Ultimate Guide: Top-Selling Video Games Each Year 2010s
What were the top-selling video games for each year of the 2010s? The 2010s decade saw an unprecedented evolution in gaming, with Call of Duty dominating 7 out of 10 years while transformative titles like Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2 broke new sales records.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my analysis of the decade’s best-selling games based on official NPD/Circana data, having tracked these industry trends throughout my gaming journey since the early 2010s. You’ll discover not just which games topped the charts, but why they dominated and how they shaped the gaming landscape we know today.
| Year Range | Key Insight | Market Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2010-2012 | Call of Duty’s golden era begins | Established annual franchise dominance |
| 2013-2015 | GTA V breaks the streak | Open-world games prove their worth |
| 2016-2019 | Genre diversification emerges | Battle royale and live service growth |
2010: Call of Duty: Black Ops – The Decade Begins with a Bang
I remember the midnight launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops like it was yesterday. The anticipation was electric, and the sales reflected that energy. Black Ops became the top-selling game of 2010, setting a precedent for what would become Call of Duty’s decade of dominance.
What made Black Ops special wasn’t just its compelling Cold War campaign – it was the perfect storm of features that resonated with gamers. The introduction of the beloved Zombies mode as a core feature, combined with refined multiplayer mechanics, created a package that appealed to both casual and hardcore players. I spent countless hours perfecting my loadouts and memorizing every corner of Nuketown, which became one of the most iconic multiplayer maps in gaming history.
The game’s success wasn’t just about content; it represented a shift in how games were marketed and consumed. Activision’s aggressive marketing campaign and the growing influence of online multiplayer gaming created a cultural phenomenon that extended beyond traditional gaming circles.
The Numbers Behind the Success
According to NPD data, Black Ops didn’t just top the charts – it demolished them. The game sold over 5.6 million copies in its first 24 hours in the US and UK alone, generating $360 million in revenue. By the end of 2010, it had become the best-selling game in US history at that point, a record it would hold until its own franchise would break it the following year.
2011: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 – Breaking Its Own Records
If 2010 proved Call of Duty’s dominance, 2011 cemented it as an unstoppable force. Modern Warfare 3 didn’t just become the top-selling game of 2011; it shattered entertainment industry records by grossing $400 million on day one and hitting $1 billion in sales faster than any entertainment property in history at that time.
I was among the millions who contributed to those numbers, drawn in by the conclusion of the Modern Warfare trilogy’s epic storyline. The campaign’s emotional moments, particularly the resolution of Captain Price and Makarov’s conflict, provided the narrative satisfaction fans craved. But it was the refined multiplayer experience that kept me and millions of others playing throughout the year.
The introduction of the new Strike Package system revolutionized how killstreaks worked, making the game more accessible to players of all skill levels. Whether you preferred the aggressive Assault package or the team-focused Support package, there was a playstyle for everyone. This inclusivity was key to maintaining the franchise’s broad appeal.
2012: Call of Duty: Black Ops II – Future Warfare Innovation
Black Ops II’s leap into the near-future setting in 2012 could have been a risky move, but Treyarch executed it brilliantly. As someone who was initially skeptical of the futuristic elements, I was pleasantly surprised by how well they integrated into the Call of Duty formula.
The game introduced several innovations that would influence not just future Call of Duty titles but the FPS genre as a whole. The Pick 10 system revolutionized class creation, giving players unprecedented customization options. I spent hours theorycrafting different loadout combinations, finding the perfect balance for my playstyle.
Perhaps most significantly, Black Ops II marked a turning point in how the gaming industry approached digital sales. This was one of the first years where NPD began incorporating digital sales data into their reports, acknowledging the growing shift in how consumers purchased games. The inclusion of digital data would become increasingly important as the decade progressed.
The Competitive Scene Explosion
Black Ops II also marked a watershed moment for competitive Call of Duty. The introduction of League Play and built-in streaming capabilities helped launch the careers of numerous professional players and content creators. I witnessed firsthand how the game’s competitive features transformed casual players into aspiring esports athletes.
2013: Grand Theft Auto V – Breaking the Streak
For three consecutive years, Call of Duty had reigned supreme, but 2013 brought a challenger that couldn’t be denied. Grand Theft Auto V didn’t just become the top-selling game of 2013; it redefined what was possible for open-world gaming and set sales records that would stand for years.
I’ll never forget my first hour in Los Santos. The sheer scale and detail of the world Rockstar had created was unprecedented. The ability to switch between three protagonists added a narrative complexity that kept the story fresh throughout dozens of hours of gameplay. But what truly set GTA V apart was its longevity.
While Call of Duty games typically saw their peak sales in their launch year, GTA V continued selling at an extraordinary pace year after year. The introduction of GTA Online transformed what could have been a single-player experience into a living, breathing online world that continues to generate revenue through 2026.
The game’s success also highlighted the importance of creating timeless gaming experiences that transcend traditional sales cycles. GTA V proved that with the right combination of single-player excellence and online innovation, a game could maintain relevance for an entire console generation and beyond.
2014: Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare – The Exosuit Revolution
Call of Duty reclaimed its throne in 2014 with Advanced Warfare, a game that took the franchise’s futuristic evolution to new heights. The introduction of exosuits fundamentally changed the pace and verticality of Call of Duty gameplay, creating a more dynamic and fast-paced experience than ever before.
As someone who had played every Call of Duty since the original Modern Warfare, Advanced Warfare felt like a necessary evolution. The exo-movements added a skill ceiling that rewarded mastery while maintaining the accessible gunplay the series was known for. I spent weeks learning the optimal movement patterns and boost-jumping techniques that would give me an edge in multiplayer matches.
Sledgehammer Games’ first solo Call of Duty project also benefited from the power of the new console generation. The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One had launched in late 2013, and by 2014, their install bases were growing rapidly. Advanced Warfare showcased what these new systems could do, with improved graphics and performance that made the fast-paced action even more impressive. For gamers looking to optimize their experience, understanding gaming laptop requirements became increasingly important during this console transition period.
2015: Call of Duty: Black Ops III – Peak Futuristic Combat
Black Ops III represented the apex of Call of Duty’s futuristic era. The game refined everything that Advanced Warfare had introduced while adding its own innovations. The Specialist system, which gave players unique abilities and weapons, added a hero-shooter element that would influence the franchise for years to come.
What I appreciated most about Black Ops III was how it balanced innovation with tradition. While the wall-running and boost-jumping mechanics were divisive among the community, the core gunplay remained as solid as ever. The game also featured one of the most robust Zombies experiences to date, with multiple maps and an intricate storyline that kept the community engaged throughout the year.
The success of Black Ops III in 2015 also coincided with the explosive growth of gaming content on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. I watched as content creators built entire careers around the game, particularly in the Zombies community where elaborate Easter egg hunts became major events that brought the community together.
The Digital Distribution Milestone
2015 marked another significant milestone in gaming history – it was the year when digital game sales began to seriously challenge physical sales. Black Ops III benefited from this trend, with a significant portion of its sales coming from digital storefronts. This shift would only accelerate as the decade progressed, fundamentally changing how games were distributed and consumed.
2016: Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare – Franchise Fatigue Sets In
Despite topping the sales charts in 2016, Infinite Warfare represented a turning point for the Call of Duty franchise. The game’s reveal trailer became one of the most disliked videos in YouTube history, signaling that franchise fatigue and futuristic oversaturation had finally caught up with the series.
I actually enjoyed Infinite Warfare more than many critics. The campaign was surprisingly compelling, with strong performances and set pieces that rivaled Hollywood blockbusters. The space combat sections were genuinely innovative, offering a fresh take on the Call of Duty formula. However, the multiplayer struggled to differentiate itself from Black Ops III, leading many players to stick with the previous year’s entry.
What saved Infinite Warfare commercially was the brilliant decision to bundle Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Remastered with special editions. This nostalgic play tapped into the community’s desire for “boots on the ground” gameplay and proved that there was still massive demand for classic Call of Duty experiences. The success of this bundle demonstrated the power of proper game preparation guides and how remastered classics could drive modern sales.
2017: Call of Duty: WWII – Return to Roots
Sledgehammer Games delivered exactly what the community had been asking for with Call of Duty: WWII – a return to the franchise’s historical roots. The game topped the sales charts in 2017, proving that sometimes looking backward is the best way forward.
Having grown up playing the original Call of Duty games set in World War II, WWII felt like coming home. The visceral D-Day landing sequence rivaled the intensity of the original Call of Duty 2’s version, updated with modern technology and storytelling techniques. The multiplayer’s return to boots-on-the-ground combat was refreshing after years of wall-running and boost-jumping.
The game also introduced the Headquarters social space, an ambitious attempt to create a more communal Call of Duty experience. While not every feature landed perfectly, it showed Activision’s commitment to evolving the franchise beyond just annual releases. The War mode, with its objective-based gameplay and lack of killstreaks, provided a nice alternative to traditional multiplayer modes.
The Battle Royale Shadow
While Call of Duty: WWII dominated sales in 2017, the gaming landscape was shifting beneath it. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds had exploded in popularity on PC, and Fortnite Battle Royale had just launched. These games were reshaping player expectations and would force Call of Duty to adapt in the coming years.
2018: Red Dead Redemption 2 – The Western Epic Strikes
For only the second time in the decade, a non-Call of Duty game claimed the top sales spot. Red Dead Redemption 2’s victory in 2018 was particularly impressive given that it launched in October, giving it only two months to outsell Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, which had launched just weeks earlier.
Red Dead Redemption 2 was everything I hoped for in a Rockstar game and more. The attention to detail was staggering – from the way mud accumulated on Arthur Morgan’s boots to the individual behaviors of different horse breeds. I lost myself in the world for weeks, hunting legendary animals, robbing trains, and experiencing one of gaming’s most emotionally powerful narratives.
The game’s success demonstrated that there was still massive demand for premium single-player experiences in an increasingly multiplayer-focused industry. While GTA V had proven its longevity through GTA Online, Red Dead Redemption 2 initially succeeded purely on the strength of its single-player offering. The later addition of Red Dead Online showed Rockstar’s commitment to the games-as-a-service model, though it never reached the heights of its GTA counterpart.
What made Red Dead Redemption 2’s sales victory even more remarkable was that it achieved this despite Black Ops 4 being the first Call of Duty to include a battle royale mode. Blackout was Call of Duty’s answer to Fortnite and PUBG, and while it was well-received, it wasn’t enough to maintain the franchise’s sales dominance that year.
2019: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare – The Reboot Revolution
The decade ended as it began, with Call of Duty on top. But Modern Warfare (2019) wasn’t just another annual release – it was a complete reimagining of the beloved subseries that showed the franchise still had plenty of fight left in it.
I was skeptical when Infinity Ward announced they were rebooting Modern Warfare. The original trilogy was sacred to many fans, myself included. But from the moment I played the “Clean House” mission, I knew they had created something special. The game’s tactical, grounded approach to combat felt fresh while maintaining the Call of Duty DNA.
Modern Warfare also introduced two features that would reshape the franchise’s future: cross-platform play and free post-launch content. The ability to play with friends regardless of platform was revolutionary for a major AAA release, while the abandonment of the season pass model in favor of free maps and modes kept the community unified. These changes reflected the influence of cross-platform gaming evolution that had been building throughout the decade.
The game’s new engine delivered the best-looking and sounding Call of Duty to date. The attention to detail in weapon animations and sound design set a new standard for the franchise. Ground War mode offered large-scale battles that competed directly with Battlefield, while Gunfight provided intense 2v2 tactical gameplay that became an instant hit.
Setting the Stage for Warzone
While Modern Warfare dominated 2019’s sales, it was also laying the groundwork for what would become one of gaming’s biggest phenomena. The rumors of a Call of Duty battle royale built on Modern Warfare’s engine were swirling, and in March 2020, Warzone would launch and change the franchise forever.
The Platform Evolution That Changed Everything
Looking back at the 2010s, it’s impossible to discuss game sales without acknowledging the massive platform shifts that occurred throughout the decade. When the decade began, the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 were in their prime, physical game sales dominated, and digital distribution was still in its relative infancy.
I witnessed this transformation firsthand. In 2010, I was standing in line at midnight launches, pre-ordering physical copies to ensure I could play on day one. By 2019, I was pre-loading games digitally, playing the moment they unlocked at midnight from the comfort of my couch. This shift didn’t happen overnight, but by the decade’s end, digital sales were accounting for the majority of game purchases.
The mid-decade console transition from Xbox 360/PS3 to Xbox One/PS4 in 2013 accelerated this digital transformation. Both new consoles were built with digital distribution in mind, featuring larger hard drives and improved online infrastructure. Games could now be purchased and downloaded directly from the console, eliminating the need for physical media entirely for many players.
Steam’s continued dominance on PC also influenced console manufacturers and publishers. The success of Steam sales and digital-first PC gaming showed that consumers were ready to embrace digital distribution if the convenience and pricing were right. By the decade’s end, digital storefronts on consoles were offering similar sales and conveniences that PC gamers had enjoyed for years.
The Rise of Games as a Service
The 2010s also saw the fundamental transformation of how games were monetized and maintained post-launch. The traditional model of releasing a game and moving on to the next project gave way to the “games as a service” approach, where titles were continuously updated with new content, events, and features.
Grand Theft Auto V exemplified this shift perfectly. What could have been a traditional single-player game with a limited lifespan became a continuously evolving online experience that generated billions in revenue through microtransactions. I watched as GTA Online transformed from a basic multiplayer mode into a sprawling online platform with heists, businesses, and constant updates that kept players engaged for years.
Call of Duty adapted to this model as well, though more gradually. The introduction of supply drops, battle passes, and seasonal content kept players engaged and spending long after the initial purchase. By Modern Warfare (2019), the franchise had fully embraced the model with free content updates and a unified progression system that would carry into Warzone.
This shift had profound implications for how we measure a game’s success. Pure sales numbers became just one metric among many. Player retention, microtransaction revenue, and long-term engagement became equally important indicators of a game’s performance.
The Mobile Gaming Explosion
While not reflected in traditional console and PC sales charts, the 2010s saw mobile gaming evolve from simple time-wasters to a dominant force in the industry. Games like Clash of Clans, Candy Crush, and Pokémon GO generated billions in revenue and reached audiences that traditional gaming had never touched.
I initially dismissed mobile gaming as inferior to “real” gaming, but by the decade’s end, I found myself playing Call of Duty Mobile and enjoying it immensely. The fact that a full Call of Duty experience could run on a phone would have been unthinkable in 2010, but by 2019, it was not only possible but highly successful.
The mobile gaming explosion also influenced traditional gaming in unexpected ways. Free-to-play models, battle passes, and seasonal content structures that originated in mobile gaming became standard in AAA releases. The lines between mobile and traditional gaming continued to blur throughout the decade.
Genre Trends and Market Dynamics
The 2010s sales data reveals fascinating trends about genre preferences and market dynamics. First-person shooters, led by Call of Duty, dominated the charts, appearing in the top spot 8 out of 10 years. This dominance reflected not just the quality of these games but also their broad appeal and strong multiplayer components that kept players engaged year-round.
Open-world games proved their commercial viability with Grand Theft Auto V and Red Dead Redemption 2’s successes. These games showed that players were willing to pay premium prices for expansive, content-rich experiences that offered dozens or even hundreds of hours of gameplay.
Sports games, particularly the Madden NFL series, consistently appeared in the top 10 best-selling games each year, though they rarely claimed the top spot. Their annual release schedule and dedicated fanbase ensured steady sales, but they couldn’t match the broader appeal of shooters and open-world titles.
Perhaps most interesting was what didn’t appear at the top of sales charts. Despite critical acclaim and passionate fanbases, genres like fighting games, racing games (outside of Mario Kart), and traditional JRPGs rarely cracked the top sales positions in the US market. This highlighted the difference between critical success and commercial dominance.
The Streaming and Content Creation Revolution
The 2010s witnessed the rise of gaming content creation and streaming as major cultural forces. Platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming transformed how games were marketed and consumed. I watched as games became successful not just because of traditional marketing but because streamers and content creators embraced them.
Call of Duty benefited enormously from this trend. The franchise’s yearly releases provided content creators with fresh material, while features like Theater Mode and built-in streaming tools made it easier to create and share content. Zombies Easter egg hunts became community events watched by millions, while competitive multiplayer provided endless content for both professional players and entertainers.
This symbiotic relationship between games and content creators became a crucial factor in a game’s success. Games that were “streamable” – offering entertaining moments for viewers and engaging gameplay for streamers – had a significant advantage in the market. Understanding this trend became essential for anyone creating gaming content and guides during this period.
Lessons from a Decade of Gaming Dominance
Looking back at the 2010s sales data, several key lessons emerge for understanding the gaming industry. First, consistency and quality matter. Call of Duty’s dominance wasn’t accidental – it was the result of reliable annual releases that maintained a high quality bar while evolving enough to stay relevant.
Second, timing and platform availability are crucial. The games that topped the charts were almost always multiplatform releases that launched during the holiday season. Exclusive games, no matter how good, faced an uphill battle in sales charts that measured raw numbers rather than platform-specific performance.
Third, multiplayer and social features became increasingly important throughout the decade. Every chart-topper except Red Dead Redemption 2 featured robust multiplayer components that kept players engaged long after launch. Even Red Dead eventually added its online component, recognizing the importance of social gaming.
Finally, the decade showed that while new IPs could succeed, established franchises had a massive advantage. The familiarity and trust built by brands like Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto translated directly into sales. Creating new blockbuster franchises became increasingly difficult and expensive as the decade progressed.
What This Means for Gaming’s Future
The sales patterns of the 2010s have shaped the gaming industry we see in 2026. The dominance of service-based games has only intensified, with titles like Fortnite and Apex Legends building on the foundation laid by the 2010s’ top sellers. The free-to-play battle royale model that emerged at the decade’s end has become one of gaming’s most lucrative approaches.
Call of Duty’s response to these changes – Warzone – showed how established franchises could adapt to new models while maintaining their core identity. The game’s free-to-play nature and continuous updates represented the evolution of ideas that had been developing throughout the 2010s.
The emphasis on gaming guides and tips has also grown as games have become more complex and service-oriented. Players need more help than ever navigating battle passes, seasonal content, and optimal strategies, creating a thriving ecosystem of content around these games.
The digital transformation that accelerated throughout the 2010s is now complete. Physical game sales, while still existing, have become secondary to digital distribution. This shift has enabled new business models and distribution methods that would have been impossible in the physical-only era.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which game sold the most copies in the entire 2010s decade?
Grand Theft Auto V holds the crown as the best-selling game of the entire 2010s decade in the United States. Despite only topping the yearly charts once (in 2013), its incredible longevity and continued sales throughout the decade resulted in total sales that surpassed any other game. The game has sold over 185 million copies worldwide as of 2026, making it one of the best-selling games of all time.
Why did Call of Duty dominate the 2010s sales charts?
Call of Duty dominated due to several factors: consistent annual releases during the holiday season, broad multiplatform availability, robust multiplayer components that kept players engaged year-round, massive marketing budgets, and the ability to evolve while maintaining core gameplay. The franchise’s reliable quality and strong brand recognition made it a safe purchase for millions of gamers each year.
How did digital sales impact the gaming market in the 2010s?
Digital sales fundamentally transformed the gaming market throughout the 2010s. Starting as a small percentage of total sales in 2010, digital distribution grew to represent the majority of game sales by 2019. This shift enabled new business models like games-as-a-service, reduced distribution costs, allowed for instant delivery, and made post-launch content updates and patches standard practice.
What role did battle royale games play in the late 2010s?
Battle royale games emerged as a disruptive force in the late 2010s, though their impact on traditional sales charts was limited since many were free-to-play. PUBG and Fortnite changed player expectations and forced established franchises like Call of Duty to adapt. Black Ops 4’s Blackout mode and eventually Warzone were direct responses to the battle royale phenomenon.
Did any indie games top the sales charts in the 2010s?
No indie games topped the annual US sales charts during the 2010s, as these positions were dominated by AAA releases with massive marketing budgets. However, indie games like Minecraft achieved tremendous success through different metrics, particularly in digital sales and long-term revenue generation. Minecraft’s influence on gaming culture far exceeded what traditional sales charts might suggest.
How did the console generation transition affect game sales?
The 2013 transition from PS3/Xbox 360 to PS4/Xbox One created interesting sales dynamics. Cross-generation releases initially split their sales across platforms, potentially impacting their chart positions. However, the new consoles’ improved digital infrastructure and larger storage capacities accelerated the shift to digital distribution and enabled more sophisticated service-based gaming models.
What happened to single-player games in the 2010s?
While multiplayer-focused games dominated sales charts, single-player games didn’t disappear. Titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 proved that premium single-player experiences could still top charts. However, even traditionally single-player franchises increasingly added multiplayer components or online features to extend their lifespan and revenue potential, reflecting the decade’s shift toward social and service-based gaming.