History's Best Selling Video Games of 2019

Revisiting 2019 presents a grand parade of games history, marked by Y2K fever and early digital revolution and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including Resident Evil 2, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Mega Drive/Genesis Mini took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Capcom and FromSoftware led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. Resident Evil 2

   Released in 2019 by Capcom, Capcom

   Resident Evil 2 (2019) wasn't just a remake; it was a masterclass in re-imagining a classic, instantly becoming a cultural phenomenon upon its release. Launched on January 25, 2019, it immediately captivated both long-time fans and a new generation of horror enthusiasts with its stunning modern graphics and refined gameplay. This title quickly ascended to become one of the bestselling games of the year, demonstrating Capcom's exceptional ability to breathe fresh, terrifying life into a beloved franchise. The game's blend of nostalgic elements with cutting-edge visual fidelity and mechanics created an immersive, dread-filled experience that resonated deeply, proving that survival horror, when executed with such meticulous care, could still dominate the gaming landscape and set new benchmarks for remakes in the industry.

2. Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

   Released in 2019 by FromSoftware, Activision

   Released on March 22, 2019, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice immediately captivated the gaming world, solidifying FromSoftware's reputation for crafting challenging yet immensely rewarding experiences. This action-adventure title, published by Activision, quickly became a cultural touchstone, drawing in millions with its unique blend of intense combat, rich historical fantasy setting, and a compelling narrative centered around the lone wolf, Sekiro. Its launch was met with widespread critical acclaim and immense commercial success, proving that a demanding difficulty curve could still translate into mass market appeal. Sekiro wasn't just another game; it was an event, sparking countless discussions, speedruns, and a renewed appreciation for precision-based combat systems.

3. Mega Drive/Genesis Mini

   Released in 2019 by Sega

   On September 19, 2019, Sega officially entered the retro 'mini console' craze with the worldwide release of the Sega Mega Drive Mini (or Genesis Mini in North America). This date marked a significant moment for Sega fans, who had long awaited a high-quality, official celebration of the company's 16-bit legacy. After years of subpar licensed plug-and-play systems from other manufacturers, the Mini represented Sega taking direct control of its heritage. Its launch was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, instantly validating the company's decision to partner with renowned emulation experts M2 and proving that nostalgia, when handled with care and quality, was a powerful force in the modern gaming market.

4. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

   Released in 2019 by Infinity Ward, Activision

   On October 25, 2019, the gaming world experienced a seismic shift with the global launch of 'Call of Duty: Modern Warfare'. This date marked not just the release of another annual installment, but a bold reimagining of the sub-series that had defined a generation of first-person shooters. Developed by Infinity Ward, the game was a soft reboot, bringing back iconic characters like Captain Price in a grittier, more realistic contemporary setting. Anticipation was immense, as fans eagerly awaited the promised return to the 'boots-on-the-ground' gameplay that made the original trilogy a phenomenon. The launch was also technically significant, introducing cross-platform play to the series for the first time, uniting players across PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One in a shared multiplayer ecosystem.

5. Pokémon Sword / Shield

   Released in 2019 by Game Freak, Nintendo, The Pokémon Company

   On November 15, 2019, the Pokémon universe expanded onto a home console like never before with the worldwide release of Pokémon Sword and Shield for the Nintendo Switch. This date marked the launch of the eighth generation of Pokémon, introducing players to the Galar region, an area heavily inspired by Great Britain. It was a pivotal moment for the franchise, representing not only a significant graphical and technical leap by moving to the Switch but also a shift in game design with features like the expansive Wild Area. The launch was met with massive anticipation and commercial success, despite pre-release controversies, kicking off a new era for Pokémon trainers globally.

6. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

   Released in 2019 by Respawn Entertainment, Electronic Arts

   Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order launched on November 15, 2019, quickly becoming one of the year's most celebrated and bestselling titles. Its arrival was met with fervent anticipation, marking a significant return to story-driven single-player experiences within the Star Wars universe, a genre many fans felt had been underserved. The game wasn't just a commercial success; it became a cultural phenomenon, captivating both long-time Star Wars enthusiasts and new players with its compelling narrative and challenging gameplay. It proved that a well-crafted, narrative-focused adventure could thrive in a market increasingly dominated by live-service games, firmly re-establishing a beloved formula.