2. Expandable universes: Many of these franchises have expandable universes that allow for new stories, characters, and locations to be explored. This keeps fans engaged and invested in the franchise.

3. Regular updates and events: Games like Fortnite and Call of Duty are known for their frequent updates and events, which keep players coming back and provide a sense of community.

4. Accessibility: These franchises have been designed to be accessible to a wide range of players, with varying levels of difficulty and gameplay mechanics.

5. Cultural significance: Some of these franchises, like The Legend of Zelda and GTA, have become cultural phenomena that have resonated with audiences far beyond the world of gaming. These franchises tap into popular culture, making them more than just video games but also a part of our daily lives.

Based on our analysis, it’s clear that each of these franchises has its own unique strengths and factors that contribute to their success. However, there is one franchise that stands out above the rest as the best-selling video game franchise of all time.

In 2024, after analyzing sales figures and taking into account the various success factors we discussed, it’s clear that Fortnite is the best-selling video game franchise of all time. With over 3.4 billion accounts created as of 2021 and consistently delivering new updates and events, Fortnite has become a cultural phenomenon. The success of Fortnite can be attributed to its accessibility, the cultural significance of battle royale games, and regular updates that keep players engaged.

In conclusion, the best-selling video game franchise of all time is Fortnite, which has achieved this status through consistent quality, expandable universes, and regular updates that keep players engaged. However, each franchise has its own unique strengths and factors that contribute to their success, making them all deserving of recognition as some of the most popular and iconic franchises in video game history.