The growth of video games in society has been monumental, breaking more records each year as the industry continues to develop. Once frowned upon by many, video games have become a huge part of modern, everyday life, not only providing entertainment, but also assisting in cognitive skills. The early days of gaming may be nostalgic for many, but the current gaming world is by far the most successful and bigger than it ever has been. Gaming can cater to all types of players, from online first-person shooters to UK live casino. There is more variation in the styles of video games than we have previously seen. So today, we will be taking a look at the most impressive video game records broken in the 21st century.
Minecraft, Best-selling Video Game in History
Since its release in 2011, Minecraft has become the best-selling video game in history, surpassing 300 million copies sold. Minecraft’s success could be down to its simple gameplay structure, which allows players to create and explore pre-built worlds, customising them however they desire. The popularity of Mojang’s number one video game was mainly due to building a strong community that shared the game across generations and platforms. Minecraft continues to be one of the biggest games on the market over a decade later, becoming a big part of the industry as a whole.
Grand Theft Auto V, Biggest Revenue Within 24 Hours
Grand Theft Auto V redefined what commercial success looks like in the entertainment industry. GTA V was launched over 10 years ago in 2013, generating around $1 billion in revenue within 36 hours, a figure never matched by any film, let alone a video game. The release’s popularity is credited to its open-world experience in the online mode and the interesting storyline of the campaign mode. Grand Theft Auto V still sees incredibly high player numbers in 2025 as they wait for the long-anticipated release of GTA VI.
Wii Sports, Best Selling Console Exclusive Game in History
Wii Sports played a crucial role in expanding the gaming audience during the mid-2000s. The game came as a bundle with the Nintendo Wii and was revolutionary on the market, introducing players to motion-controlled gameplay, helping it to become the best-selling console-exclusive game of all time. Some iconic visuals and mini games are still spoken about today by many fans after it became a gateway to inviting video games into family homes.
Fortnite: Several Records Regarding Player Numbers
Fortnite is one of the most influential online games of the modern era, reaching hundreds of millions of registered players worldwide. Its free to play model, combined with frequent updates and live in-game events, transformed expectations around how games are supported after launch. Released in 2017 by Epic Games, it is more than just a battle royale title, hosting live events and concerts from global superstars such as Travis Scott and Ariana Grande. It currently holds some impressive records, such as most concurrent players, 15.3 million watching one live event in 2020, and most daily players, 44.7 million on a single day in November 2023.
League of Legends, Most Watched Esports Game
Since it was released in 2009, League of Legends has dominated the Esports scene, attracting the most fans worldwide. Annual World Championship events have seen viewership exceed 100 million views from around the world, playing a big part in the success of Esports today. Even today, Riot Games continues to make frequent updates that help keep the game fresh, both maintaining and resulting in new players. The competitive scene is still huge 15 years on, dominating the industry and highlighting the longevity as a result of the dedication from the American-based developer.
Dota 2, Largest Prize Pool in Esports History
Continuing with the Esports theme, Dota 2 is often regarded for having the largest prize pool in competitive gaming history. In 2021, The International tournament exceeded a $41 million prize pool for players, funded mainly as a result of the success of the game. This led the way for future competitive games, highlighting the financial power of gaming communities as well as setting a benchmark for other competitive events. Despite its steep learning curve, Dota 2 has retained a loyal player base and a prominent position in esports culture.
Red Dead Redemption 2, Largest Opening Weekend in Entertainment History
Red Dead Redemption 2 is the sequel to the incredibly popular Red Dead Redemption, and smashed an incredibly difficult record when it was released. It managed to achieve the largest opening weekend in entertainment history, generating over & $700 million in sales during that weekend alone. It spent many years in development with a huge investment behind it, which was made evident through the level of detail and narrative depth found in the Rockstar Games release. Its success demonstrated that single-player focused experiences could still achieve massive commercial results in an increasingly online-driven market.
Elara is a dynamic writer and blogger who specializes in pop culture and movie reviews. With a background in film studies and journalism, she combines her deep knowledge of the entertainment industry with a sharp, insightful writing style that keeps readers coming back for more.
