What Is the Best Selling Video Game Franchise of All Time?

Why Should UK Small Businesses Care About the Best-Selling Video Game Franchise?

In today’s competitive market, businesses need to look beyond traditional sectors for inspiration. Video games, particularly the best-selling franchises, offer valuable insights into consumer behaviour, brand loyalty, and marketing success. The best-selling video game franchise of all time isn’t just a game—it’s a marketing triumph. For small businesses in the UK, understanding why certain brands resonate with consumers can provide strategies for growth, audience retention, and brand building.

The video game industry is one of the largest in the world, and understanding its dynamics can help UK businesses refine their approach to consumer engagement, marketing, and long-term sustainability. One of the most significant franchises to consider is Super Mario, which remains the top-selling video game series, even after more than 40 years.

What Is the Best Selling Video Game Franchise of All Time (2025)?

As of 2025, Super Mario takes the crown as the best-selling video game franchise with over 925 million units sold globally. This puts Mario well ahead of rivals such as Minecraft and Pokémon. But how has Mario managed to maintain such massive success for so long? Let’s break it down.

Why Has Super Mario Dominated the Market for Over 40 Years?

What Makes Mario So Special?

Super Mario isn’t just another video game franchise. It’s a cultural icon. From its early beginnings on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) to the latest entries like Super Mario Odyssey, Mario has continually adapted, innovated, and engaged with players across generations. Here’s why Super Mario stands out:

1. Universal Appeal
   One of Mario’s core strengths is its wide-reaching appeal. From children to adults, Mario games are loved by people of all ages. The simple yet engaging gameplay has allowed Mario to maintain relevance in a market that constantly evolves.
   • Takeaway for UK Businesses: Think about how your business can appeal to multiple age groups. By creating products or services that resonate with different generations, you can expand your customer base.
2. Innovative Gameplay
   Mario games have consistently innovated. Whether it’s the transition from 2D side-scrollers to 3D open-world adventures or the integration of new gaming technologies, Mario stays fresh and relevant by evolving with the industry.
   • Takeaway for UK Businesses: Innovation is crucial to maintaining a competitive edge. Explore how your business can evolve with new technologies or trends while still maintaining its core identity.
3. Brand Consistency
   Despite its many changes over the years, Mario has always remained true to his roots. This consistency in character and style has built a strong, loyal following.
   • Takeaway for UK Businesses: Consistency in your brand message and customer experience can help foster long-term brand loyalty. Staying true to your core values while adapting to the times is key.
4. Cross-Media Success
   Mario doesn’t just exist in video games. The franchise has extended into movies, theme parks, television shows, and merchandise, creating an expansive brand ecosystem. This diversification increases Mario’s presence in multiple markets, expanding its reach.
   • Takeaway for UK Businesses: Diversifying your business offerings and exploring new media opportunities can create multiple revenue streams and increase brand visibility.

How Does Mario Compare to Other Popular Franchises?

Here’s a breakdown of the top-selling video game franchises globally in 2025:

Why Does Mario Outshine the Rest?

While franchises like Pokémon and Call of Duty have their dedicated followings, Mario outperforms them for several key reasons:

• Adaptability: Mario continuously adapts to emerging technologies, gaming innovations, and new platforms. While franchises like Tetris have remained stagnant, Mario has adapted to new gaming systems, keeping it fresh and engaging.
• Family-Oriented Appeal: Mario’s games are accessible to players of all ages, which broadens its audience far beyond the 18-34 demographic that many other franchises target.

What Can UK Small Businesses Learn From Mario’s Success?

How Can Mario’s Success Be Applied to UK Businesses?

1. Create a Timeless Brand
   Mario’s appeal is evergreen, largely due to its consistent brand identity. The franchise hasn’t strayed too far from its roots, yet it has continuously found ways to adapt and innovate.
   • Actionable Tip: Build your business in a way that retains a strong identity. This doesn’t mean sticking rigidly to the past, but instead ensuring that the core values of your brand are consistently reflected in all your products or services.
2. Understand Your Audience’s Needs
   Mario understands his audience. No matter your age—whether you’re a child or an adult—Mario delivers a fun and engaging experience that connects with people of all backgrounds and spans across generations.
   • Actionable Tip: Understand your target audience thoroughly and create products or services that meet the needs of multiple customer segments. This encourages customers to return and strengthens their long-term connection with the brand.
3. Embrace Cross-Promotion
   Mario is part of a larger ecosystem. The brand reaches beyond the games, expanding into movies, theme parks, and more. By extending its reach into new media, Mario capitalizes on cross-promotion and exposure.
   • Actionable Tip: Diversify your product offerings or look for new ways to engage with your audience. Whether it’s through content marketing, strategic partnerships, or branching into new product lines, cross-promotion can expand your business’s reach.
4. Stay Consistent and Authentic
   Mario’s consistency in quality and branding is crucial to its success. Even as the gaming industry has shifted, Mario has remained true to his origins.
   • Actionable Tip: Be consistent with your messaging and service quality. Consumers value authenticity and trust, so it’s important to maintain a steady experience that meets their expectations.

The Future of Mario and What It Means for UK Businesses

What’s Next for Super Mario?

• Next-Gen Consoles: Nintendo is developing a new console that will be released by 2025. Mario is likely to remain the franchise’s flagship character, ensuring that the franchise stays at the forefront of the gaming industry.
• Media Expansion: After the Super Mario Bros. triumphed, buzz around the series reignited.  Movie, more films, TV shows, and even theme parks are likely in the works, giving Mario a larger cultural footprint than ever before.

This evolving ecosystem offers UK businesses many opportunities to align with the franchise. Whether through partnerships, merchandise, or content marketing, there are numerous ways to leverage Mario’s global success for your business growth.

Final Thoughts

Super Mario’s dominance as the best-selling video game franchise is not just a result of luck. It’s a carefully crafted brand that has adapted to market trends, resonated with multiple generations, and built a loyal global following. For UK small businesses, Mario’s story offers valuable lessons in innovation, brand building, and cross-market expansion.

By following Mario’s lead, your business can survive in a competitive market and thrive by creating a brand that stands the test of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has Mario remained the best-selling franchise?

Mario thrives through its classic charm, fresh ideas, and cross-generational appeal.

How can UK small businesses learn from Mario’s strategies?

UK businesses can learn from Mario by focusing on brand consistency, cross-media marketing, and adaptation to customer needs.

What is the future of Mario?

Mario’s future looks bright, with new consoles, films, and theme parks, ensuring continued relevance in the gaming world.