Top US video games: 1998-2024 bestsellers revealed

Top US Video Games: 1998-2024 Bestsellers Revealed

Top Sellers Through the Years

Call of Duty has long dominated US video game sales, though Hogwarts Legacy briefly claimed the top spot in 2023. However, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 returned to the number one position in 2024. Data from Circana (formerly NPD Group), via analyst Mat Piscatella, reveals the top-selling games from 1998 to 2024, based on dollar sales (including physical and digital sales from 2012 onward, where data is available).

Note: This data only includes publishers who share their digital sales figures, and only covers calendar years, so some consistently popular titles may not rank as high as expected.

The data reveals recurring chart-toppers like Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto, alongside popular sports games (Madden) and music games (Rock Band, Guitar Hero). Other franchises, such as wrestling games and Need for Speed, once dominated but are absent from recent years’ top lists.

1998’s Top Games

1998 showcased groundbreaking titles. Ocarina of Time revolutionized 3D mechanics, GoldenEye proved the console FPS potential, Banjo-Kazooie defined mascot platformers, and Gran Turismo launched simulation racing.

1. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
2. 007: GoldenEye
3. WWE Warzone
4. NFL Blitz
5. WCW/NWO Revenge
6. Resident Evil 2