Top-Selling Games in the US

Since the first PlayStation launched in the US on September 9, 1995, the console has produced some of the most commercially successful video games in the country. Grand Theft Auto V has emerged as the most popular title in terms of both revenue and copies sold. In the top 20 games by revenue, the Call of Duty franchise accounts for 11 entries, while three Grand Theft Auto titles and Red Dead Redemption II also appear on the list. Additionally, three games from Insomniac Games’ Marvel’s Spider-Man series rank among the top earners, indicating sustained popularity for these titles.

Top-Selling Games in the US

When measured by copies sold rather than revenue, Call of Duty maintains a presence but is slightly less dominant, with nine titles in the top 20. Other notable entries include The Last of Us, God of War (2018), The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, and Rainbow Six: Siege. These games reflect both critical acclaim and strong player engagement over time.

For those interested in retro gaming, early PlayStation charts show Gran Turismo, Final Fantasy VII, and Gran Turismo 2 leading by revenue. In terms of units sold, Crash Bandicoot 2: Cortex Strikes Back ranks second, demonstrating the lasting appeal of these early PlayStation franchises.

Top-Selling Games in the US

Dreamcast Games and the Popularity of Sports Titles

The Sega Dreamcast, though less commercially enduring than the PlayStation, achieved notable success with a lineup heavily focused on sports games. Titles such as NFL, NBA, World Series Baseball, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater accounted for more than half of the platform’s top-performing games by both revenue and sales. This indicates that sports titles were a significant driver of player engagement on the Dreamcast and contributed to its commercial performance.

SEGA Saturn and Its Unusual Top Performers

The SEGA Saturn’s top-selling games present a unique snapshot of mid-1990s gaming preferences. While few modern players may recall Daytona USA, it ranked fourth in sales, showing how arcade-style and racing games attracted significant attention at the time. The Saturn’s top 20 list reflects a mix of genres and demonstrates that success on the platform could differ from broader industry trends, highlighting the varied interests of console audiences during this period.

Top-Selling Games in the US

Final Thoughts

Across PlayStation platforms, Dreamcast, and SEGA Saturn, the most successful games in the US show both evolving consumer preferences and the enduring influence of major franchises. From the revenue and sales dominance of Grand Theft Auto and Call of Duty to the early PlayStation classics and sports-focused Dreamcast titles, these rankings provide insight into how different consoles shaped the gaming landscape over three decades. Even on platforms like the SEGA Saturn, less-remembered titles such as Daytona USA illustrate the diversity of successful games in their respective eras.

Source: Circana

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the top-selling PlayStation games in the US?

The top-selling PlayStation games in the US include Grand Theft Auto V, multiple entries from the Call of Duty series, Red Dead Redemption II, and Marvel’s Spider-Man games from Insomniac Games. Early PlayStation classics such as Gran Turismo, Final Fantasy VII, and Crash Bandicoot 2 also achieved strong sales and revenue.

Which PlayStation game earned the most revenue?

Grand Theft Auto V has generated the highest revenue among PlayStation games in the US, surpassing other entries from popular franchises like Call of Duty and Marvel’s Spider-Man.

What games were most popular on the Dreamcast?

The Sega Dreamcast was particularly popular for sports titles, including NFL, NBA, World Series Baseball, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. These games represented more than half of the console’s top-selling and highest-earning titles.

Which SEGA Saturn games sold the most?

Among SEGA Saturn titles, Daytona USA was one of the top sellers, reaching fourth place in sales. The Saturn’s top 20 list also includes a variety of other arcade-style and genre-diverse games.

How do PlayStation, Dreamcast, and SEGA Saturn compare in popularity today?

The PlayStation brand remains widely recognized and commercially influential, while the Dreamcast and SEGA Saturn are more niche consoles with a smaller but dedicated following. The historical success of each platform reflects both the gaming trends of their era and the enduring appeal of major franchises.

Do these top-selling games influence modern gaming trends?

Yes, the success of franchises like Call of Duty, Grand Theft Auto, and Marvel’s Spider-Man continues to influence modern gaming, shaping development priorities, storytelling approaches, and multiplayer experiences across current consoles and web3 gaming projects.

Here is a list of all the games mentioned: