What is the best video game franchise?
Dive into a world of gaming greatness, where beloved classics clash with bold new contenders, and niche gems compete against towering giants of the industry. Are you ready to make your mark and decide which franchise reigns supreme?
1Super MarioIconic platformer featuring Mario's adventures to save Princess Peach
2The Legend of ZeldaAction-adventure series centered around Link's quest to save Hyrule
3PokémonFranchise about capturing and battling creatures called Pokémon
4Grand Theft AutoOpen-world action series focused on crime and exploration
5Call of DutyPopular first-person shooter series known for its multiplayer modes
6Assassin's CreedAction-adventure series exploring historical events through assassins
7The WitcherRPG series following Geralt of Rivia in a fantasy world
8MinecraftSandbox game allowing players to build and explore blocky worlds
9FortniteBattle royale game combining building mechanics and survival gameplay
10Final FantasyLong-running RPG series known for its epic stories and characters
11The Elder ScrollsOpen-world RPG series set in the fantasy realm of Tamriel
12FalloutPost-apocalyptic RPG series focusing on survival and exploration
13Dark SoulsChallenging action RPG known for its deep lore and difficulty
14BloodborneAction RPG set in a gothic horror world with fast-paced combat
15Elden RingAction RPG combining open-world exploration with Souls-like mechanics
16God of WarAction-adventure series following Kratos in mythological settings
17The Last of UsNarrative-driven game exploring survival in a post-apocalyptic world
18UnchartedAction-adventure series featuring treasure hunter Nathan Drake
19HaloSci-fi shooter series centered around the conflict with the Covenant
20Gears of WarThird-person shooter series focused on combat against monstrous Locusts
21ForzaRacing game series known for realistic driving and car customization
22Gran TurismoRealistic racing simulator emphasizing car performance and physics
23FIFAAnnual soccer video game series featuring real teams and players
24Madden NFLFootball simulation game series based on the NFL
25NBA 2KBasketball simulation game series known for its realistic gameplay
26Metal Gear SolidStealth action series focusing on espionage and military themes
27Resident EvilSurvival horror series featuring zombie outbreaks and puzzles
28Silent HillPsychological horror series known for its unsettling atmosphere
29BattlefieldMultiplayer-focused shooter series emphasizing large-scale warfare
30OverwatchTeam-based shooter featuring diverse heroes with unique abilities
31League of LegendsMultiplayer online battle arena game with strategic gameplay
32DotaMultiplayer online battle arena game known for its competitive scene
33Counter-StrikeTactical shooter focusing on team-based gameplay and strategy
34ValorantTactical shooter combining character abilities with traditional gunplay
35StarCraftReal-time strategy game set in a sci-fi universe with three factions
36WarcraftFantasy strategy series known for its rich lore and gameplay
37World of WarcraftMassively multiplayer online RPG set in the Warcraft universe
38DiabloAction RPG series focusing on dungeon crawling and loot collection
39Mass EffectSci-fi RPG series known for its branching narratives and characters
40Dragon AgeFantasy RPG series focusing on character-driven storytelling
41BioShockNarrative-driven shooter exploring themes of power and morality
42Half-LifeFirst-person shooter series known for its innovative gameplay
43PortalPuzzle-platformer featuring a unique portal gun mechanic
44Team FortressClass-based multiplayer shooter with distinct character roles
45Left 4 DeadCooperative shooter focusing on surviving against zombie hordes
46BorderlandsLoot-driven shooter with a distinctive cel-shaded art style
47CivilizationTurn-based strategy game series about building and managing empires
48XCOMTactical strategy series focused on combating alien invasions
49Total WarStrategy series combining turn-based management with real-time battles
50Age of EmpiresHistorical real-time strategy series focusing on civilization building
51Street FighterIconic fighting game series known for its diverse characters
52Mortal KombatFighting game series famous for its brutal combat and fatalities
53TekkenLong-running fighting game series featuring a diverse roster of fighters
54Super Smash Bros.Crossover fighting game featuring characters from various franchises
55Sonic the HedgehogPlatformer series featuring Sonic's speed and adventures
56Mega ManAction platformer series known for its challenging gameplay
57CastlevaniaAction-adventure series focusing on vampire hunting and exploration
58MetroidAction-adventure series featuring exploration and platforming elements
59Donkey KongClassic platformer featuring Donkey Kong and various challenges
60KirbyPlatformer series starring Kirby, known for his ability to copy powers
61Animal CrossingLife simulation game focused on building and managing a village
62SplatoonTeam-based shooter featuring colorful ink-based combat
63Red Dead RedemptionOpen-world action-adventure set in the American Wild West
64Spider-ManAction-adventure game featuring the iconic superhero's web-slinging
Comments
Sixty-four franchises, and the record on it is 893,464,669 units sold. The nearest series to that number is Tetris, around 520 million: https://youpick.best/articles/super-mario-vs-legend-of-zelda https://youpick.best/articles/final-fantasy-ranked-many-ways
Selling more than anyone else does not settle this ballot, which is where Grand Theft Auto runs into trouble: https://youpick.best/articles/grand-theft-auto-ranked-many-ways
Sixty-four franchises in this field, and Halo is the one that spent 25 years tied to a single console: https://youpick.best/articles/halo-ranked-many-ways
