Best-Selling Video Games of the Last 20 Years: New Report Reveals Surprising Favorites

A comprehensive analysis of the top-selling video games from 2000 to 2023 reveals the most popular titles in the United States. Discover which games dominated sales year by year in this insightful report.

For over two decades, video games have captivated millions, reshaping entertainment and culture alike. In a rare unveiling of market success, a new report by Circana reveals the best-selling video games in the U.S. across the past 20 years, offering a fascinating glimpse into gaming trends and shifting consumer interests. From role-playing epics to beloved sports franchises, the report highlights the titles that led the charts year after year, painting a unique picture of the industry’s evolution.

The Gaming Industry’s Secrets Unveiled

In an industry often cloaked in secrecy, financial achievements in video gaming are rarely made public. Despite games becoming billion-dollar enterprises, companies tend to withhold granular details about sales performance. Yet, Circana’s latest analysis disrupts that silence by spotlighting top-selling video games in the U.S. from 2000 to 2023. Conducted by Circana’s seasoned market analyst, Mat Piskatel, the report offers rare transparency on the titles that resonated most with American audiences year by year.

The findings underscore the diversity and shifting dynamics within gaming. Blockbuster franchises like Grand Theft Auto, Madden NFL, and Pokémon feature prominently, yet the list also surprises with less predictable hits that defined the cultural zeitgeist at various times.

Decade-by-Decade Highlights: Key Trends in Top-Selling Video Games

Circana’s report tracks the highest-selling games annually, showing a clear evolution in gaming preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the standout games from each decade.

2000s: The Rise of Franchises
The early 2000s saw Pokémon Gold/Silver take the lead in 2000, reflecting the franchise's global craze. Sports gaming also rose to prominence with Madden NFL consistently topping the charts in 2001, 2003, 2005, and 2006. Meanwhile, Rockstar Games broke new ground in open-world gaming with titles like Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002) and San Andreas (2004), both dominating their release years and setting new standards in immersive gameplay.

Rhythm games captured attention in the late 2000s, with Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (2007) and Rock Band (2008) marking a distinct shift in gaming culture, inviting players to interact with music and fostering a new genre of games.

2010s: Open Worlds and Immersive Stories
The 2010s embraced complex narratives and expansive worlds. Grand Theft Auto V, released in 2013, became a cultural phenomenon, not just for its gripping storyline but for the vast open-world experience it offered, making it one of the most successful games of all time. Other major titles include Red Dead Redemption II (2018), another Rockstar release that captivated players with its Western-themed open world and intricate storyline, highlighting a decade enamored with story-driven experiences.

Recent Hits and 2023’s Standout Success

The report's latest entry, Hogwarts Legacy (2023), reflects gamers’ ongoing appetite for immersive fantasy worlds. Based on the Harry Potter universe, Hogwarts Legacy allows players to experience life as a Hogwarts student, further cementing the success of fantasy RPGs in recent years. The game’s popularity underscores a continued interest in titles that blend nostalgia with fresh, interactive narratives.

 Insights into Future Gaming Trends

Circana’s list not only catalogues past successes but also suggests a roadmap for future industry trends. Over the past two decades, video game enthusiasts have shown strong preferences for immersive worlds, beloved franchises, and increasingly complex narratives. As technology advances, developers are likely to continue pushing the boundaries of what games can achieve in terms of both gameplay and storytelling.

In an industry marked by rapid change, the report’s insights remind us of gaming’s profound cultural impact. Whether through beloved characters, unforgettable stories, or groundbreaking gameplay, these best-selling titles from 2000 to 2023 have shaped not only the gaming world but also modern entertainment itself.