Biggest Game Launches Across All Platforms

2 October 2025

Gaming isn't just a hobby anymore—it’s a full-blown cultural phenomenon. Whether you're a die-hard PC gamer, a console aficionado, or you sneak your gaming sessions in on mobile, there's one thing we all get hyped about: Big. Game. Launches.

You know the ones. Midnight releases, pre-order chaos, trailers that break the internet, and the kind of buzz that turns casual gamers into full-time fans. From nostalgic reboots to cutting-edge new IPs, some games don’t just launch—they explode onto the scene.

So, let’s take a deep dive into the biggest game launches across all platforms. We're talking record-breaking sales, wild fanfare, and titles that left an indelible mark on the gaming world.

Why Game Launches Matter (More Than You Think)

Game launches are kind of like movie premieres—but louder, longer, and usually with more pizza involved. But they’re not just about hype. These launches often set the stage for how well a game performs long-term. A smooth launch can catapult a title to legendary status. A rocky one? Well, just ask Cyberpunk 2077 about that.

When a game drops across multiple platforms—PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and even mobile—it’s playing in the big leagues. Mass appeal, larger servers, influencer campaigns, and usually, sky-high expectations follow.

The Criteria: What Makes a Game Launch “Big”?

Before we jump into the list, here’s what we’re looking at:

- Sales within the first 24 hours or week
- Number of platforms it launched on
- Pre-launch hype & marketing
- Critical and community reception
- Cultural impact or trend-setting features

Now, let’s level up and check out some of the most unforgettable launches in gaming history.

1. Grand Theft Auto V (2013)

If we’re talking scale, GTA V still wears the crown. It launched on the PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2013, and eventually crawled its way to PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/Series X|S. This thing’s basically everywhere, including the dreams of Rockstar’s accountants.

- Launch Revenue: $800 million in 24 hours; $1 billion in 3 days
- Why It Blew Up: Open-world chaos, a deep narrative, and GTA Online as the cherry on top.
- Fun Fact: It became the fastest-selling entertainment product in history—not just games, all media.

You couldn’t swing a virtual baseball bat without hitting a GTA V meme or stream. It changed open-world gaming forever.

2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II (2022)

Call of Duty has always had major launches, but Modern Warfare II (2022) hit different. Serving as both a sequel and a reboot, it had the weight of legacy plus the polish of modern tech.

- Platform Reach: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC
- First Weekend Sales: Over $800 million
- What Made It Huge: Multiplayer, Warzone tie-ins, and a polished campaign

Love it or hate it, you can’t ignore it. CoD launches are now a fall tradition, like pumpkin spice lattes—but with more gunfire.

3. Elden Ring (2022)

FromSoftware took their punishing, souls-like formula and dropped it into a massive open world. And with help from George R.R. Martin on lore? Boom—it became an instant classic.

- Platforms: PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series X|S, and PC
- Sales: 12 million units in three weeks
- Buzz Factor: Sky-high anticipation, killer difficulty, and meme-worthy bosses

Imagine if Dark Souls and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild had a lovechild. That’s Elden Ring. It didn’t just launch—it thundered.

4. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (2023)

Speaking of Hyrule… this one deserves its own spotlight. After the groundbreaking Breath of the Wild, expectations were sky-high. Tears of the Kingdom didn’t just meet them—it possibly surpassed them.

- Platform: Nintendo Switch (only!)
- Sales: 10 million copies in first 3 days
- What Nailed It: Building mechanics, vast sky exploration, innovative puzzles

Nintendo flexed hard with this release. It was rare to see a platform-exclusive game dominate in a cross-platform world, but Zelda fans are built different.

5. Cyberpunk 2077 (2020)

Ah yes, the hype train that derailed. Launched with an avalanche of marketing, Cyberpunk 2077 had our attention for years before hitting the shelves.

- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
- Sales: 13 million in first few weeks
- Launch Issues: Buggy on last-gen consoles, limited features at release

Despite the rocky start, it bounced back admirably post-patches and expansions. A classic “Don’t judge a game by Day One” lesson.

6. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (2022)

Nintendo’s juggernaut franchise took a bold turn with Scarlet and Violet. Open world, new mechanics, and co-op exploration—finally!

- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Launch Sales: 10 million in 72 hours
- Why It Worked: Nostalgia + innovation = pure magic

Pokémon proved once again it’s not just for kids. It dug into its fanbase’s inner child and said, “Let’s go catch 'em all… again.”

7. Fortnite (2017)

Technically, Fortnite had a soft launch, but once Battle Royale mode hit? It was like a digital tsunami.

- Platforms: PC, consoles, Switch, mobile—literally everything
- User Base: 125 million users within a year
- Why It Exploded: Free-to-play, crossplay, cultural collabs (hello, Travis Scott concert)

Fortnite redefined what a game launch could be. It didn’t just release—it evolved in real-time. A digital sandbox, social hangout, and shooter all rolled into one.

8. Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018)

If GTA V is the wild son, RDR2 is the refined older sibling. Rockstar went cinematic and gave us a sprawling wild west epic.

- Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC
- Launch Earnings: $725 million in 3 days
- Standout Features: Immersive storytelling, jaw-dropping graphics, emotional depth

People cried over a cowboy game, okay? That’s how much this one hit home.

9. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020)

This one’s a different beast. It didn’t launch with action or combat—but with vibes. Perfectly timed with the start of the global pandemic, Animal Crossing became a pocket of joy in a chaotic world.

- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Sales: 11.77 million in 11 days
- Why It Hit: Wholesome escapism, daily engagement, community sharing

It was like gaming’s version of a warm blanket and cup of tea. Cozy, comforting, and just what the world needed.

10. God of War Ragnarök (2022)

How do you follow up a masterpiece? With another masterpiece. God of War Ragnarök was a sequel done right—bigger battles, deeper emotion, and Norse mythology dialed up to 11.

- Platforms: PS4, PS5
- Sales: 5.1 million in launch week (fastest-selling PlayStation exclusive)
- What Captivated Us: Father-son dynamics, epic combat, gorgeous visuals

Kratos showed us once again that rage + redemption = storytelling gold.

Honorable Mentions (Because We Can’t Leave These Out)

- Halo 3 (2007): One of the first console games to have a truly massive midnight launch.
- Minecraft (2011 Full Release): Technically a long beta, but its official release marked the beginning of a new era.
- League of Legends (2009): An evolving beast that carved out the MOBA scene and kept it on lockdown.

What Do These Launches Teach Us?

At the heart of every big launch? Passion. These games didn’t just ship—they made statements. They connected communities. They sparked debates, cosplay, fan art, and yes, even some rage tweets.

Gaming launches today are bigger than Hollywood premieres. They come with their own drama, excitement, and celebration. And whether we love or hate the game, we’re always part of the conversation.

The Future: Are Launches Getting Bigger?

Absolutely. With digital downloads, cloud gaming, pre-orders, and early-access betas, launch day isn’t even a day anymore—it’s a whole event. Social media, Twitch, and YouTube fuel the fire, turning small titles into giant success stories almost overnight.

And let’s not forget about global reach. Games could launch in Tokyo and go viral in Toronto within seconds. The world is literally watching.

Your Turn—What’s the Biggest Launch You’ve Experienced?

Whether it was waiting in line at midnight with a slice of cold pizza or hitting refresh at 12:01 a.m. for a digital download, you’ve probably felt the rush of a big game launch. It’s thrilling. It’s intense. It’s kind of magical, right?

Drop your favorite launch memories in the comments—and let’s keep the conversation going.