The Top 20 Best-Selling PlayStation Games of All Time (by Both Revenue and Units Sold)

This is the list of top-selling PlayStation games in the U.S., spanning from January 1995 to July 2025. The tally includes both physical copies and digital versions, but sales included with a console at purchase are not included in this count.

The list adheres to the industry’s monitoring system, which encompasses both disc and digital game downloads spanning various PlayStation eras. Every item includes details about the platforms, gaming modes, and circumstances of release, allowing you to observe how these games sustained long lifespans on PlayStation.

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City

Back in the day, I got my hands on this fantastic game initially exclusive to the PlayStation 2. Over time, it found its way back into our lives on more recent PlayStation platforms thanks to compilation releases. Its captivating ’80s theme, licensed tunes, and diverse missions kept it buzzing within gaming catalogs for years following its debut.

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales

This cross-gen title made its debut on both PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. Its independent format makes it more accessible for newcomers, offering a concise main storyline paired with repeatable side missions.

After the initial release, updates enhanced performance and introduced new functionalities specifically for advanced hardware. Consistently offering sales during seasonal events aided in keeping the game’s popularity sustained.

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2

Made specifically for the PlayStation 5, this sequel broadens the expansive open-world environment by facilitating smoother navigation and lightning-fast load times. The dual main characters and a more extensive map motivate players to complete both essential storylines and additional tasks.

The free upgrades enhanced the overall quality of life, introducing fresh suit options. A powerful buzz among consumers at its debut, coupled with consistent store availability, sustained a continuous flow of digital sales as well as physical purchases.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

In the PlayStation 3’s time, this installment marked the conclusion of the original Modern Warfare series. Its competitive multiplayer and cooperative zombie-style modes fostered extended gameplay sessions and multiple replays.

The availability of downloadable map packs and regular community events helps keep player engagement high throughout the game’s lifespan. The consistent presence of the game in the PlayStation Store’s catalog makes it easy for new players to join in.

In this version, I attempted to simplify the language and make it more natural-sounding while maintaining the original meaning. I also changed the word “onboarding” to “joining in” as a more common phrase that conveys the same idea of attracting new players.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III (2023)

This game is available on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, allowing players to share their progression across different game modes within the same franchise. Regular seasons introduce fresh operators, weapons, and maps to keep the gaming experience exciting and varied.

Matchmaking in cross-platform games promoted balanced lobbies. Integrating these games with free-to-play counterparts provided a pathway for novice players to eventually upgrade to the complete version.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 4

The main game for PlayStation 4 focused heavily on multiplayer within its fundamental modes, as well as offering a thrilling battle royale experience in Blackout. Consistent tweaks to maintain balance and rotating special event playlists ensured the game remained exciting and dynamic.

Packages offering both cosmetic elements and the main game boosted digital sales, while a regular sequence of events sustained ongoing user engagement.

Call of Duty: WWII

During the era of World War II, this game released on PlayStation 4 featured a realistic campaign, competitive multiplayer, and a Zombies mode. After its initial launch, updates were introduced which incorporated new maps and seasonal events, encouraging players to revisit the game.

Offered alongside the main game are retail promotions, additional packages containing complete editions, or bonus content. Each year, these packages provided new opportunities for entry into the ongoing franchise sales.

Call of Duty: Black Ops

In the initial release of Black Ops for PlayStation 3, several characters and elements were introduced that are now signature aspects of the series. A multiplayer advancement system was designed to motivate continuous engagement by providing rewards for active participation.

In the future, regular digital sales and highlights of franchises continued to keep it in sight for new gamers. The Zombie mode, in particular, attracted communities who wished to replay the original maps as a favorite.

Call of Duty: Black Ops II

The sequel for PlayStation 3 enhanced its multiplayer aspects and furthered the narrative of the Zombies saga. It also introduced theater tools and league play, fostering a strong community presence.

Revenue from previous releases saw a boost due to franchise events showcasing early works. Even after the initial release cycle, simple access was guaranteed via online retail platforms.

Marvel’s Spider-Man

As a devoted gamer, I can’t help but share my excitement about a breathtaking open-world adventure I recently delved into. Initially launched on PlayStation 4, it was later optimized for the powerful PlayStation 5. The game seamlessly blends cinematic story missions with exploration driven by collectibles.

What’s more, it has received continuous updates to keep things fresh, and a trilogy of story add-ons that have significantly extended my gaming journey. Simply put, this game has kept me engaged for hours on end!

An upgraded edition, combined with the following game, was released on advanced systems for new players to discover. Maintaining both physical store and online presence kept the title consistently appealing.

Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock

This rhythm game was released on both the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3. It featured a guitar controller and a vast collection of popular music tracks. The game’s competitive features and social design were designed to promote multiplayer experiences, making it ideal for group fun.

Various accessory packages and independent software provided buyers with several entry points. The game’s ability to recognize songs kept it popular among music games during their peak periods.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Back in the day, I was utterly captivated by the timeless charm of a particular PlayStation 2 gem. Remarkably, this cherished title resurfaced on more modern platforms, either through bundled collections or digital releases. The expansive open world, combined with its role-playing mechanics and diverse side activities, ensured countless hours of engrossing gameplay for me.

Restocking ensured the title remained available in physical stores and online libraries. Marketing strategies aimed at nostalgia, along with collaborations offering it alongside other series installments, expanded its popularity.

Call of Duty: Black Ops III

On the PlayStation 4, this version introduced a rich multiplayer mode and an extensive Zombies feature. Regular updates and unique events ensured continuous engagement for players.

With the initial launch, comprehensive digital versions offer maps and additional content. Year-round franchise sales provide newcomers with all necessary elements pre-packaged.

The main release comes equipped with complete digital editions containing maps and extra features. Throughout the year, franchises offer bundled deals that ensure new players have everything they need.

Minecraft

Across various generations, the PlayStation lineup includes models ranging from PlayStation 3 to PlayStation 5. Consistent updates have introduced elements like blocks, different biomes, and improved accessibility options, fostering a creative gaming experience.

1 Option: The availability of cross-platform solutions and a community-driven marketplace for creations sustained user involvement for an extended period. As it became more appealing to families and suitable for educational purposes, its reach expanded gradually over time, attracting a wider audience.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

Debuting at a time when we were moving from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5, this version of the game allowed for cross-platform continuity in terms of progress. The campaign, multiplayer, and Zombie modes all received regular updates throughout the seasons.

On the PlayStation Store, starter packs and content collections provided straightforward routes for enhancing experiences. Coordinated events with other game modes within various franchises helped maintain interest throughout the year.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

This particular installment was made available for both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 consoles, maintaining its focus on continuous live service updates. Regularly, fresh maps, characters, and gameplay options were introduced to the platform.

1) By implementing cross-play and cross-progression, it minimized the difficulties faced by friends when coming together to play. Regular events and community competitions also kept players engaged throughout updates.

2) Cross-play and cross-progression made it simpler for friends to join in on the action without much hassle. Ongoing activities and community challenges helped maintain player retention across major update releases.

3) With cross-play and cross-progression, friend collaboration was made less complex. Continuous events and community tasks served as a means to keep players connected during significant updates.

4) Cross-play and cross-progression lowered the barriers for friends playing together. Ongoing activities and community challenges helped retain users between major upgrades.

5) Implementing cross-play and cross-progression made it easier for friends to team up with minimal effort. Regular events and community competitions helped maintain player involvement throughout updates.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022)

This cross-generation launch brought harmony across campaigns, cooperative, and competitive gameplay modes within our ecosystem. Regular updates and content rotations were implemented to address player suggestions.

The blending of premium and complimentary content maintained a lively chat about the game. A continuous marketing effort on the PlayStation Store helped maintain its presence before potential new owners.

Red Dead Redemption II

Initially available for PlayStation 4, with future compatibility on more advanced systems, this western-themed game combined a substantial solo storyline with an online feature. Periodic updates enriched the experience by introducing novel activities and enhancing overall user experience.

A larger game environment and photography features invited players to share and revisit, while reduced pricing and special promotions enticed novice players to join in.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)

On PlayStation 4, this updated version made its debut, featuring a fresh engine and cross-platform multiplayer matching. A standalone, free-to-play mode was also introduced, providing an accessible gateway for players to explore the gaming environment.

The seasons provided maps, functions, and settings smoothly, avoiding fragmenting the community by not using conventional map releases as separate packs. Consistent advertising over several years maintained a high level of excitement.

Grand Theft Auto V

This open-world game, playable on PlayStation 3, 4, and 5, consistently updated its online aspect over time. The enhanced versions optimized graphics and performance for the latest systems.

The game’s content has been regularly updated, it has hosted numerous in-game events, and it benefited from ongoing retail and digital sales promotions, ensuring its longevity throughout three different console generations. The game remains easily discoverable on the PlayStation Store, continually attracting new players.

This list was provided by Circana.

Share with us, in the comments section below, which among these popular PlayStation titles was your first choice and what factors made you continue playing it.

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2025-09-13 02:16