Minecraft becomes best-selling video game of all time with 300 million copies sold

DIMAPUR — In a groundbreaking achievement, Minecraft, the popular sandbox video game, has surpassed 300 million copies in sales, solidifying it as the best-selling video game of all time.

The incredible milestone was announced during the ‘Minecraft Live 2023‘ event on Sunday. This latest sales figure marks a substantial increase from the previously reported 238 million sales in April 2021.

The staggering sales of Minecraft overshadow its closest competitor, Grand Theft Auto V, which had sold 185 million copies as of August 2023.

It must be noted that Tetris and Super Mario have more sales numbers than Minecraft, however, these games are essentially franchises with a series of different games sold on different platforms. Minecraft, on the other hand, is the same game regardless of the platform it is played on.

Minecraft’s popularity stems from its open-world sandbox, allowing limitless creativity and exploration. Its simplicity, flexibility, and multiplayer options appeal to diverse age groups, fostering a sense of community and sparking endless possibilities for imaginative gameplay. Acquired by Microsoft in 2014 for $2.5 billion, Minecraft continues to be a cornerstone in Microsoft’s gaming empire.

“As we approach the 15th anniversary, Minecraft remains one of the best-selling games of all time, with over 300 million copies sold, a milestone no one could have dreamed of when we were all placing our first blocks,” said Helen Chiang, head of Mojang Studios. “Our incredible community has built Minecraft into what it is today and what it will become in the future. We can’t wait to share new Minecraft content and experiences in the years ahead.”

The game’s success extends beyond the gaming realm, with Minecraft-related YouTube videos amassing over one trillion views, showcasing its cultural impact.

Minecraft’s remarkable sales growth is also attributed to its availability on various platforms, including PC, mobile (iOS and Android), PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo consoles. The ability for players to seamlessly continue their progress across different devices has further fueled the game’s immense popularity.