The Xbox 360 was a revolutionary console that played a significant role in shaping the gaming industry during its prime. Released in 2005, it quickly became a household name, boasting an impressive library of games that catered to all kinds of players. From thrilling first-person shooters to expansive open-world adventures, the Xbox 360 had something for everyone. Here, we count down the top 10 best-selling games for the Xbox 360, highlighting the titles that dominated sales charts and left a lasting impact on the gaming world.
10. Grand Theft Auto IV
Release date: April 29, 2008
Developer: Rockstar
Units Sold: 11.1 million
Grand Theft Auto IV marked a dramatic evolution in the GTA series, delivering a grittier, more realistic story centered around Niko Bellic, an Eastern European immigrant seeking a fresh start in Liberty City. With a richly detailed open-world, realistic physics, and mature storytelling, it redefined the sandbox genre and set a new benchmark for narrative-driven games. The game's focus on a more grounded experience was a departure from its predecessors, but it resonated with players, making it one of the most critically acclaimed entries in the series.
Selling over 11.1 million copies on the Xbox 360, GTA IV proved that Rockstar could still captivate players with innovative gameplay and immersive storytelling. It laid the groundwork for the even greater success of its sequel, GTA V.
9. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2
Release date: November 10, 2009
Developer: Infinity Ward
Units Sold: 13.49 million
The Call of Duty series was already popular, but Modern Warfare 2 took things to a whole new level. Building on the success of the original Modern Warfare, this sequel featured a gripping single-player campaign that thrust players into intense global conflicts and a multiplayer mode that set the standard for online shooters. With memorable missions like "No Russian" and a compelling storyline, it was both controversial and captivating.
The game sold an impressive 13.49 million copies on the Xbox 360, cementing its status as one of the most influential first-person shooters of all time. The iconic multiplayer experience helped shape the online gaming landscape and influenced countless games that followed.
8. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Release date: November 11, 2011
Developer: Bethesda
Units Sold: 13.7 million
Skyrim brought players into the expansive world of Tamriel, where they could explore a vast open world filled with dragons, dungeons, and countless quests. Its open-ended nature allowed players to craft their own stories as they fought to defeat the dragon Alduin and fulfill their destiny as the Dragonborn. With a complex leveling system, hundreds of hours of content, and an enormous modding community, Skyrim became a cultural phenomenon.
The game sold over 13.7 million units on the Xbox 360, and its influence can still be felt in the RPG genre. The combination of exploration, deep lore, and endless replayability ensured that Skyrim would be remembered as one of the most iconic fantasy RPGs in gaming history.
7. Call of Duty: Black Ops II
Release date: November 13, 2012
Developer: Treyarch
Units Sold: 13.7 million
Call of Duty: Black Ops II took the franchise to the near future, introducing players to advanced technology and a branching storyline where choices made throughout the campaign influenced the outcome. The game also brought back the beloved Zombies mode and expanded its competitive multiplayer with new features like scorestreaks and customizable loadouts.
With 13.7 million copies sold, Black Ops II maintained the series' dominance in the shooter genre. Its mix of futuristic combat and traditional Call of Duty gameplay elements kept the experience fresh and engaging for long-time fans and newcomers alike.
6. Halo 3
Release date: September 25, 2007
Developer: Bungie
Units Sold: 14.5 million
Halo 3 was the conclusion to Bungie's original Halo trilogy and one of the most anticipated games of its time. Players once again took control of Master Chief in an epic campaign to finish the fight against the Covenant and the Flood. The game not only delivered a satisfying single-player experience but also revolutionized online multiplayer with its innovative matchmaking system, user-created content through Forge, and social features like file sharing and custom games.
Selling 14.5 million units, Halo 3 was a milestone for both the Xbox 360 and the Halo franchise. Its influence extended beyond the game's release, as it became a cultural touchstone for the console generation and helped shape the future of online gaming.
5. Call of Duty: Black Ops
Release date: November 9, 2010
Developer: Treyarch
Units Sold: 14.55 million
Black Ops took players back to the Cold War, delivering a thrilling single-player campaign full of espionage, conspiracies, and action. The game was renowned for its gripping narrative, featuring iconic characters like Alex Mason and Frank Woods, and offered one of the most polished multiplayer experiences in the series. Black Ops also popularized the fan-favorite Zombies mode, with intricate maps and Easter eggs that kept players coming back for more.
With 14.55 million units sold, Black Ops became a defining entry in the franchise and continued to influence the direction of future Call of Duty games. Its mix of historical settings and top-notch gameplay made it a standout among the best shooters on the Xbox 360.
4. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
Release date: November 8, 2011
Developer: Infinity Ward / Sledgehammer Games
Units Sold: 14.72 million
The culmination of the Modern Warfare trilogy, Modern Warfare 3 delivered a high-octane experience with a globe-trotting campaign that followed Task Force 141's efforts to thwart a Russian ultranationalist threat. The game's multiplayer mode built on the success of its predecessors, with new modes like Kill Confirmed and an extensive weapon progression system.
4.72 million copies, Modern Warfare 3 continued the franchise's streak of success, maintaining its reputation as a premier first-person shooter. It provided a fitting conclusion to one of gaming's most celebrated trilogies while setting the stage for the franchise's future.
3. Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition
Release date: May 9, 2012
Developer: Mojang / 4J Studios
Units Sold: 21 million
The sandbox phenomenon Minecraft became a staple of gaming culture, allowing players to build, explore, and survive in a blocky world with endless possibilities. The Xbox 360 version brought the beloved experience to console gamers, adding split-screen co-op, online multiplayer, and frequent updates that kept the game fresh and engaging. The simplicity of mining resources and crafting structures made it accessible to players of all ages.
With an astounding 21 million copies sold, Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition not only became one of the best-selling games on the platform but also helped to further popularize the sandbox genre and inspire countless creators worldwide.
2. Grand Theft Auto V
Release date: September 17, 2013
Developer: Rockstar
Units Sold: 22.95 million
Few games can match the cultural impact of Grand Theft Auto V. Set in the sprawling open-world of Los Santos, the game allowed players to switch between three protagonists—Michael, Franklin, and Trevor—as they embarked on heist missions and navigated their personal lives. Its detailed world, engaging narrative, and robust online mode, GTA Online, made it a benchmark for open-world games.
Selling nearly 23 million units, GTA V became a monumental success on the Xbox 360. The game's influence continues to this day, with a thriving online community and continuous updates that have kept players coming back for more than a decade.
1. Kinect Adventures!
Release date: November 4, 2010
Developer: Good Science Studio
Units Sold: 24 million
Kinect Adventures! came bundled with the Kinect peripheral, which allowed players to engage in motion-controlled mini-games using their entire bodies. The game featured a variety of fun activities, including river rafting and obstacle courses, that showcased the capabilities of the Kinect technology. It was designed to be family-friendly and accessible, making it a popular choice for casual gamers.
With 24 million copies sold, Kinect Adventures! became the best-selling Xbox 360 game of all time, thanks to its status as a pack-in title. While not the deepest gaming experience, it demonstrated the potential for motion gaming and brought a unique form of interactivity to the console.