Action games have shaped the entire gaming landscape since the earliest days of arcades. From pixelated heroes jumping over barrels to photorealistic warriors exploring vast open worlds, these games form the backbone of an industry now worth over $180 billion annually.
Remember the first time you rescued Princess Peach or pulled off a perfect Tetris clear? These moments transcend mere entertainment. The most influential action game franchises have become cultural phenomena, inspiring movies, merchandise, and even academic studies on their societal impact.
Throughout gaming history, certain series have stood above the rest—not just as commercial successes but as true innovators that pushed technical boundaries and redefined what games could be. These franchises didn't just sell well; they fundamentally changed how we play and experience interactive entertainment.
From Super Mario's genre-defining platforming to Grand Theft Auto's controversial open worlds, each series in this list has left an indelible mark on the medium. Let's explore the 27 action game franchises that didn't just participate in gaming history—they defined it.
Super Mario
The mustachioed plumber in red overalls represents the most recognizable character in gaming history. Mario began his journey in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong as "Jumpman" before Nintendo officially named him after their American warehouse landlord, Mario Segale. Following his debut in Mario Bros. (1983), the franchise exploded with Super Mario Bros. (1985), establishing the core gameplay elements that would define platformers for decades.
Super Mario franchise origins
Initially conceived by Shigeru Miyamoto as a character who could make recurring cameos across different games, Mario evolved from carpenter to Italian-American plumber. The change reflected the pipe-filled landscapes in Mario Bros. and Miyamoto's appreciation for Western comics. Nintendo deliberately positioned Mario as their Mickey Mouse equivalent, creating a mascot inextricably linked with their brand.
Super Mario gameplay evolution
Throughout the years, Mario's adventures transformed from simple side-scrolling to revolutionary 3D worlds. Super Mario Bros. introduced power-ups like the Super Mushroom that increased Mario's size and the Fire Flower that granted fireball-throwing abilities. Moreover, Super Mario 64 (1996) redefined 3D movement with its fluid controls and open-world exploration. Subsequently, Super Mario Galaxy (2007) pushed boundaries with innovative gravity mechanics.
Notable Super Mario titles
Among the franchise's standout games, Super Mario Bros. 3 sold 18 million copies on NES alone, introducing suits that gave Mario flight abilities. Meanwhile, Super Mario World (1990) expanded exploration with multiple paths and secret exits. Furthermore, Super Mario Odyssey (2017) refreshed the formula with the innovative "capture" mechanic, allowing Mario to possess enemies.
Super Mario cultural impact
Beyond games, Mario permeates global culture. The franchise has inspired multiple films, including the recent Super Mario Bros. Movie that grossed $1.3 billion worldwide. Additionally, Mario's musical themes, composed by Koji Kondo, have become instantly recognizable worldwide, while his catchphrases voiced by Charles Martinet resonate across generations.
Super Mario sales and popularity
The Mario franchise has sold over 950 million units worldwide, making it the best-selling video game franchise of all time. The Super Mario series alone accounts for more than 430 million copies. Overall, the entire Mario franchise has generated approximately $60 billion in revenue, cementing its position as the second highest-grossing video game franchise behind only Pokémon.
Super Mario legacy and influence
Mario's influence extends throughout gaming history. The franchise pioneered side-scrolling mechanics, established jumping as a combat technique, and later defined 3D platforming standards with Super Mario 64. Furthermore, Mario's accessibility across age groups comes from what Miyamoto described as actions "innate to humans everywhere" – running, jumping, and overcoming obstacles. Consequently, Nintendo's success remains fundamentally tied to this iconic character.
Tetris
Unlike most action games, Tetris began not as a commercial product but as a mathematical challenge. This simple yet addictive puzzle game has become the most recognizable tile-matching game in history, transcending cultural barriers since its creation.
Tetris franchise origins
Russian scientist Alexey Pajitnov developed the first version of Tetris in 1984 while working at the Soviet Academy of Sciences. The name combines "tetra" (Greek for "four") and "tennis," Pajitnov's favorite sport. Inspired by the pentomino puzzle game, Pajitnov modified it to use four-square pieces called tetrominoes.
Tetris gameplay evolution
The core mechanics involve arranging falling tetrominoes to create uninterrupted horizontal rows. When a line is completed, it disappears, and blocks above fall down. Subsequent versions introduced features like holding pieces, hard drops, and rotation systems that enabled complex moves like T-spins.
Notable Tetris titles
The Game Boy version (1989) catapulted Tetris to worldwide fame, selling over 35 million copies. Recent innovations include Tetris 99 (2019), a battle royale-style game where 99 players compete simultaneously, and Tetris Effect, which combines mesmerizing visuals with immersive music.
Tetris cultural impact
Tetris has inspired professional tournaments, including the Classic Tetris World Championship. The game's addictive nature has even been studied scientifically, with research suggesting it can help fight cravings and potentially affect brain structure.
Tetris sales and popularity
With over 520 million copies sold across 65+ platforms, Tetris is considered the best-selling video game of all time. The mobile version alone accounts for 425 million paid downloads.
Tetris legacy and influence
Game developers still study Tetris as the gold standard of gameplay design. Its perfect balance of "easy to learn, hard to master" mechanics continues to influence puzzle games across generations. Despite its age, Tetris remains the most ported video game in history.
Call of Duty
From battlefield trenches to futuristic warfare, the Call of Duty franchise has dominated the first-person shooter landscape for two decades. Created by Infinity Ward and published by Activision, this military juggernaut launched in 2003 and revolutionized action gaming forever.
Call of Duty franchise origins
The series began when former Medal of Honor developers formed Infinity Ward, determined to create their own WWII shooter. Their first game focused on American, British, and Soviet campaigns during World War II. Notably, Activision executives jokingly referred to the project as the "Medal of Honor Killer".
Call of Duty gameplay evolution
Although initially focused on historical warfare, 2007's Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare transformed the series with contemporary settings. The franchise introduced innovations like regenerating health, killstreaks, and a prestige system. Yet perhaps most significantly, Call of Duty standardized console FPS controls that countless games later adopted.
Notable Call of Duty titles
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare broke sales records with 15.7 million copies. Black Ops III became the franchise's best-seller with 43 million copies. Modern Warfare (2019) followed closely with 41 million units.
Call of Duty cultural impact
The series has been referenced across television shows including Chuck, NCIS, and Breaking Bad. Thus far, its influence extends beyond entertainment into competitive esports through the Call of Duty League.
Call of Duty sales and popularity
As of October 2024, the franchise has sold over 500 million copies and generated approximately $30 billion in revenue. Currently, the series maintains 100 million monthly active players across all platforms.
Call of Duty legacy and influence
Call of Duty fundamentally changed first-person shooters by pioneering multiplayer progression systems. It established the annual release model with rotating developers. In fact, the franchise holds the Guinness World Record as the best-selling first-person shooter series.
Pokémon
The pocket monster phenomenon began as a humble Game Boy title yet evolved into the world's highest-grossing media franchise, generating an astonishing $101.90 billion in revenue. Pokémon has fundamentally changed how we play, collect, and connect through games.
Pokémon franchise origins
Satoshi Tajiri conceptualized Pokémon from his childhood love of collecting insects in suburban Tokyo. This passion, combined with seeing the Game Boy's link cable capabilities, inspired him to create a virtual recreation of his boyhood experiences. Initially ignored by media except for CoroCoro magazine, the game became an instant success upon release in February 1996.
Pokémon gameplay evolution
Across nine generations spanning 34 core games, Pokémon has maintained its essential collect-and-battle formula while introducing innovations. The second generation added breeding, day/night cycles, and two new Pokémon types. Generation five introduced regional forms and dual sequels instead of enhanced editions. By generation eight, the series transitioned to open-world gameplay with visible wild Pokémon.
Notable Pokémon titles
- Pokémon Red/Blue (1996) - The originals that started the phenomenon
- Pokémon Gold/Silver (1999) - Introduced 100 new creatures and time mechanics
- Pokémon GO (2016) - The mobile AR game that became a global sensation
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022) - Took the franchise in an exciting new direction with real-time combat
Pokémon cultural impact
Beyond games, Pokémon permeates global culture through its anime (1,322+ episodes), trading card game, and merchandise. The franchise created "a common culture among children", becoming social currency that holds together a substantial chunk of a generation. Pokémon GO demonstrated this impact by bringing people together through shared experiences.
Pokémon sales and popularity
The core Pokémon video games have sold approximately 480 million units worldwide. Pokémon Red/Green/Blue remains the franchise's best-selling title. Moreover, Pokémon GO stands among the highest-grossing mobile games globally, generating over $544 million in 2024.
Pokémon legacy and influence
Pokémon revolutionized RPGs by prioritizing gameplay over story. Its dual-version release strategy encouraged social interaction through trading. Practically every aspect of the franchise—from the collectible monsters to the battling mechanics—has influenced countless games. The series also maintained Nintendo's dominance in handheld gaming, effectively keeping the format alive through multiple generations.
Grand Theft Auto
The controversial criminal sandbox series Grand Theft Auto stands as gaming's ultimate rebellion, pushing boundaries of both technical innovation and societal acceptance since 1997.
GTA franchise origins
Created by David Jones and Mike Dailly at DMA Design (now Rockstar North), GTA began as a top-down 2D game. The series name directly references the American term for motor vehicle theft. As development shifted to brothers Dan and Sam Houser, the franchise's signature satirical edge emerged.
GTA gameplay evolution
GTA III (2001) revolutionized the series by transitioning to a fully realized 3D open world. Throughout subsequent releases, advanced AI systems, realistic physics, and sophisticated environments expanded player freedom. Remarkably, GTA V introduced three playable protagonists with interweaving storylines.
Notable GTA titles
Key releases include Vice City (2002) with its 1980s Miami setting, San Andreas (2004) featuring a California-inspired landscape, and GTA IV (2008) which utilized the RAGE engine for unprecedented realism.
GTA cultural impact
Beyond gaming, GTA earned recognition in the BBC's list of British design icons. Nevertheless, its mature themes sparked recurring controversies.
GTA sales and popularity
GTA V alone has sold over 215 million copies and generated $8.60 billion in revenue.
GTA legacy and influence
The series redefined open-world action games so thoroughly that similar titles earned the label "Grand Theft Auto clones".
Minecraft
Born from the creative mind of a single developer, Minecraft has evolved into a cultural phenomenon that transcends traditional gaming boundaries. This block-based sandbox redefined player freedom and creativity in the gaming landscape.
Minecraft franchise origins
Swedish programmer Markus "Notch" Persson created Minecraft in 2009, initially releasing it as a public alpha. After forming Mojang Studios, he handed creative control to Jens Bergensten following the full release in 2011. Microsoft acquired Mojang and the Minecraft intellectual property for USD 2.50 billion in 2014.
Minecraft gameplay evolution
At its core, Minecraft offers a procedurally generated, virtually infinite 3D world. The game features multiple modes: Survival requires resource gathering and monster evasion, whereas Creative provides unlimited materials for unfettered building. Throughout its evolution, major updates like the Nether Update and Caves & Cliffs transformed gameplay by expanding environments and mechanics.
Notable Minecraft titles
Beyond the original game, the franchise expanded through:
- Minecraft: Java Edition and Bedrock Edition (now bundled together on PC)
- Minecraft Dungeons (action-packed dungeon crawler)
- Minecraft Legends (strategy-focused spinoff)
- Minecraft: Story Mode (narrative adventure)
Minecraft cultural impact
The game transcended entertainment to become an educational tool, used in schools across 115 countries. Educators report improved student interest and motivation with Minecraft integration. Formerly, YouTube's Minecraft community exploded with content, generating 201 billion views in 2020 alone.
Minecraft sales and popularity
With over 300 million copies sold, Minecraft ranks among the best-selling games ever alongside Tetris and Grand Theft Auto V. The game boasts 140 million monthly active players across virtually every gaming platform available.
Minecraft legacy and influence
Minecraft essentially invented the Early Access model, revolutionizing game development by allowing players to purchase and provide feedback during development. Its influence extended across gaming genres, inspiring countless survival games with crafting mechanics. Primarily, Minecraft demonstrated that creativity and player freedom could succeed where traditional objective-based gameplay previously dominated.
FIFA
EA Sports' football simulation juggernaut has redefined sports gaming since its inception, becoming an annual tradition for millions of players worldwide. Through constant innovation and unparalleled authenticity, the FIFA series has transcended virtual pitches to influence real-world football culture.
FIFA franchise origins
The series debuted in 1993 with FIFA International Soccer on the Sega Mega Drive, standing out as the first game with an official FIFA license. Initially featuring national teams with fictional players, the original title utilized an isometric view that attempted to create a 3D-like experience. Electronic Arts tested the market without immediately investing in expensive player licenses, yet the game quickly became the UK's best-selling title of 1993.
FIFA gameplay evolution
FIFA 96 marked a turning point by introducing real player names through the FIFPro license and implementing the "Virtual Stadium" engine with 2D sprite players in 3D environments. The following year, FIFA 97 added indoor soccer mode, polygonal players with motion capture, and real commentators. FIFA 98 completely overhauled the graphics and artificial intelligence while introducing team customization options and a "Road to World Cup" mode featuring all FIFA-registered national teams.
Notable FIFA titles
Key releases that defined the franchise include:
- FIFA International Soccer (1993) - The original that started it all
- FIFA 98: Road to World Cup - Breakthrough in graphics and gameplay
- FIFA 09 - Introduced the game-changing Ultimate Team mode
- FIFA 18 - The best-selling entry with 26.4 million copies sold
- FIFA 23 - The final release under the FIFA name before becoming EA Sports FC
FIFA cultural impact
Beyond entertainment, FIFA games have served as football ambassadors, particularly in the United States where they increased interest by 35% between 2010-2012. Remarkably, 62 million people worldwide became football fans specifically because of the video game. The series has influenced football culture by creating common ground among children and even affecting how fans evaluate real players—when children discuss player abilities, they often cite FIFA ratings as factual evidence rather than opinion.
FIFA sales and popularity
As verified by Guinness World Records, FIFA stands as the best-selling sports video game franchise globally. The series has sold over 325 million copies as of 2021, generating approximately $2 billion annually for EA. FIFA 12 holds the record for "fastest selling sports game ever" with 3.2 million copies and $186 million in revenue during its first week.
FIFA legacy and influence
The FIFA franchise pioneered sports licensing, teaching football organizations about branding value. Its annual release model featuring updated rosters, refined gameplay, and new features has become the standard for sports games. Furthermore, the introduction of Ultimate Team in 2009 revolutionized microtransactions in gaming. After thirty years of defining football gaming, the series continues under the EA Sports FC name, maintaining its licenses with more than 350 football organizations featuring 19,000 athletes across 700 teams.
Final Fantasy
Square Enix's legendary role-playing franchise has continually reinvented itself across decades, becoming one of gaming's most celebrated sagas. With its blend of storytelling, innovative battle mechanics, and breathtaking visuals, Final Fantasy stands as a cornerstone of gaming culture.
Final Fantasy franchise origins
Created by Hironobu Sakaguchi in 1987, Final Fantasy was initially conceived as a "do-or-die" project for the struggling developer. The name reflected both Sakaguchi's personal situation (his "final" attempt in gaming before quitting) and Square's financial predicament. Fortunately, the first game reversed the company's lagging fortunes, becoming its flagship franchise.
Final Fantasy gameplay evolution
Throughout its 36-year history, the series has evolved dramatically from traditional turn-based combat to sophisticated real-time mechanics. Final Fantasy IV introduced the revolutionary "Active Time Battle" (ATB) system in 1991, adding urgency to combat by requiring players to act before enemies attacked. As a result, recent titles like Final Fantasy XVI have embraced full action-oriented gameplay.
Notable Final Fantasy titles
Key entries include:
- Final Fantasy I (1987) - The original that saved Square from bankruptcy
- Final Fantasy VII (1997) - The breakthrough that popularized JRPGs in the West
- Final Fantasy XIV - The MMORPG with 50 million total players
Final Fantasy cultural impact
Beyond games, the franchise has spawned films grossing over $400 million and music that has sold more than 20 million units worldwide. Final Fantasy VII almost single-handedly popularized JRPGs in Western markets, given that it was the first game in the series with a proper release in Europe and Oceania.
Final Fantasy sales and popularity
At the present time, the series has sold over 203 million units worldwide, making it the best-selling Square Enix franchise and the second best-selling RPG franchise behind only Pokémon. This impressive figure has generated an estimated $20 billion in revenue across all media and merchandise.
Final Fantasy legacy and influence
Final Fantasy revolutionized storytelling in video games, showcasing how they could be a powerful narrative medium. Prior to this series, few games explored complex themes and character development with such depth. The franchise's willingness to reinvent itself with each major installment has kept it relevant for generations.
The Sims
Life simulation pioneer The Sims transformed gaming by putting daily human activities at the center of its gameplay. Created by Will Wright after losing his home in the Oakland firestorm of 1991, the game emerged from his fascination with humanity's relationship to material possessions.
The Sims franchise origins
Released by Maxis and Electronic Arts on February 4, 2000, The Sims began as an architectural simulator before evolving into a life simulation game. Wright realized that adding people to evaluate spaces created emotional attachment to these virtual beings.
The Sims gameplay evolution
Players control Sims through everyday activities like cleaning, working, and forming relationships. The franchise expanded through four main games, each adding features like aging (The Sims 2), open neighborhoods (The Sims 3), and enhanced emotions (The Sims 4).
Notable The Sims titles
Key releases include the original game (16 million copies), The Sims 2 (2004), The Sims 3 (2009), and The Sims 4 (2014), which reached 70 million players.
The Sims cultural impact
Remarkably, the game created its own language—Simlish, a mixture of Ukrainian and Tagalog. It attracted an unusually large female audience.
The Sims sales and popularity
The franchise has sold over 175 million units with The Sims 4 becoming free-to-play in 2022, attracting 16 million new players.
The Sims legacy and influence
Beyond pioneering life simulation, The Sims established the expansion pack business model, releasing countless add-ons that extended gameplay. Its impact continues after 25 years of allowing players to experiment with life.
Assassin's Creed
Ubisoft's historical action series has jumped through time periods and gameplay styles, becoming one of gaming's most adaptable franchises with its signature blend of stealth, parkour, and historical fiction.
Assassin's Creed franchise origins
Originally conceived as a Prince of Persia spin-off, the series emerged from Ubisoft Montreal's work on fluid navigation systems. The first game released in 2007, introducing players to the conflict between Assassins and Templars across multiple historical periods.
Assassin's Creed gameplay evolution
The franchise underwent dramatic transformation from its stealth-action roots to a full RPG experience. Assassin's Creed II introduced "freerun highways" for improved parkour, certainly Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag revolutionized the series with seamless naval exploration. After 2015's Syndicate disappointed commercially, Origins (2017) completely overhauled combat with a hitbox-based system.
Notable Assassin's Creed titles
Key releases include Assassin's Creed II (9 million copies), Black Flag (15 million), and Valhalla (20 million). Origins marked a genre shift toward RPG mechanics.
Assassin's Creed cultural impact
Beyond entertainment, the series has educational value through its detailed historical settings. Academic courses have used the games to discuss historiographical research, henceforth inspiring Ubisoft's combat-free Discovery Tour mode.
Assassin's Creed sales and popularity
The franchise has sold over 200 million copies globally, becoming Ubisoft's flagship series with consistently strong sales.
Assassin's Creed legacy and influence
The "Ubisoft formula" of icon-filled open worlds established by Assassin's Creed II has influenced countless games across multiple publishers, creating a blueprint for modern open-world design.
Resident Evil
Horror and action merge perfectly in Capcom's Resident Evil series, which birthed the term "survival horror" when it debuted in 1996. Originally titled "Biohazard" in Japan, the franchise forever changed how games approach fear and tension.
Resident Evil franchise origins
Conceived as a spiritual successor to Capcom's 1989 game "Sweet Home," Resident Evil borrowed elements like mansion settings, puzzles, and limited inventory management. The series was heavily influenced by "Alone in the Dark," adopting its cinematic fixed camera angles.
Resident Evil gameplay evolution
Throughout its history, Resident Evil shifted from fixed camera perspectives with "tank controls" to Resident Evil 4's revolutionary over-the-shoulder view that inspired countless games afterward. After briefly emphasizing action, the series returned to its horror roots with Resident Evil 7's first-person perspective.
Notable Resident Evil titles
The franchise spans approximately 30 games across multiple platforms. Recent standouts include Resident Evil 7, which sold over 15.4 million units, alongside remakes of classics that modernized beloved entries while preserving their core horror elements.
Resident Evil cultural impact
Beyond gaming, Resident Evil ignited a revival of zombie media in the early 2000s. Films based on the series have grossed over $1.3 billion despite critical reception.
Resident Evil sales and popularity
Remarkably, the franchise has surpassed 174 million units sold, making it Capcom's best-selling series.
Resident Evil legacy and influence
The franchise established core survival horror principles—limited resources, tense atmospheres, and puzzle solving. Accordingly, games like "Dead Space" clearly show Resident Evil's lasting influence across the entire horror genre.
The Legend of Zelda
With its perfect blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat, The Legend of Zelda has earned its place among gaming's most beloved franchises since its 1986 debut.
Zelda franchise origins
Created by Japanese game designers Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka, the series follows various incarnations of Link, a courageous young Hylian, and Princess Zelda as they battle to save the land of Hyrule from the evil Ganon. Miyamoto drew inspiration from his childhood explorations of hillsides, forests, and caves near his home in Sonobe, Japan. Tezuka, likewise, used J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings as primary inspiration for the franchise's iconic sword and sorcery theme.
Zelda gameplay evolution
The Legend of Zelda pioneered an open-world approach with non-linear gameplay. The series masterfully combines puzzles, action-adventure, and exploration elements. Upon its release, the original game introduced battery-backed save functionality, a revolutionary feature at the time. Ocarina of Time later transformed the series by bringing it into 3D with the innovative Z-targeting system for combat.
Notable Zelda titles
Key releases include the original The Legend of Zelda (1986), A Link to the Past (1992), Ocarina of Time (1998), and Breath of the Wild (2017). Breath of the Wild remains the best-selling title with 33.31 million copies sold, followed by Tears of the Kingdom with 20.61 million units.
Zelda cultural impact
Beyond games, the franchise expanded to an American animated TV series (1989) and manga adaptations commissioned by Nintendo since 1997. Zelda's particular mix of exploration, puzzle solving, and action has helped set the series apart from others in the action-adventure sphere.
Zelda sales and popularity
The franchise has sold over 167 million copies worldwide as of January 2025. Remarkably, Tears of the Kingdom sold over 10 million copies during just its first three days of release.
Zelda legacy and influence
Often considered unique enough to be its own genre, Zelda established numerous gameplay innovations. The series pioneered the ability to use dozens of different items, created vast worlds full of secrets, and introduced save functionality. Whenever discussing the greatest video games ever made, several Zelda titles invariably appear at the top of the list.
NBA 2K
From humble beginnings on the Sega Dreamcast to becoming basketball gaming's premiere franchise, NBA 2K has revolutionized virtual hoops since its 1999 debut.
NBA 2K franchise origins
Originally developed by Visual Concepts and published by Sega, NBA 2K emerged as an instant competitor to EA Sports' NBA Live. After Sega sold Visual Concepts to Take-Two Interactive in 2005, the 2K Sports label continued pushing the franchise forward.
NBA 2K gameplay evolution
First introducing players with tattoos, the series gradually evolved through meticulous attention to ball physics and player expressions. Eventually, NBA 2K25 implemented ProPLAY technology that translates actual NBA footage into gameplay with 9,000 new animations.
Notable NBA 2K titles
NBA 2K4 (titled ESPN NBA Basketball) pioneered the franchise's career mode. Yet NBA 2K11 became iconic for "The Jordan Challenge" mode recreating Michael Jordan's greatest achievements. Indeed, NBA 2K16 is often crowned the best game in the series.
NBA 2K cultural impact
Beyond gaming, NBA 2K created a comprehensive basketball education tool. In addition, NBA players closely monitor their in-game ratings, with championship-winning point guard Jamal Murray even publicly questioning his low rating.
NBA 2K sales and popularity
Currently, the series has sold over 150 million units worldwide, with NBA 2K25 moving 7 million copies in its release fiscal year.
NBA 2K legacy and influence
Remarkably, NBA 2K so routinely outperformed NBA Live that EA canceled games and rebooted its series, cementing 2K as basketball gaming's undisputed champion.
Need for Speed
Burning rubber and evading police pursuits, Electronic Arts' Need for Speed series has defined racing games for three decades, evolving through distinct eras while maintaining its core adrenaline-fueled experience.
NFS franchise origins
The series debuted in December 1994 with "Road & Track Presents: The Need for Speed" on the 3DO console. Initially focused on exotic cars racing in scenic locations, the game was developed by EA Canada and quickly became a commercial success despite the 3DO's limited market.
NFS gameplay evolution
Throughout its lifespan, NFS transformed from realistic exotic car racing to underground street racing inspired by "The Fast and the Furious". The series pioneered police chases, then revolutionized racing games with extensive car customization in Underground (2003). Afterward, it expanded into open-world environments with Underground 2 (2004).
Notable NFS titles
Most Wanted (2005) remains the franchise's best-seller with 16 million copies, followed closely by Underground with 15 million units. Underground 2 sold approximately 11 million copies and is often considered the defining title of the series' golden era.
NFS cultural impact
The franchise influenced car culture globally, introducing millions to automotive modification. In 2014, a Need for Speed movie grossed $194 million worldwide, albeit with mixed critical reception.
NFS sales and popularity
With over 150 million copies sold, Need for Speed ranks among gaming's most successful franchises. Sales figures reached 100 million a decade ago before surpassing 150 million.
NFS legacy and influence
Need for Speed pioneered the thrill of police pursuits in racing games, regularly reinvented itself across different eras, yet remained accessible to casual players. Despite fluctuating quality across its numerous entries, the series continues to influence racing game design nearly 30 years after its inception.
Animal Crossing
Nintendo's charming life simulator offers a refreshing counterpoint to traditional action games, inviting players into a peaceful world where the biggest concern might be paying off a mortgage to a raccoon.
Animal Crossing franchise origins
First appearing as Doubutsu no Mori on Nintendo 64 in Japan (2001), Animal Crossing was created by Katsuya Eguchi and Hisashi Nogami. The concept evolved from Eguchi's desire to make games "everyone could play" rather than just action-oriented titles.
Animal Crossing gameplay evolution
Across two decades, the series transformed from a simple village-life simulator to a customization powerhouse. Each game utilizes real-time clock and calendar systems, with seasons and time of day matching the player's real life. The franchise gradually added features like online multiplayer, mayoral responsibilities in New Leaf, and comprehensive island terraforming in New Horizons.
Notable Animal Crossing titles
The five mainline games span Nintendo's console history, with New Horizons (2020) becoming the franchise juggernaut. This Switch title broke records with 47.82 million units sold, outselling all previous Animal Crossing games combined.
Animal Crossing cultural impact
New Horizons' March 2020 release coincided with COVID-19 lockdowns, becoming an unexpected social lifeline. Players worldwide held virtual birthday parties, dates, protests, and even weddings on their islands. The World Health Organization, despite previously classifying gaming disorder as addictive, promoted video games as a way to encourage physical distancing.
Animal Crossing sales and popularity
Beyond New Horizons' staggering success, the entire franchise has sold over 81 million copies. Notably, New Horizons became the best-selling game of all time in Japan, surpassing even Pokémon Red/Green/Blue.
Animal Crossing legacy and influence
The series spearheaded the "cozy gaming" movement, inspiring countless similar titles. Its relaxed, non-violent gameplay appeals across demographics, with over half of New Horizons players being adults in their 20s and 30s.
Halo
Master Chief's iconic journey launched an entire console ecosystem, transforming the first-person shooter landscape forever. Developed initially by Bungie and later managed by 343 Industries, Halo redefined what console action games could achieve.
Halo franchise origins
Bungie's franchise began as a strategic position, ultimately evolving into a first-person shooter. The series launched in November 2001 with "Halo: Combat Evolved" as Xbox's flagship "killer app". Microsoft's acquisition of Bungie in 2000 transformed their in-progress game into an Xbox exclusive.
Halo gameplay evolution
The series revolutionized console FPS controls through its dual-analog stick system. Halo's "Golden Triangle" combat balanced guns, grenades, and melee attacks, fundamentally changing shooter design by limiting players to two weapons and introducing regenerating shields.
Notable Halo titles
Community rankings consistently place Halo 3 (74.3% win rate), Halo 2 (70.7%), and Halo: Reach (65.9%) as the franchise's finest entries. Bungie's farewell title, Reach, represented "the pinnacle of their tinkering with the Halo formula".
Halo cultural impact
The franchise pioneered Xbox Live multiplayer, thereby establishing online console gaming. Halo's chant-based soundtrack even sparked renewed interest in that musical style.
Halo sales and popularity
Throughout its history, the franchise has sold over 81 million copies worldwide, generating more than $6 billion in franchise sales.
Halo legacy and influence
Halo's influence extends beyond gaming—teaching console players how first-person shooters could work with controllers and establishing a blueprint for console multiplayer. As such, Halo remains inseparable from Xbox's identity in the gaming landscape.
The Witcher
Dark fantasy meets monster hunting in The Witcher, a series that elevated storytelling in action games to new heights. Based on Polish author Andrzej Sapkowski's novels, this franchise showcases the morally complex journey of Geralt of Rivia, a mutated monster slayer for hire.
The Witcher franchise origins
CD Projekt Red developed their first game in 2007, launching what would become an iconic RPG series. Though initially rough around the edges, the original title established the foundations of deep storytelling in a dark fantasy universe.
The Witcher gameplay evolution
The series made a monumental leap with The Witcher 2 (2011), which significantly improved gameplay while enhancing storytelling. Yet it was The Witcher 3 (2015) that truly revolutionized open-world RPGs with its vast environments and meaningful side quests.
Notable Witcher titles
The trilogy represents the core experience, with The Witcher 3 receiving over 200 awards. Spin-offs include Gwent: The Witcher Card Game and Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales.
The Witcher cultural impact
Beyond games, the series inspired Netflix's hit adaptation. The franchise's sophisticated storytelling tackles sensitive subjects like domestic abuse, setting new standards for narrative depth.
The Witcher sales and popularity
The series has sold over 75 million copies, with The Witcher 3 alone selling 60 million units. Currently, 422 developers are working on the next installment.
The Witcher legacy and influence
The franchise redefined open-world design, influencing games like Assassin's Creed Odyssey. Its complex moral choices without clear "good" or "evil" options created a new template for player agency in storytelling.
Super Smash Bros.
Nintendo's revolutionary crossover fighting series turns gaming's greatest icons into brawlers, creating a platform fighting phenomenon that transcends traditional genre boundaries.
Smash Bros. franchise origins
Masahiro Sakurai conceived the prototype "Dragon King: The Fighting Game" in 1998, with Satoru Iwata handling programming duties. Originally featuring no Nintendo characters, the game evolved when Sakurai decided to include the company's iconic mascots. Released for Nintendo 64 in January 1999, the first title began what would become one of Nintendo's most celebrated franchises.
Smash Bros. gameplay evolution
Diverging from traditional fighting games, Smash Bros. replaced health bars with a percentage system where higher damage means greater knockback vulnerability. The series maintains accessible controls—every character uses identical button commands. Beyond that, Melee (2001) introduced advanced mechanics, Brawl (2008) added Final Smashes, while Ultimate polished every aspect of combat.
Notable Smash Bros. titles
The franchise spans five main games:
- Super Smash Bros. (N64, 1999) - 5.55 million copies
- Melee (GameCube, 2001) - 7.09 million copies
- Brawl (Wii, 2008) - 13.32 million copies
- 3DS/Wii U (2014) - 15.02 million combined
- Ultimate (Switch, 2018) - 36.24 million copies
Smash Bros. cultural impact
The series revolutionized crossover games, growing from 12 Nintendo characters to 89 fighters including third-party icons like Sonic, Cloud, and Sora. In essence, Smash Bros. references appear throughout gaming, including features in Kirby: Planet Robobot and Fire Emblem Awakening.
Smash Bros. sales and popularity
Currently, the franchise has sold 77.55 million units worldwide, making it the 33rd best-selling series globally. Ultimate became the fastest-selling Nintendo Switch game with 5 million copies in just three days.
Smash Bros. legacy and influence
Smash Bros. pioneered platform fighting mechanics, inspiring numerous imitators. Its competitive scene remains vibrant decades after release, predominantly with Melee still featured at major tournaments despite newer entries. The series continues to be celebrated for its accessibility to casual players alongside significant competitive depth.
Conclusion
Throughout gaming's relatively brief history, these 27 action franchises have shaped entire generations of players and developers. Each series represents more than just commercial success—they embody genuine innovation, cultural significance, and lasting influence across the industry.
The journey from Super Mario's simple side-scrolling adventures to The Witcher's complex moral choices demonstrates how action games have evolved technically and thematically. These franchises repeatedly broke new ground through mechanics like Tetris' addictive simplicity, Halo's revolutionary console controls, and Minecraft's boundless creativity.
Beyond their gameplay innovations, these series transcended entertainment to become cultural phenomena. Pokémon created childhood memories for millions worldwide, while FIFA introduced countless non-players to football culture. Animal Crossing provided social connection during global lockdowns, demonstrating how games serve purposes far beyond mere entertainment.
The numbers certainly tell part of the story—with franchises like Mario selling over 950 million units and Pokémon generating an astonishing $101.9 billion across all media. Yet their true value lies in how they've defined entirely new genres, established technical benchmarks, and inspired countless developers.
Most importantly, these legendary franchises connect players across generations. Parents who rescued Princess Peach in 1985 now watch their children explore Breath of the Wild's vast landscapes. Decades later, the first Tetris players still find satisfaction in clearing lines alongside newcomers experiencing the classic for the first time.
The legacy of these 27 action series extends far beyond pixels and polygons. They represent shared cultural touchstones, technological milestones, and artistic achievements that have elevated gaming from simple entertainment to a dominant cultural force worldwide. Their continued evolution promises to shape gaming's future just as profoundly as they've defined its past.