With 2009 sales reports now out of the way the NPD research group has turned its sights towards listing the top selling games dating back to 1995, when the group first began tracking video game sales data.
NPD has noted however that this list was compile at a title level and has not been divided by SKU. This means that sales for all platforms are included on multiplatform titles. In addition this chart does not include any PC games and instead focuses on console/handheld releases.
The fact that multiplatform sales are bundled together makes the appearance of three Wii titles on the list all the more impressive. It must however be noted that Wii Fit, Wii Play and Mario Kart have all been bundled with console or remote packages – significantly boosting sales numbers.
NPD’s biggest titles since 1995
1) Wii Play
2) Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock
3) Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas
4) Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
5) Wii Fit
6) Mario Kart (with wheel)
7) Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
8) Madden NFL ‘07
9) Call of Duty: World at War
10) Namco Museum
*NPD declined to include sales figures
What this list makes clear is the sheer size and selling power behind Activision’s Call of Duty franchise. Despite the sheer number of Wii consoles sold to the casual gaming market in the past few years, the core gaming market still managed to prevail and elevate Call of Duty to the top position overall.