History's Best Selling Video Games of 2020

At the dawn of the new millennium, 2020 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 Animal Crossing: New Horizons and The Last of Us Part II, capturing the public’s fancy in grand fashion. Distinguished creators from industry leaders like Nintendo EPD and Naughty Dog proved their mettle with Ghost of Tsushima, delivering craftsmanship that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Step right up and inspect our complete, rank-ordered historical archive below!

1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

   Released in 2020 by Nintendo EPD, Nintendo

   Released worldwide on March 20, 2020, 'Animal Crossing: New Horizons' launched at an unprecedented moment in modern history. As nations across the globe entered lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the game's arrival felt serendipitous. It offered a vibrant, peaceful, and social virtual escape precisely when people needed it most. This specific release date transformed the game from a highly anticipated sequel into a global cultural phenomenon, providing a digital space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Its launch wasn't just a successful product release; it became a defining piece of media for a generation navigating a period of profound isolation and uncertainty.

2. The Last of Us Part II

   Released in 2020 by Naughty Dog, Sony Interactive Entertainment

   Released on June 19, 2020, 'The Last of Us Part II' exploded onto the gaming scene, immediately becoming one of the most talked-about titles of the year. As the highly anticipated sequel to Naughty Dog's critically acclaimed original, its launch was a global event, drawing immense player excitement and critical scrutiny. It wasn't just a game; it was a cultural phenomenon that sparked fervent discussions, commanded headlines, and set new benchmarks for narrative ambition in interactive entertainment. Its polarizing story and technical prowess ensured it remained a dominant force throughout 2020, captivating millions from day one.

3. Ghost of Tsushima

   Released in 2020 by Sucker Punch Productions, Sony Interactive Entertainment

   Released amidst a global pandemic on July 17, 2020, Sucker Punch Productions' 'Ghost of Tsushima' quickly became a beacon of immersive escapism and a critical darling, captivating millions worldwide. Its stunning recreation of feudal Japan, coupled with a compelling narrative of honor versus necessity, established it as one of the year's most talked-about and best-selling titles. The game wasn't just a commercial success; it resonated culturally, drawing players into an epic tale of a samurai defending his homeland, making it a definitive cultural phenomenon in a challenging year for entertainment.

4. Hades

   Released in 2020 by Supergiant Games, Supergiant Games

   Hades, released on September 17, 2020, by Supergiant Games, wasn't just another roguelike; it was a bona fide cultural phenomenon that redefined expectations for the genre. Emerging from an early access period with significant buzz, its full launch captivated critics and players alike, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about and acclaimed titles of the year. This isometric action-RPG, steeped in Greek mythology, offered an irresistible blend of fast-paced combat, deep narrative, and stunning art direction, establishing itself as a standout success in a competitive market and cementing Supergiant's reputation for crafting exceptional, character-driven experiences. Its unique approach to storytelling within a roguelike structure resonated deeply, proving that even repetition could feel fresh and compelling.

5. Phasmophobia

   Released in 2020 by Kinetic Games

   On September 18, 2020, a small indie title named Phasmophobia launched into Steam Early Access, quietly introducing a new type of cooperative horror. Released just ahead of the Halloween season, its timing was perfect. The game rapidly transformed from an unknown project into a viral phenomenon, largely fueled by its popularity on streaming platforms like Twitch. Players and viewers were captivated by its unique take on ghost hunting, which emphasized teamwork, suspense, and genuine scares over jump-scare-laden action. This date marks the beginning of its journey from a niche concept to one of the most successful and influential indie horror games of the decade.

6. Quest 2

   Released in 2020 by Reality Labs

   On October 13, 2020, the landscape of virtual reality changed forever with the release of the Oculus Quest 2. This date marks the moment high-quality, standalone VR broke free from the niche enthusiast market and became a mainstream consumer product. Before the Quest 2, immersive VR was largely tethered to expensive gaming PCs, creating a high barrier to entry. This new device offered a powerful, self-contained experience at a revolutionary price point, eliminating the need for external sensors, complex setup, or a connected computer. Its launch wasn't just an iteration; it was a strategic move to democratize VR, making it accessible and appealing to millions, and setting a new standard for the entire industry.

7. Xbox Series X/S

   Released in 2020 by Microsoft

   On November 10, 2020, Microsoft initiated its campaign in the ninth generation of video game consoles with the global release of the Xbox Series X and Series S. This launch was unique not only for occurring during a global pandemic, which created unprecedented demand and supply chain challenges, but also for its dual-hardware strategy. Instead of a single flagship, Microsoft offered two distinct options: the powerhouse Series X for premium 4K gaming and the compact, all-digital Series S as a more accessible entry point. This date marked the culmination of Project Scarlett and the full realization of Microsoft's vision for an ecosystem centered around the player and its Game Pass subscription service.

8. PlayStation 5

   Released in 2020 by Sony

   On November 12, 2020, Sony Interactive Entertainment launched the PlayStation 5 in North America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea, marking a pivotal moment for the ninth generation of video game consoles. Released amidst a global pandemic, the launch was characterized by unprecedented demand and logistical challenges, leading to widespread stock shortages that defined its initial market presence. This date represented the culmination of years of development and the beginning of a new era focused on immersion, speed, and sensory feedback. For millions of eager gamers, November 12th was the day the future of interactive entertainment arrived in their homes, promising breathtaking visuals and revolutionary gameplay experiences.

9. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

   Released in 2020 by Treyarch, Raven Software, Activision

   On November 13, 2020, the world of gaming was thrust back into the shadowy conflicts of the 1980s with the worldwide release of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Launched during a unique moment in global history, the game arrived amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a major entertainment blockbuster to a world largely confined indoors. Its release was strategically timed to coincide with the launch of the next generation of consoles, the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, making it one of the first major cross-generation titles. This positioned it not just as the next installment in a blockbuster franchise, but as a key piece of software bridging the gap between two hardware eras.

10. Cyberpunk 2077

    Released in 2020 by CD Projekt Red, CD Projekt

    On December 10, 2020, the gaming world held its collective breath for the release of Cyberpunk 2077. After years of development, multiple high-profile delays, and a marketing campaign that built expectations to astronomical levels, the day had finally arrived. This date marked the culmination of one of the most anticipated development cycles in modern gaming history, following CD Projekt Red's monumental success with The Witcher 3. The launch was a global event, with millions of players eager to finally step into the dystopian streets of Night City. It was a moment poised to define a generation of open-world RPGs, making its worldwide release a landmark date.