History's Best Selling Video Games of 2012

Make way for the hits of 2012! This remarkable era stood as a testament to the turn-of-the-millennium pop explosion and the march of first-rate games. Crowd-pleasers such as Mass Effect 3 shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers Borderlands 2 and Dishonored. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like BioWare and Gearbox Software, these trailblazing products dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike and earned a permanent place in cultural lore. Check out the complete rank-ordered ledger below to relive the finest releases of the year.

1. Mass Effect 3

   Released in 2012 by BioWare, Electronic Arts

   Mass Effect 3 launched on March 6, 2012, igniting both fervent excitement and passionate debate among its dedicated fanbase. As the highly anticipated conclusion to Commander Shepard's epic saga, it was immediately thrust into the spotlight, becoming one of the year's most talked-about and bestselling titles. The game wasn't just a release; it was a cultural event, a culmination of choices made over two preceding games, promising to deliver a definitive end to a beloved science-fiction universe. Its arrival marked a significant moment in gaming, drawing players back into a galaxy-spanning conflict against an ancient, existential threat, and solidifying its place as a phenomenon that transcended mere entertainment.

2. Borderlands 2

   Released in 2012 by Gearbox Software, 2K Games

   On September 18, 2012, gamers across North America were unleashed back onto the chaotic planet of Pandora with the launch of Borderlands 2. The release was met with immense anticipation, as the original 2009 title had become a sleeper hit, pioneering the 'looter-shooter' genre. For fans, this date marked the return of the cel-shaded art style and frantic cooperative action they loved, but promised a world that was bigger, badder, and more explosive. Developer Gearbox Software and publisher 2K Games aimed to build upon every aspect of the first game, and its launch day became a major event, kicking off a sales juggernaut and cementing the franchise as a cornerstone of modern gaming.

3. Dishonored

   Released in 2012 by Arkane Studios, Bethesda Softworks

   Dishonored launched in October 2012, immediately capturing the attention of gamers and critics alike with its unique blend of stealth, action, and supernatural powers. Developed by Arkane Studios and published by Bethesda Softworks, this first-person action-adventure game quickly became one of the year's most talked-about titles, praised for its immersive world and player-driven choices. Its distinctive art style, combined with a compelling narrative set in the plague-ridden industrial city of Dunwall, offered a refreshing experience that stood out in a crowded gaming landscape. Dishonored wasn't just a game; it was a cultural phenomenon that redefined expectations for immersive simulations, proving that player agency and environmental storytelling could drive a truly memorable experience.

4. Wii U

   Released in 2012 by Nintendo

   On November 18, 2012, Nintendo stepped into the high-definition era with the North American launch of the Wii U. Following the unprecedented global success of the Wii, expectations were immense. This date marked Nintendo's bold attempt to once again revolutionize gameplay, not with motion controls, but with a second screen. The Wii U GamePad, a large controller with its own integrated touchscreen, promised 'asymmetric gameplay' and the ability to play console games away from the television. The launch was a pivotal moment, representing a high-stakes gamble to redefine living room entertainment and secure a foothold against the impending next-generation consoles from Sony and Microsoft.

5. Far Cry 3

   Released in 2012 by Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft

   Far Cry 3 exploded onto the gaming scene on November 29, 2012, quickly becoming a cultural touchstone and one of the year's most talked-about titles. Its release was met with immense anticipation, and it delivered, captivating players worldwide with its intoxicating blend of open-world freedom, intense action, and a genuinely unsettling narrative. This tropical horror-infused shooter didn't just sell copies; it ignited conversations, defined a new standard for the open-world genre, and cemented itself as a defining experience of the seventh console generation. Its popularity wasn't merely commercial; it was a phenomenon that resonated deeply with players seeking an escape into a beautifully dangerous digital frontier.