Select Language:
Top 20 Highest-Grossing Video Game Franchises of 2025
1. Super Mario: The Unrivaled Global Icon ($53.85 Billion)
Super Mario remains the undisputed leader among video game franchises, surpassing the $50 billion mark in total revenue. The beloved Italian plumber has captured hearts across generations, with new releases and enduring classics fueling continuous growth. The franchise’s ability to adapt to new gaming technologies and expand into merchandise, movies, and theme parks keeps Mario at the forefront of entertainment worldwide.
2. Pokémon: A Phenomenon That Continues to Grow ($35.4 Billion)
Pokémon’s expansive universe, from game titles and mobile apps to trading cards and merchandise, contributed to its staggering revenue. In 2025, the franchise capitalized on new game releases, augmented reality integrations, and multimedia expansions, solidifying its place as one of the most profitable entertainment properties globally. The ongoing appeal of Pokémon GO and new spin-offs keeps the franchise thriving.
3. Call of Duty: The Powerhouse of First-Person Shooters ($35 Billion)
With a dedicated fanbase and regular updates, Call of Duty maintains its dominance in the first-person shooter genre. Strengthened by competitive eSports and a robust post-launch content pipeline, the franchise generated significant revenue through game sales, downloadable content, and in-game purchases. Its global popularity keeps it firmly among the top grossers in the industry.
4. Pac-Man: The Retro Legend Continues to Earn ($24 Billion)
Decades after its debut, Pac-Man remains a nostalgic yet still profitable franchise. Its impact extends beyond arcade cabinets into mobile games, merchandise, and modern adaptations. The continuous reimagining of the classic maze game ensures Pac-Man’s relevancy and profitability decades after its inception.
5. Candy Crush Saga: The Mobile Match-3 Titan ($23 Billion)
Mobile gaming continues to be a dominant force in the industry, and Candy Crush Saga remains one of its brightest stars. Its addictive gameplay, accessible design, and regular content updates keep players engaged, translating into massive revenue streams from in-app purchases. The franchise’s focus on social features and events boosts user retention.
6. Fortnite: The Battle Royale Pioneer ($22 Billion)
Fortnite revolutionized the battle royale genre, and by 2025, it continues to generate enormous revenue through in-game transactions, collaborations with pop culture icons, and live events. Its frequent updates and innovative gameplay sustain its massive player base and profitability.
7. Dungeon Fighter Online: The South Korean Behemoth ($21.8 Billion)
As one of the most successful online multiplayer games, Dungeon Fighter Online maintains its popularity in Asia and has a dedicated fanbase worldwide. Its engaging combat system and frequent content expansions contribute to consistent revenue, making it a leading Korean franchise.
8. Space Invaders: The Pioneering Space Shooter ($20 Billion)
A classic that defined the arcade era, Space Invaders continues to earn through nostalgic re-releases and merchandise. Its influence on the shooting genre and ongoing remasters keeps it relevant in today’s gaming market.
9. Street Fighter: The Legendary Fighting Series ($18 Billion)
Street Fighter remains a mainstay among fighting game fans worldwide. Competitive tournaments, new entries, and multimedia tie-ins contribute to its sustained financial success, exemplifying the franchise’s enduring appeal.
10. Wii Series: The Family Entertainment Staple ($16 Billion)
The Wii’s innovative motion controls and family-friendly titles transformed gaming in the late 2000s, and its series continue to generate income. The franchise’s ability to evolve with new technology and nostalgia-driven remasters sustains its financial strength.
11. League of Legends: The E-sports Giant ($16 Billion)
As the cornerstone of competitive online gaming, League of Legends commands a vast global audience. Revenue from skins, tournaments, and merchandise sustains its position among high-grossing franchises in 2025.
12. CrossFire: The South Korean Shooter ($15 Billion)
This tactical shooter remains immensely popular in Asian markets. Its intense gameplay and regular content updates keep gamers engaged, translating into substantial earnings.
13. Lineage: The Long-Standing MMORPG ($15 Billion)
With a dedicated community and a long history, Lineage continues to earn through subscription models, expansion packs, and in-game purchases, maintaining its status as an influential MMORPG franchise.
14. Warcraft: The Fantasy Strategy Milestone ($15 Billion)
Blizzard’s Warcraft franchise remains culturally iconic. Its core strategy games and the popular World of Warcraft MMORPG have diversified revenue sources, including expansions, merchandise, and media adaptations.
15. Honor of Kings: The Chinese Mobile Powerhouse ($15 Billion)
Dominating the Chinese mobile gaming scene, Honor of Kings commands millions of active players. Its innovative gameplay and localized content fuel its enormous revenue generation.
16. FIFA: The Globally Recognized Soccer Simulator ($15 Billion)
The FIFA franchise continues to be the top-selling sports game worldwide, driven by annual releases, licensing agreements, and competitive eSports events that draw in millions of fans.
17. Grand Theft Auto: The Open-World Crime Saga ($14 Billion)
Rockstar Games’ flagship series remains a cultural phenomenon, with continual updates, new titles, and expansive online modes contributing notably to the franchise’s revenue.
18. Monster Strike: Mobile Monster Collecting ($11.8 Billion)
Popular in Japan and beyond, Monster Strike combines strategic gameplay with social features, which keeps players engaged and purchasing in-game content.
19. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG): The Battle Royale Trailblazer ($11 Billion)
PUBG helped popularize the battle royale genre globally, with consistent earnings from game sales, premium features, and streaming events.
20. Minecraft: The Sandbox Universe ($10 Billion)
Minecraft’s creative sandbox environment and continuous updates foster a vast community. Its educational use and merchandising boost its earnings, solidifying its status as a top franchise.
Note: Revenue figures are adjusted for inflation based on the latest data from 2025, sourced from corporate financial reports, Sensor Tower, Data.ai, and Newzoo via VG.
ChatGPT
Perplexity
Gemini AI
Grok AI
