The Most Successful Fighting Game of All Time, Ranked

Choose the fighting game you think is the most successful!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 25, 2024 07:23
Fighting games have always brought a thrill to gamers, allowing them to challenge others in intense, skillful combat. Understanding which game is the most successful can not only help new players choose where to start their journey but also gives seasoned players a sense of which titles have truly captured the heart of the community. This helps in appreciating the evolution of game mechanics and community engagement over the years. Our site enables enthusiasts and newcomers alike to cast their votes on which fighting game they believe stands out above the rest. Each vote contributes to a dynamic list that reflects current trends and community favoritism. By participating, users can influence the ranking, ensuring it consistently represents the collective opinion of the gaming community.

What Is the Most Successful Fighting Game of All Time?

  1. 1
    48
    points

    Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

    A crossover fighting game published by Nintendo, featuring characters from various Nintendo franchises and other third-party franchises.
    • Release Date: December 7, 2018
    • Platform: Nintendo Switch
    • Units Sold: 28.82 million (as of September 2022)
  2. 2
    16
    points

    Mortal Kombat X

    A fighting game developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, known for its graphic violence.
    • Release Date: April 14, 2015
    • Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
    • Units Sold: Over 11 million (as of 2022)
  3. 3
    14
    points

    Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes

    A crossover fighting game developed and published by Capcom, featuring characters from both Capcom's video game franchises and comic book series published by Marvel Comics.
    • Release Date: February 24, 2000
    • Platform: Arcade, Dreamcast, PlayStation 2, Xbox, iOS
    • Units Sold: Not specified
  4. 4
    11
    points

    Dragon Ball FighterZ

    A 2.5D fighting game developed by Arc System Works and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, based on the Dragon Ball franchise.
    • Release Date: January 26, 2018
    • Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch
    • Units Sold: Over 8 million (as of 2022)
  5. 5
    8
    points

    Soulcalibur II

    A weapon-based fighting game developed by Project Soul and published by Namco, known for its character roster and gameplay mechanics.
    • Release Date: July 5, 2002
    • Platform: Arcade, PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube
    • Units Sold: Over 2.7 million (as of 2008)
  6. 6
    7
    points

    Tekken 3

    A fighting game in the Tekken series developed and published by Namco, known for its significant impact on the fighting game genre.
    • Release Date: March 20, 1997
    • Platform: Arcade, PlayStation
    • Units Sold: Over 8.3 million (as of 2014)
  7. 7
    4
    points

    Killer Instinct

    A series of fighting video games originally created by Rare and published by Midway, Nintendo, and Microsoft Studios.
    • Release Date: November 22, 1994
    • Platform: Arcade, SNES, Game Boy, Xbox One
    • Units Sold: Not specified
  8. 8
    0
    points

    Super Smash Bros. Brawl

    The third installment in the Super Smash Bros. series, featuring characters from various Nintendo franchises and other third-party franchises.
    • Release Date: January 31, 2008
    • Platform: Wii
    • Units Sold: 13.32 million (as of 2022)
  9. 9
    0
    points

    Tekken 7

    A fighting game developed and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment, known for its large character roster and critical acclaim.
    • Release Date: March 18, 2015
    • Platform: Arcade, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC
    • Units Sold: Over 9 million (as of 2022)
  10. 10
    0
    points

    Street Fighter II

    A competitive fighting game developed and published by Capcom, which popularized the fighting game genre.
    • Release Date: February 6, 1991
    • Platform: Arcade
    • Units Sold: Over 15.5 million (as of 2014)

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About this ranking

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

Statistics

  • 2175 views
  • 108 votes
  • 10 ranked items

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Voting Rules

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

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More about the Most Successful Fighting Game of All Time

Fighting games have been a staple of the gaming world for decades. They offer players a chance to test their skills, reflexes, and strategies against others. One fighting game stands out as the most successful of all time. It has set records, influenced culture, and created a loyal fan base.

The game first appeared in arcades. Its release marked a turning point in the industry. Players lined up to try their hand at the game. The mechanics were simple yet deep. Each character had unique moves and abilities. This added layers of strategy and replay value. As players learned the game, they discovered combos and techniques. These became the foundation of competitive play.

The game's success in arcades led to home console versions. This expanded its reach even further. Now, players could practice at home and bring their skills to the arcade. The game sold millions of copies worldwide. It became a household name. The graphics and sound were ahead of their time. The characters became iconic. They were more than just pixels on a screen. They had backstories, rivalries, and personalities.

Tournaments soon followed. Players from around the world gathered to compete. These events drew large crowds and media attention. The game became a sport. It had professional players, sponsors, and prize money. It also fostered a sense of community. Players shared tips, strategies, and stories. Friendships formed, and rivalries grew.

The game continued to evolve. New versions introduced more characters, stages, and mechanics. Each release kept the core gameplay intact while adding fresh elements. This balance of old and new kept the game relevant. It appealed to both veterans and newcomers. The developers listened to feedback from the community. They made adjustments and improvements. This helped maintain the game's high standards.

The game's influence extended beyond the gaming world. It appeared in movies, TV shows, and comics. Its characters became cultural icons. They appeared in other games and media. Merchandise such as toys, clothing, and posters became popular. The game left a mark on popular culture.

The game's impact on the industry is undeniable. It set a standard for fighting games. Many titles tried to replicate its success. Few came close. The game introduced mechanics that became genre staples. It showed that fighting games could be both accessible and deep. It proved that competitive gaming could be a spectator sport.

The legacy of this game is still strong. New players discover it every day. Veterans continue to hone their skills. The game remains a benchmark for quality and innovation. It has inspired countless developers and players. Its influence will be felt for years to come.

In conclusion, the most successful fighting game of all time changed the landscape of gaming. It combined deep mechanics with accessible gameplay. It created a community and a competitive scene. It became a cultural phenomenon. Its legacy endures, and its impact is lasting.

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