Have you ever stopped to think about just how massive the gaming franchises Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto really are? If you’re a gamer or just someone casually following the industry, you’ll want to pay attention.
According to a recent report by Mat Piscatella of Circana, on the 30th anniversary of the PlayStation 1’s debut in the U.S., these two powerhouses dominate the sales charts. They occupy 16 of the top 20 slots based on pure dollar sales, showcasing the colossal revenue generated by Activision and Take-Two Interactive on Sony’s consoles.
The compiled sales data spans from January 1995 to July 2025, and it’s clear that the PS1, which launched on September 9, 1995, has had a lasting impact on gaming culture. Within that framework, Activision and Rockstar’s titles continue to shine.
Top Sellers in Gaming History
Unsurprisingly, Grand Theft Auto V holds the top position on both dollar sales and units sold. It’s not alone; Minecraft also appears, ranking second in units sold but coming in seventh for revenue. And let’s not forget the numerous Call of Duty games along with other GTA series entries and Red Dead Redemption II.
Surprising Entries in the Rankings
One unexpected title making waves is Marvel’s Spider-Man, which launched in 2018 for PS4. It ranks 11th in terms of dollar sales but jumps to sixth place for total units sold, outperforming classic games like Skyrim and GTA Vice City.
New Releases That Are Making Waves
Even the latest entry, Black Ops 6, has made an impressive showing, ranking fifth in dollar sales and 11th in units despite releasing only 11 months ago. The staying power and strong brand recognition of Call of Duty remains unparalleled, only rivaled by the GTA franchise.
What’s Next for these Gaming Giants?
With the launch of GTA 6 set for this May, expect the rankings to shift once again. It wouldn’t be surprising to find Black Ops 7 making an appearance as well. Essentially, we’re all just living in a world that’s dominated by GTA and CoD.
What are the top-selling video games of all time? Popular titles generally focus on franchises like Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto, and Minecraft. Their influence is felt both in revenue and cultural impact.
Why are Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto so popular? These franchises offer engaging gameplay, multiplayer options, and immersive storytelling, appealing to a wide array of gamers.
How do Call of Duty and GTA rank in terms of sales? As highlighted, they dominate the rankings, with numerous entries holding the top spots in both dollar sales and units sold on Sony’s consoles.
If you’re interested in the future of gaming, keep an eye on upcoming titles and updates. For more insights and engaging content, consider checking out Moyens I/O.