I’ve been gaming for more than ten years now. And if there’s one thing I’ve noticed, it’s this: some games don’t just entertain, they completely change the way people spend money on gaming. These are the most profitable video games ever made. They pulled in billions, redefined the industry, and in some cases, outlived entire gaming generations.
Why Talk About Profitable Games?
You might ask, why care about profits? Simple. Money shows which games really connected with players. If millions of people keep paying for the same game year after year, there’s a reason.
- Maybe it’s addictive gameplay.
- Maybe it’s clever updates.
- Or maybe it’s just the community around it.
Either way, profits tell a story. And these games tell some of the biggest stories in gaming history.
1. Fortnite – Free Game, Billions Earned
https://www.fortnite.com/
Fortnite flipped the whole free-to-play idea on its head. Launched in 2017, it was supposed to be a survival game, but the battle royale mode blew up. And suddenly, everyone was playing.
The crazy part? The game is free. Yet players spend money like it’s a paid game.
Where the money comes from:
- Skins
- Emotes
- Battle Passes
Epic Games has made over 20 billion dollars from Fortnite. That’s not a typo. It’s all from cosmetics that don’t even change gameplay. And honestly, I’ve spent a few bucks on it myself. You probably have too, right?
2. Grand Theft Auto V – Still Selling, Still Winning
https://www.rockstargames.com/gta-v/
Released in 2013, GTA V refuses to die. I remember playing it on my old PS3. Now it’s on PS5. Over 195 million copies sold makes it one of the best-selling games ever.
But the real jackpot is GTA Online. Rockstar sells Shark Cards for in-game money, and players buy them for:
- Cars
- Properties
- Weapons
GTA V has earned more than 8 billion dollars. That’s a movie franchise level of cash. And with GTA VI coming, it might break records all over again.
3. Minecraft – The Game Everyone Has Played
https://www.minecraft.net/en-us
Minecraft is blocky, simple, and still one of the biggest games ever. It’s sold more than 300 million copies. That makes it the best-selling game of all time.
It makes money from:
- Base game sales
- Marketplace skins and mods
- Realms subscriptions
Revenue? About 3.5 billion dollars. But honestly, Minecraft’s true profit is its cultural impact. Kids, streamers, even schools use it. I don’t think any gamer has skipped Minecraft.
4. PUBG – The Mobile Goldmine
https://pubg.com/en/events/g-dragonxpubg
Before Fortnite, PUBG started the battle royale craze. On PC and consoles it did well, but the real success is PUBG Mobile.
In India, China, and many other places, PUBG Mobile dominates. People spend like crazy on skins, Royale Pass, and crates.
Revenue is over 13 billion dollars. That’s mainly mobile. Not bad for a game that was once just an experimental mod.
5. Crossfire – The FPS You Might Not Know
Crossfire isn’t famous in the West, but in Asia, it’s a monster. It’s a free-to-play FPS that launched back in 2007.
Players spend money on:
- Guns
- Skins
- Membership perks
It’s made about 13 billion dollars. Even though it’s not talked about as much in Europe or the US, it’s one of the most profitable video games in history.
6. World of Warcraft – The Subscription King
Launched in 2004, World of Warcraft (WoW) defined MMORPGs. Millions paid monthly just to play.
At its peak:
- Over 12 million subscribers
- Expansions kept it alive
- In-game services added more money
Total revenue is around 9.2 billion dollars. I still know people who play WoW like it’s day one. Few games last this long with this much loyalty.
7. Pokémon GO – Everyone Was Outside Again
When Pokémon GO dropped in 2016, streets filled with players chasing Pikachu. It was wild. The game used augmented reality to mix real life and gaming.
Revenue sources:
- Raid Passes
- Poké Balls
- Special events
Total? More than 7 billion dollars. It proved mobile gaming wasn’t just casual—people were willing to pay for it.
8. Call of Duty Franchise – Yearly Hits and Mobile Power
Call of Duty isn’t just one game. It’s a franchise machine. Every year, a new release. Add Warzone and Call of Duty Mobile, and you’ve got a juggernaut.
Total earnings across the franchise? Around 30 billion dollars. Call of Duty Mobile alone makes billions, especially in markets where PCs and consoles aren’t as common.
It’s proof that shooters never really go out of style.
9. League of Legends – Free to Play, Yet a Giant
League of Legends (LoL) launched in 2009. It’s still one of the most profitable video games today.
How it makes money:
- Skins
- Events
- Cosmetics
It’s earned more than 12 billion dollars. Add in its massive esports scene, and it’s not just a game, it’s a career for many players. I’ve tried LoL a few times, but wow—it’s not easy to master.
10. Honor of Kings – China’s Mobile Giant
Honor of Kings, called Arena of Valor outside China, is one of Tencent’s biggest games. Millions of players log in every day.
It earns from:
- Heroes
- Skins
- Seasonal passes
Revenue? Over 15 billion dollars. It might not be a household name everywhere, but in China, it’s as big as Fortnite or PUBG.
What These Games Show Us
After looking at all these games, a few lessons stand out:
- Free-to-play works better than anyone expected.
- Games with updates and expansions last way longer.
- Mobile games are making more money than console games in many regions.
My Take as a Gamer
I’ve played most of these games.Others I just enjoyed for free. But one thing is clear: these titles figured out how to keep us hooked.
Are the most profitable video games always the best ones? Not really. But they’re the ones that people return to again and again. And that’s what makes them special.
