The Top-Selling Video Game For Each Year of the 2010s

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Summary

  • The 2010s saw the dominance of Call of Duty with innovative gameplay and multiplayer success.
  • A monetization shift took place in gaming; microtransactions and free-to-play games became the norm.
  • Franchises like GTA and FIFA soared alongside Call of Duty in the 2010s.

During the 2010s, global online multiplayer gaming significantly progressed and expanded. The introduction of the next-generation consoles, Xbox One and PS4 in 2013, made online connectivity more convenient than ever. Throughout this decade, numerous popular franchises were introduced and retired, but one game series stood out, thriving on the growing multiplayer gaming scene.

In the 2010s, “Call of Duty” dominated the gaming landscape, with an astounding seven titles leading the yearly best-seller lists. By combining exhilarating first-person shooter (FPS) campaigns that were both intense and captivating, along with addictive multiplayer modes, “Call of Duty” became a staple in every gamer’s collection. The 2010s also marked a significant shift in the gaming industry as microtransactions and free-to-play games became common practices. This transformative decade laid the groundwork for our current era of gaming, with many of its most successful and lasting releases still enjoyed by gamers today.

Call of Duty: Black Ops (2010)

A New Era of Shooter

Before the launch of Black Ops, Call of Duty had already secured its position as the leading first-person shooter (FPS) franchise. Originating as a World War II game, the series made history with its Modern Warfare series, revolutionizing FPS games by moving them into a modern setting.

Following Modern Warfare 2, the series made a shift back to a 1940s setting with Call of Duty: World at War. This was followed by Call of Duty: Black Ops, which served as a sequel and took place in the 1960s during the Cold War. Unlike its preceding installments, this campaign had a more somber tone. Black Ops was incredibly successful, with its multiplayer mode being particularly popular. The game ended up becoming one of the best-selling games ever and marked the beginning of Call of Duty‘s reign during that decade.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (2011)

A Worthy Conclusion to a Landmark Trilogy

Although Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 didn’t bring anything new to the winning formula of its earlier versions, it still turned out to be a massive success for the Call of Duty team.

The game, titled Modern Warfare 3, is a sequel to Modern Warfare 2 and allows players to assume command of Task Force 141. Characters such as Captain Price and Soap MacTavish make a comeback in this adventure. The storyline finds the players chasing the main adversary, Vladimir Makarov, across various global locations. Critics praised Modern Warfare 3 upon its release, with many describing it as an engaging and well-executed gaming experience. Despite some signs of diminishing innovation that had once propelled the series to the forefront of the industry, this third installment in the classic trilogy demonstrated that the franchise was far from fading away.

Call of Duty: Black Ops II (2012)

Call of Duty Remains on Top

In the wake of the phenomenal success of Black Ops, Call of Duty: Black Ops II revisits a Cold War backdrop, as players assume roles of characters Alex Mason and Frank Woods once more. Yet, there’s a twist this time; players will not only relive events in the past but also be thrust into 2025, where Mason’s son carries on the narrative.

In Black Ops II, innovative technology was incorporated within the Call of Duty collection, earning acclaim for its branching narratives, player decision-making, and gameplay. Following typical series patterns, Black Ops II showcased an engaging multiplayer component and a comeback of the fan-favorite Zombies mode. This ninth installment in the franchise shattered sales records and further established Call of Duty‘s supremacy within the gaming industry.

Grand Theft Auto 5 (2013)

Rockstar Delivers Another Classic

2013 marked the first occasion in four years that a game other than Call of Duty took the title of the year’s bestseller. This change came with the arrival of Grand Theft Auto 5, which not only surpassed all previous sales records but also cemented its place among the longest-lasting single-player games in history.

In the fictional state of San Andreas, primarily in the city of Los Santos, the game Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5) unfolds the tale of three interconnected criminals as they execute a series of thrilling heists. Players have the freedom to switch between these protagonists at any time, contributing to a complex and multilayered storyline. The vast, lively world of GTA 5 offers an engaging and dynamic experience, while its gameplay is widely regarded as the best in the series to date. Often acclaimed as one of the greatest games ever made, GTA 5 has also experienced a prolonged period of popularity due to multiple re-releases for next-generation consoles.

FIFA 15 (2014)

FIFA Scores Another Goal

2015 marked the continued reign of the most prosperous sports game series, FIFA, over its genre with the launch of FIFA 15. The FIFA collection has been a cornerstone in the gaming world since the ’90s, as football enthusiasts worldwide anticipate the annual updates. Furthermore, the 2014 World Cup hosted in Brazil added fuel to the football frenzy, making it an unparalleled year for football passion.

FIFA 15 once again proved to be a massive success for its developers, leveraging the capabilities of next-generation gaming systems. The launch received acclaim for its engaging gameplay, smooth animations, and immersive ambiance. It also marked the debut of a fully licensed Premier League in the FIFA series.

Call of Duty: Black Ops III (2015)

Bringing Futuristic Changes

The Call of Duty: Black Ops III shifted the series into a future-oriented scenario, departing from its historical and contemporary backdrop. In the year 2065, the game is situated amidst impending climate change and cutting-edge technology advancements, furthering the narrative.

The game featured numerous open levels suitable for teams of four to play cooperatively, along with multiple game modes. While _Black Ops III_ was another triumph for the _Call of Duty_ franchise, the series’ growth-driving innovation had slowed down significantly. However, the latest installment in the series provided a wealth of game modes, engaging gameplay, and countless hours of fun for groups of friends to enjoy together.

Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare (2016)

Call of Duty Continues Its Domination of the Decade

Upon launching Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, the game franchise ventured further into science fiction territory, offering an action-packed space shooter experience that includes zero-gravity elements.

Infinite Warfare” ultimately achieved tremendous sales success, even being named the year’s best-selling title. The game delivered a strong campaign, engaging multiplayer, and the Zombies mode that fans of the franchise have grown accustomed to. While initial reactions to “Infinite Warfare” were largely negative, upon release, critics commended the game for its superior gameplay quality and polish.

Call of Duty: WWII (2017)

A Return to Its Roots

WWII”. This game offered top-notch multiplayer and an engaging campaign, much like its predecessors. As the 14th installment in the Call of Duty series, it was a refreshing change of scenery.

As a gamer, I found myself deeply immersed in a narrative that centers around a squad within the 1st Infantry Division. This journey takes us from the historic D-Day invasions and continues through their fierce battles across Europe. Although it doesn’t exactly break new ground in terms of genre, the compelling and thoughtfully written campaign is what truly sets this game apart within the series. Despite not being revolutionary, it served as a powerful reminder that this long-lasting franchise still has significant stories to tell.

Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)

A Welcome Return to the Old West

As the end of the decade approaches, Rockstar Games is set to unveil one of their most ambitious games yet – “Red Dead Redemption 2”.

Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) abounds with thrilling action, unexpected interactions, breathtaking landscapes, and a captivating storyline that immerses players deeply. Unlike most third-person shooter games, it adopts a more leisurely pace, enhancing the authentic Old West feel. RDR2 offers an engrossing experience, with players easily getting lost in its compelling narrative about Arthur, or simply enjoying activities like exploring, hunting, and fishing. Upon release, it received widespread praise and was often referred to as one of the best video games ever created.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)

The Classic Series Returns

In the sixteenth installment of the primary Call of Duty series, the iconic Modern Warfare series was revamped, offering captivating gameplay and an exhilarating campaign. This game also marked the debut of Call of Duty’s free-to-play title, Warzone, to gamers worldwide. Yet, Modern Warfare wasn’t free from debate.

The representation of child soldiers, Russians, and the portrayal of white phosphorus as a reward for killstreaks was met with criticism. However, many find the campaign in Modern Warfare to be one of the best in the series, and a delightful reintroduction to some beloved franchise characters.

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2025-08-11 10:43