Introduction
In the ever-evolving world of video games, certain titles stand out for their impact on the gaming community and industry. This article explores the top 20 most played, most viewed, and most rated games of all time, providing an in-depth look at each game’s success and legacy. From role-playing games (RPGs) to first-person shooters (FPS) and beyond, these games have set benchmarks in their genres. By delving into their statistics, reviews, and gameplay, we aim to offer a comprehensive guide that remains relevant for years to come.
1. Minecraft (Sandbox, Survival) Top game of all time.
Most Played: Over 200 million copies sold
Most Viewed: Billions of views on YouTube
Most Rated: Universal acclaim with a Metacritic score of 93
Overview:
Minecraft, since its launch in 2011, has become an unprecedented cultural phenomenon. Its open-world sandbox gameplay allows players to build, explore, and survive in a procedurally generated world. The simplicity of its blocky graphics belies the depth of creativity it inspires.
Review:
IGN lauds Minecraft as “an absolute must-play,” highlighting its limitless potential for creativity and adventure. The game’s simplicity and depth have captivated players of all ages.
2. Fortnite (Battle Royale, Survival) Second Top game of all time.
Most Played: Over 350 million registered players
Most Viewed: Dominates Twitch and YouTube with millions of concurrent viewers
Most Rated: Generally favorable reviews with a Metacritic score of 81
Overview:
Fortnite, released in 2017, revolutionized the battle royale genre. Its unique building mechanics, frequent updates, and crossover events have kept players engaged and the game fresh.
Review:
GameSpot praises Fortnite for its “frequent content updates and approachable mechanics,” making it a staple in the gaming community.
3. League of Legends (MOBA)
Most Played: Over 115 million monthly active players
Most Viewed: Top game on Twitch for years
Most Rated: Critically acclaimed with a Metacritic score of 78
Overview:
Riot Games’ League of Legends, launched in 2009, remains a top contender in the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) genre. Its strategic depth and vibrant esports scene have fostered a dedicated global player base.
Review:
Polygon describes League of Legends as “a genre-defining game that combines deep strategy with fast-paced action.”
4. Grand Theft Auto V (Action-Adventure)
Most Played: Over 150 million copies sold
Most Viewed: Regularly tops Twitch and YouTube charts
Most Rated: Near-perfect score of 97 on Metacritic
Overview:
Since its release in 2013, GTA V has been a juggernaut in the gaming world. Its expansive open world, compelling storyline, and multiplayer mode, GTA Online, have kept players returning for years.
Review:
IGN hails GTA V as “a stunningly ambitious game,” praising its narrative and open-world design.
5. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (Action-Adventure, RPG)
Most Played: Over 27 million copies sold
Most Viewed: Massive presence on YouTube with countless gameplay videos
Most Rated: Universal acclaim with a Metacritic score of 97
Overview:
Breath of the Wild, released in 2017, redefined open-world gaming with its non-linear exploration and intricate mechanics.
Review:
The Verge calls it “a breathtaking masterpiece,” noting its seamless integration of exploration and puzzle-solving.
6. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) (Battle Royale)
Most Played: Over 70 million copies sold
Most Viewed: Consistently popular on streaming platforms
Most Rated: Generally favorable reviews with a Metacritic score of 86
Overview:
PUBG, launched in 2017, is credited with popularizing the battle royale genre. Its realistic gameplay and intense combat scenarios have garnered a massive following.
Review:
PC Gamer highlights PUBG’s “intense, unpredictable moments,” making it a thrilling experience for players.
7. World of Warcraft (MMORPG)
Most Played: Over 100 million accounts created
Most Viewed: Significant streaming presence
Most Rated: Widely praised with a Metacritic score of 93
Overview:
Since its launch in 2004, World of Warcraft has been the gold standard for MMORPGs. Its expansive world, rich lore, and engaging gameplay have created a loyal fanbase.
Review:
GameSpot describes WoW as “an incredibly deep and immersive experience,” praising its longevity and content updates.
8. Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS) (FPS)
Most Played: Over 20 million monthly active players
Most Viewed: A staple on Twitch with a thriving esports scene
Most Rated: Highly regarded with a Metacritic score of 83
Overview:
CS, released in 2012, is a cornerstone of competitive first-person shooters. Its tactical gameplay and robust competitive scene have made it a favorite among gamers.
Review:
IGN states, “CSis a masterpiece of competitive design,” highlighting its strategic depth and replayability.
9. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (RPG)
Most Played: Over 30 million copies sold
Most Viewed: Extensive modding community and streaming presence
Most Rated: Universally acclaimed with a Metacritic score of 96
Overview:
Skyrim, released in 2011, offers an expansive open world filled with quests, characters, and lore. Its modding community has kept the game fresh for years.
Review:
Eurogamer calls Skyrim “a masterclass in open-world design,” praising its depth and freedom of choice.
10. Overwatch (FPS, Hero Shooter)
Most Played: Over 50 million players
Most Viewed: Popular on streaming platforms with a strong esports presence
Most Rated: Highly praised with a Metacritic score of 91
Overview:
Blizzard’s Overwatch, launched in 2016, combines team-based FPS gameplay with unique heroes, each with distinct abilities.
Review:
Game Informer describes Overwatch as “a brilliant fusion of FPS and MOBA elements,” commending its character design and gameplay dynamics.
11. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (RPG)
Most Played: Over 30 million copies sold
Most Viewed: Significant presence on streaming platforms
Most Rated: Universally acclaimed with a Metacritic score of 93
Overview:
The Witcher 3, released in 2015, is renowned for its rich storytelling, detailed world, and complex characters.
Review:
GameSpot calls it “a breathtakingly ambitious RPG,” praising its narrative and open-world design.
12. Dota 2 (MOBA)
Most Played: Millions of active players monthly
Most Viewed: Major presence on Twitch and esports platforms
Most Rated: Generally favorable reviews with a Metacritic score of 90
Overview:
Dota 2, launched in 2013, is a major player in the MOBA genre. Its strategic depth and competitive scene have garnered a dedicated following.
Review:
PC Gamer notes Dota 2’s “incredible strategic depth and high skill ceiling,” making it a compelling choice for competitive gamers.
13. Call of Duty: Warzone (Battle Royale, FPS)
Most Played: Over 100 million players
Most Viewed: Consistently popular on streaming platforms
Most Rated: Generally favorable reviews with a Metacritic score of 80
Overview:
Warzone, launched in 2020, brought the Call of Duty franchise into the battle royale space, combining fast-paced combat with tactical gameplay.
Review:
IGN describes Warzone as “an excellent addition to the battle royale genre,” praising its mechanics and engaging gameplay.
14. Among Us (Party, Social Deduction)
Most Played: Over 500 million monthly active users in 2020
Most Viewed: Massive popularity on Twitch and YouTube
Most Rated: Generally favorable reviews with a Metacritic score of 82
Overview:
Among Us, released in 2018, saw a massive surge in popularity in 2020. Its social deduction gameplay has captivated players worldwide.
Review:
The Verge describes Among Us as “a perfect party game,” highlighting its social interaction and replayability.
15. Apex Legends (Battle Royale, Hero Shooter)
Most Played: Over 100 million players
Most Viewed: Major presence on streaming platforms
Most Rated: Highly praised with a Metacritic score of 89
Overview:
Apex Legends, launched in 2019, combines battle royale gameplay with hero-based mechanics, offering a unique twist in the genre.
Review:
Polygon calls Apex Legends “a fresh and exciting take on the battle royale genre,” praising its fast-paced gameplay and character design.
16. Final Fantasy VII (RPG)
Most Played: Over 12 million copies sold (original release and remake)
Most Viewed: Significant presence on streaming platforms, especially during remake launch
Most Rated: Universally acclaimed with a Metacritic score of 87
Overview:
Final Fantasy VII, originally released in 1997 and remade in 2020, is celebrated for its epic storyline, memorable characters, and innovative gameplay.
Review:
IGN states, “Final Fantasy VII remains a landmark in gaming history,” praising its narrative depth and emotional impact.
17. Rocket League (Sports, Racing)
Most Played: Over 75 million players
Most Viewed: Popular on streaming platforms and in esports
Most Rated: Generally favorable reviews with a Metacritic score of 86
Overview:
Rocket League, released in 2015, combines soccer with rocket-powered cars, offering a unique and addictive gameplay experience.
Review:
GameSpot describes Rocket League as “a triumph of concept and execution,” highlighting its accessibility and competitive nature.
18. Pokemon series (RPG)
Most Played: Over 380 million copies sold (main series)
Most Viewed: Popular on streaming platforms and in competitive gaming
Most Rated: Generally favorable reviews across generations
Overview:
The Pokemon series, starting in 1996, continues to capture the hearts of fans with its creature collection, strategic battles, and immersive worlds.
Review:
Eurogamer notes, “Pokemon remains a beloved franchise that evolves with each new generation,” praising its enduring appeal and gameplay innovations.
19. FIFA series (Sports)
Most Played: Over 325 million copies sold
Most Viewed: Dominates streaming during major tournaments
Most Rated: Generally favorable reviews with each iteration
Overview:
EA Sports’ FIFA series, launched in 1993, sets the standard for soccer simulation games with its realism, licenses, and gameplay modes.
Review:
GamesRadar praises FIFA for its “authenticity and attention to detail,” noting its immersive gameplay and global appeal.
20. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (Life Simulation)
Most Played: Over 40 million copies sold
Most Viewed: Popular on streaming platforms, especially during the pandemic
Most Rated: Universally acclaimed with a Metacritic score of 90
Overview:
Released in 2020, Animal Crossing: New Horizons became a cultural phenomenon, offering players a tranquil escape and endless customization options.
Review:
The Guardian describes Animal Crossing as “a comforting and addictive experience,” praising its charm and community-building aspects.
Conclusion
These top 20 games represent the pinnacle of gaming achievement, each offering unique experiences that have resonated with millions of players worldwide. Whether you’re drawn to epic adventures, strategic challenges, or competitive thrills, these titles continue to define and shape the gaming landscape. As the industry evolves, new contenders will emerge, but these games will forever remain benchmarks of excellence and innovation.
For gamers old and new, exploring these titles promises not just entertainment but also insight into the evolution of interactive storytelling and gameplay mechanics. From timeless classics to modern masterpieces, these games have left an indelible mark on gaming culture and will continue to inspire future generations of gamers.