History's Best Selling Video Games of 2013

At the dawn of the new millennium, 2013 saw a swell surge of Y2K fever and early digital revolution in the world of games! Leading the charge were mighty, top-selling marvels like BioShock Infinite and The Last of Us / Remastered, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Irrational Games and Naughty Dog proved their mettle with The Last of Us, delivering craftsmanship that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. BioShock Infinite

   Released in 2013 by Irrational Games, 2K Games

   BioShock Infinite burst onto the scene in March 2013, immediately captivating players and critics alike with its stunning artistic vision and ambitious narrative. Developed by Irrational Games, this first-person shooter quickly transcended the boundaries of a typical video game, becoming a cultural phenomenon that dominated discussions about storytelling and interactive art. Its launch was met with widespread critical acclaim and immense commercial success, cementing its place as one of the most talked-about and beloved titles of the year, hailed for pushing the medium's capabilities in delivering a profound and thought-provoking experience.

2. The Last of Us / Remastered

   Released in 2013 by Naughty Dog, Sony Computer Entertainment

   June 14, 2013, marked the release of what would become a generation-defining masterpiece for the PlayStation 3. Developed by Naughty Dog, The Last of Us launched late in the PS3's lifecycle, serving as a powerful and poignant swan song for the console. Anticipation was at a fever pitch, fueled by stunning trailers and previews that promised a grim, emotionally mature narrative unlike anything seen in the triple-A space. The game's release was a cultural event, immediately sparking conversations not just about its brutal gameplay, but its profound storytelling. It represented the culmination of the console generation's technological and narrative ambitions, setting a new benchmark for character-driven experiences in interactive entertainment.

3. The Last of Us

   Released in 2013 by Naughty Dog, Sony Computer Entertainment

   Released on June 14, 2013, The Last of Us immediately captivated the gaming world and beyond, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon. Developed by Naughty Dog, known for their cinematic storytelling, this title launched to universal critical acclaim and commercial success, redefining narrative possibilities in video games. Its post-apocalyptic setting, combined with a deeply personal story of survival, resonated powerfully with players, making it not just a bestseller but a benchmark for emotional depth and mature themes in the interactive medium. The game's impact was instantaneous, securing its place as one of the most important releases of its generation and setting a new standard for narrative-driven action-adventure games.

4. Payday 2

   Released in 2013 by Overkill Software, 505 Games

   On August 13, 2013, the world of cooperative gaming was jolted as Overkill Software unleashed Payday 2 upon the world for Windows PCs via Steam. Following the cult success of its predecessor, this sequel promised a vastly expanded and more ambitious heist experience. This date marked the beginning of a long and successful journey for the title, which would go on to define the co-op heist genre for a generation. Gamers eagerly donned their masks, ready to dive into the criminal underworld through Crime.net. The launch was not just a release; it was the establishment of a persistent criminal empire that would captivate millions of players for nearly a decade with its unique blend of stealth, strategy, and chaotic action.

5. Grand Theft Auto V

   Released in 2013 by Rockstar North, Rockstar Games

   On September 17, 2013, the video game industry experienced a seismic event with the release of Grand Theft Auto V on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The launch was the culmination of years of feverish anticipation and marketing, representing the pinnacle of the seventh console generation. More than just a game release, it was a global entertainment phenomenon. Stores held midnight launches for massive crowds, and the game shattered sales records instantly, grossing over $800 million in its first 24 hours. This date marks the beginning of a decade-long reign for one of the most commercially successful and culturally significant entertainment products ever created, setting a new benchmark for open-world gaming.

6. PlayStation 4

   Released in 2013 by Sony

   On November 15, 2013, the eighth console generation officially ignited in North America with the launch of the PlayStation 4. The gaming world was buzzing with anticipation following a dramatic E3 showdown where Sony positioned the PS4 as a pure, gamer-focused machine. Launching a week before its direct rival, the Xbox One, this date marked a strategic first strike. Sony learned valuable lessons from the PlayStation 3's difficult start, promising a more powerful, developer-friendly system at a competitive price. This launch wasn't just about a new box; it was a statement of intent, kicking off a generation that Sony would largely dominate through a consistent, player-centric strategy.

7. Xbox One

   Released in 2013 by Microsoft

   On November 22, 2013, exactly eight years after the launch of its predecessor, Microsoft unleashed the Xbox One upon 13 major markets, including North America and parts of Europe. The release marked Microsoft's entry into the eighth generation of video game consoles, arriving just one week after its primary competitor, the PlayStation 4. The launch was positioned not merely as a new gaming machine, but as the quintessential 'all-in-one entertainment system' designed to be the centerpiece of the modern living room. With the powerful Kinect sensor bundled with every console, Microsoft's vision was for users to seamlessly switch between games, live television, and streaming apps using voice commands, fundamentally changing how consumers interacted with their home entertainment.