Top Grossing Video Games of 2025

Top Grossing Video Games

Hey there, gamers! Ever wonder what it takes for a video game to become a massive hit? It’s not just about flashy graphics or a cool story anymore. In 2025, the gaming world is a powerhouse of entertainment, with live-service games and free-to-play titles leading the charge. They’re constantly evolving, keeping us hooked with new content and exciting events. This post is all about diving into that world, where we break down the highest-earning games of the year and figuring out what makes them so incredibly successful. So, get ready to explore the business side of the games we love to play.

How Video Games Make Money

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty on how these games actually make their money. It’s not just about selling game copies anymore. Today’s top games are built on a “Game-as-a-Service” model, or GaaS. Think of it like a subscription to a movie or music service, but for a game. You get the base experience, but the fun really kicks in with continuous updates, new seasons, and special events.

The big buzzwords here are in-game purchases and microtransactions. This is where most of the revenue comes from. But it’s not all just for fancy hats and cool weapon skins. We’re also talking about Battle Passes, a super popular way to keep players coming back. You pay a small fee and then earn tons of rewards just by playing the game, which is a total win-win!

Another major trend is hybrid monetization. This is where games mix and match different ways of earning money, like offering subscriptions, selling virtual items, and even including ads (but the smart, less annoying kind!). This helps them cater to all kinds of players, whether you’re someone who loves to buy everything or someone who’d rather play for free and watch a rewarded ad here and there. And let’s not forget cross-platform play. When a game is available on every device—from PC to console to your phone—it can reach a huge audience.

What’s Next for Gaming

So, what’s next? The gaming industry is always changing, always evolving, and there are some big trends that will shape the future. First off, get ready for even more free-to-play AAA games. The idea of getting a huge, high-quality game without paying upfront is becoming the norm, and studios are putting a lot of effort into making these experiences feel just as epic as a game you’d buy in a box.

Continuous content updates will be more important than ever. Gamers want a steady stream of new things to do, new stories to experience, and new ways to play. This keeps games feeling fresh and exciting, even years after they’ve launched.

And a huge force behind all of this? Artificial Intelligence. Yes,  AI is not just for the bad guys in a game anymore. It’s being used to create massive worlds, personalize the experience for each player, and even help developers make games faster and more efficiently. We’re just at the beginning of what AI can do for gaming.

We’re also seeing a lot more talk about ethical monetization. As regulators and players become more aware of how these systems work, developers will need to be more transparent and fair with their in-game purchases. It’s all about making sure that the player experience is positive and rewarding, not just about squeezing out as much money as possible.

Top Grossing Video Games of 2025

9 – Doom: The Dark Ages

Doom: The Dark Ages is impressive. It’s not just “more Doom,” but a whole new experience. It feels heavier and more intense, but still has that classic, high-energy Doom action. The new shield is an awesome addition that gives you a ton of cool new ways to take on demons, and when you combine that with all the classic guns, it just feels fantastic. The soundtrack is a banger, and the weapon, level, and enemy designs are top-notch. Honestly, id Software just keeps proving they know exactly what they’re doing.

Everyone is buzzing about this new entry in the iconic Doom series. It’s a brutal, fast-paced adventure that’s a blast to play. Given the franchise’s reputation, this game is expected to be a massive hit, proving that a fresh take on a classic series can still be a huge success.

8 – Grand Theft Auto V

You know how some games are just fun? Grand Theft Auto V is that, but on a whole other level. It’s not just a crazy good time; it’s also a super smart and hilarious take on modern America. It feels like a bigger and better version of everything they did in GTA IV. The world is massive—like, nothing else in gaming even comes close—and the story is so compelling and unpredictable. The best part is, it never gets in the way of you just doing whatever you want and creating your own chaos. Honestly, it’s one of the best games ever made.

Believe it or not, this game is still one of the top earners, even though it came out ages ago! Its secret? GTA Online. The online world is a living, breathing sandbox that’s constantly getting new updates, heists, and missions. It’s a never-ending party that keeps players hooked and spending money on in-game cash and items.

7 – Kingdom Come Deliverance 2

Honestly, Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a game changer. It feels like the kind of deep, first-person RPG that Bethesda used to make but with way better combat. Seriously, the melee fights are top-notch, something The Elder Scrolls never really nailed.

It does have a bit of a personality clash sometimes—it can’t decide if it wants you to follow a specific story or just let you run wild in its open world. But honestly, that’s not a big deal. The main quest is super compelling, and you can get completely lost in all the awesome side quests along the way. I had a blast exploring, and the story stuck with me long after I finished it.

This is one of the most anticipated sequels of the year. Fans have been waiting years to return to this incredibly detailed and realistic open-world RPG. The hype surrounding this game suggests that it will be a huge financial success, especially with its loyal fanbase and a massive new audience.

6 – WWE 2K25

WWE 2K25 is an impressive wrestling game, maybe since last year’s game, which also got top scores. A couple of small, extra purchases aside, it’s a killer game. It looks incredible, feels super smooth, and is packed with content. You can jump into intergender matches now, and the new MyRise and Showcase modes are a blast. It’s one of those games you can just get lost in for hours because there’s so much to unlock and explore. I’m actually itching to get back to it right now!

Like other sports titles, this one thrives on its annual updates. Fans of wrestling get to step into the ring with their favorite superstars and relive all the drama and action. The combination of new characters, special moves, and customization options keeps players invested and spending on new content to make their ultimate wrestler a true legend.

5 – Elden Ring: Nightreign

Elden Ring Nightreign it’s a mixed bag. When you can get a team of three friends together, it’s easily one of the best co-op games out there. The new Night Lord bosses are seriously some of the best FromSoftware has ever made, and each of the eight character classes feels unique and is a ton of fun to play. The whole “race against the clock” thing makes for some really thrilling, last-minute decisions.

The problem is, it’s almost impossible to have that kind of experience unless you’re playing with two real-life friends. There’s no cross-play or an easy way to communicate, so playing with random people is a pain. And if you just want to play by yourself? Forget it—the solo mode isn’t balanced well at all. It’s a game that’s incredible when everything lines up, but can be incredibly frustrating when it doesn’t.

The original Elden Ring was a phenomenon, and this expansion is set to be just as huge. This is a great example of how a game can continue to earn big money long after launch by giving players more of what they love. It’s bringing back tons of players and attracting new ones who want to see what all the fuss is about.

4 – Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is a fantastic comeback for the series. The campaign is so much fun, thanks to the variety and flexibility of the missions. The folks at Raven really dug deep to make sure every chapter felt unique, and they nailed it. Not only is the story super engaging and gets better the more you play, but the level design and creativity are way beyond what you might expect. It’s seriously a reminder that when done right, a Call of Duty campaign can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best in the genre.

No list of top grossing video games would be complete without Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Its success is all about its live service model. Every season, the game gets a huge update with new maps, weapons, and a battle pass that’s packed with rewards. This cycle of fresh content keeps the community engaged and ensures a steady stream of income.

3 – Assassins Creed Shadows

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a great game that feels like a more focused version of the series. The combat is more challenging, engaging, and encourages you to actually explore the beautiful world instead of just clearing a map. The two main characters are really memorable, even if the story is a bit predictable. The only catch is that the stealthy ninja character feels way more useful than the samurai, which can make things feel a little unbalanced. This game probably won’t win over anyone who never liked the series, but if you’re already a fan, it sounds like a refreshing change you should definitely check out.

This game is a huge moment for the Assassin’s Creed series. It takes players to a new setting in Japan and introduces two unique protagonists. It’s expected to be a major success, showing that a fresh setting and a new approach can breathe new life into an established franchise.

2 – The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered

The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered is a sweet mix of old and new. It’s a nostalgic adventure that brings back all the things we loved about the original, with some nice modern touches that make it feel way smoother. The quests and stories are even better than you might remember, and it gives you so much freedom to play how you want. The only bummer is that it’s still got glitches and bugs, and it didn’t fix some of the game’s old problems, like the weird enemy difficulty. Even with those flaws, it’s still a blast to play and totally worth revisiting.

Nostalgia is a powerful force in gaming. This remaster brings a beloved classic to a new generation of players while giving old fans a chance to experience it all over again with better graphics and a smoother experience. It’s a genius move that’s guaranteed to be a hit with both new and old fans.

1 – Monster Hunter Wilds

Monster Hunter Wilds does a great job of smoothing out some of the clunkiness from older games. It’s easier to get into the action and start fighting monsters with all the awesome weapons. The only thing is, it might be a little too easy for veteran hunter players. You can get through a lot of the game without even needing to mess with your equipment, which is a big part of the fun. The combat is incredible and really exciting, but it kind of peaks too soon. Let’s hope hope Capcom adds some tougher monsters later on so we can really put our skills and monster slaying gear to the test.

As a brand-new game in an incredibly successful franchise, Monster Hunter Wilds is a top contender for the biggest new release of the year. The series has a loyal global following, and the anticipation for this game is off the charts, setting it up to be a massive commercial success.

Lastly

At the end of the day, it’s pretty wild to see how much the gaming world has changed. The days of just buying a game and being done with it are pretty much over. Now, it’s all about living, breathing worlds that are constantly changing and evolving. The most successful and the top grossing video games of 2025 are the ones that have mastered this new business model, finding the perfect balance between engaging gameplay and smart monetization. It’s a fun and exciting time to be a gamer, and it’ll be a blast to see what’s next for the industry.

So what are your thoughts? What do you think of these top grossing video games? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. And if you wanna know about these great games, click on the red buttons to find out more. That’s all for now. Keep safe ’til next time 😀