The Most Popular Game Franchise, Ranked

Choose the game franchise you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 23, 2024 06:53
Deciding which game franchise holds the crown can be a challenging task given the sheer number of superb contenders each bringing their unique flair and dedicated fanbases. Yet, it's a question that continually captivates the gaming community's spirit, sparking lively discussions and heartfelt debates across various forums and social gatherings. By ranking these franchises, we not only celebrate their success but also gauge their impact and relevance in the current gaming landscape. Here, every fan's opinion matters, and your votes directly influence the live rankings you see. This dynamic list offers a snapshot of what titles are resonating with gamers right now. Whether you're voting for the first time or checking back to see how the rankings have shifted, your participation helps in painting a clearer picture of the gaming world's favorites. It’s an ongoing interaction that keeps the community engaged and informed about where their beloved franchises stand.

What Is the Most Popular Game Franchise?

  1. 1
    52
    points
    Mario

    Mario

    A video game franchise created by Nintendo, centered on the fictional plumber Mario and, in many games, his brother Luigi. The franchise's other genres include puzzle, racing, and role-playing.
    • First Release: July 9, 1981
    • Best-Selling Game: Super Mario Bros.
  2. 2
    29
    points
    Grand Theft Auto

    Grand Theft Auto

    A series of action-adventure games created by David Jones and Mike Dailly. Later titles were developed under the oversight of brothers Dan and Sam Houser, Leslie Benzies and Aaron Garbut. It is primarily developed by British development house Rockstar North (formerly DMA Design), and published by its parent company, Rockstar Games.
    • First Release: October 21, 1997
    • Best-Selling Game: Grand Theft Auto V
  3. 3
    20
    points
    The Legend of Zelda

    The Legend of Zelda

    A high fantasy action-adventure video game series created by Japanese game designers Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka. It is primarily developed and published by Nintendo, although some portable installments and re-releases have been outsourced to Capcom, Vanpool, and Grezzo.
    • First Release: February 21, 1986
    • Best-Selling Game: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
  4. 4
    14
    points
    Call of Duty

    Call of Duty

    A first-person shooter video game franchise published by Activision. Starting out in 2003, it first focused on games set in World War II, but over time, the series has seen games set in modern times, the midst of the Cold War, futuristic worlds, and outer space.
    • First Release: October 29, 2003
    • Best-Selling Game: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
  5. 5
    9
    points
    FIFA

    FIFA

    A series of association football video games or football simulator, released annually by Electronic Arts under the EA Sports label. The franchise has been recognized for its use of official licenses from real-life leagues and teams.
    • First Release: December 15, 1993
    • Best-Selling Game: FIFA 18
  6. 6
    8
    points

    Minecraft

    A sandbox video game developed by Mojang Studios. The game was created by Markus "Notch" Persson in the Java programming language. Following several early private testing versions, it was first made public in May 2009 before fully releasing in November 2011, with Jens Bergensten taking over development.
    • First Release: November 18, 2011
    • Best-Selling Game: Minecraft
  7. 7
    0
    points
    Tetris

    Tetris

    A tile-matching puzzle video game originally designed and programmed by Soviet Russian software engineer Alexey Pajitnov. The first playable version was completed on June 6, 1984. The game is available on nearly every video game console and computer operating system, as well as devices such as graphing calculators, mobile phones, portable media players, PDAs, and even as an Easter egg on non-media products like oscilloscopes.
    • First Release: June 6, 1984
    • Best-Selling Game: Tetris
  8. 8
    0
    points
    Sonic the Hedgehog

    Sonic the Hedgehog

    A Japanese video game series and media franchise created and owned by Sega. The franchise follows Sonic, an anthropomorphic blue hedgehog who battles the evil Doctor Robotnik, a mad scientist. The series began in 1991 with the release of Sonic the Hedgehog on the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive.
    • First Release: June 23, 1991
    • Best-Selling Game: Sonic the Hedgehog 2
  9. 9
    0
    points

    Wii Sports

    A sports video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii video game console. The game was released in North America along with the Wii on November 19, 2006, and was included with the console for all regions except Japan and South Korea.
    • First Release: November 19, 2006
    • Best-Selling Game: Wii Sports
  10. 10
    0
    points
    Pokémon

    Pokémon

    A media franchise managed by The Pokémon Company, a consortium between Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures. It revolves around fictional creatures called "Pokémon", which humans, known as Pokémon Trainers, catch and train to battle each other for sport.
    • First Release: February 27, 1996
    • Best-Selling Game: Pokémon Red and Green/Blue

Missing your favorite game franchise?

Graphs
Error: Failed to render graph
Discussion
No discussion started, be the first!

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular game franchise. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or franchise is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 2964 views
  • 132 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Movers & Shakers

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each franchise once every 24 hours. The rank of each franchise is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Popular Game Franchise

Mario
Rank #1 for the most popular game franchise: Mario (Source)
The most popular game franchise has a rich history. It started with simple graphics and basic gameplay. Over the years, it evolved into a complex and immersive experience. Players from all over the world enjoy it. The franchise spans multiple generations, appealing to both young and old.

In the beginning, the game was simple. Players controlled a character on a screen. The goal was to complete tasks or defeat enemies. The graphics were basic, but the gameplay was engaging. As technology improved, so did the game. Developers added more features and improved the graphics.

The franchise grew in popularity. It became a household name. People of all ages played it. The game was available on various platforms. This made it accessible to a wide audience. The developers continued to innovate. They introduced new characters, stories, and gameplay mechanics.

The franchise expanded beyond games. It included merchandise, movies, and TV shows. Fans could buy toys, clothing, and other items. The movies and TV shows brought the game to a broader audience. This helped to increase its popularity even more.

The game also had a strong online presence. Players could connect and play with others from around the world. This added a social aspect to the game. It allowed players to form communities and share their experiences. The developers supported this by adding online features and events.

The franchise's success can be attributed to several factors. First, it has a broad appeal. Players of all ages and backgrounds enjoy it. Second, the developers are committed to innovation. They constantly update the game and add new content. This keeps players engaged and coming back for more.

Another factor is the strong community. Players support each other and share their experiences. This creates a sense of belonging. The developers also listen to the community. They take feedback and make improvements based on it.

The franchise's impact on popular culture is significant. It has influenced other games, movies, and TV shows. Many people have fond memories of playing the game. It has become a part of their lives.

In conclusion, the most popular game franchise has a long and rich history. It started with simple graphics and gameplay. Over time, it evolved into a complex and immersive experience. The franchise has a broad appeal and a strong community. Its success can be attributed to innovation and a commitment to quality.

Share this article