what is the hottest game ever?

The title of "hottest game ever" can vary depending on the criteria (sales, cultural impact, or current popularity), but there are several games that have made an undeniable impact on the gaming industry, and have been incredibly "hot" at various points in time. Here are a few top contenders:

1. Minecraft

• Release Year: 2011
• Current Popularity: Continues to dominate the gaming scene with millions of active players worldwide.
• Why It’s Hot: Minecraft is often considered the best-selling game of all time with over 200 million copies sold. Its simple yet incredibly deep gameplay, community-driven content, and endless possibilities for creativity make it perpetually popular across all age groups. Whether through building, survival gameplay, or mods, Minecraft offers something for everyone.

2. Fortnite

• Release Year: 2017
• Peak Popularity: The game reached its peak around 2018-2019, dominating pop culture with events, collaborations, and live performances.
• Why It’s Hot: Fortnite isn’t just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon. With its battle royale mode and unique building mechanics, Fortnite has taken the world by storm. It’s also known for its frequent updates, limited-time events, and collaborations with major franchises (Marvel, Star Wars, Travis Scott concert, etc.), keeping players coming back for more. It has over 350 million registered players, making it one of the most-played games in history.

3. Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V)

• Release Year: 2013
• Current Popularity: Continues to be incredibly hot, largely due to its multiplayer mode, GTA Online.
• Why It’s Hot: Despite being released over a decade ago, GTA V has become a cultural touchstone. With its open-world gameplay, satirical take on modern life, and the wildly popular GTA Online, it remains a top-selling game. GTA V has sold over 170 million copies, and GTA Online keeps adding content, ensuring its relevance for years to come.

4. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)

• Release Year: 2017
• Peak Popularity: Dominated the battle royale genre in 2017-2018 before Fortnite took over.
• Why It’s Hot: As the game that pioneered the battle royale genre, PUBG was the catalyst for the explosion of battle royale games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone. It’s still widely popular, with over 70 million copies sold and a strong esports scene.

5. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

• Release Year: 2017
• Why It’s Hot: Breath of the Wild revolutionized the open-world genre with its freedom of exploration, incredible world-building, and detailed mechanics. It was a major launch title for the Nintendo Switch and remains one of the highest-rated games of all time. With the upcoming release of Tears of the Kingdom in 2023, Breath of the Wild's legacy continues to grow.

6. League of Legends

• Release Year: 2009
• Current Popularity: Still one of the hottest esports games with over 115 million active players.
• Why It’s Hot: League of Legends is a titan in the world of competitive gaming. It has revolutionized the esports scene with its MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) gameplay, and it consistently draws millions of players and viewers to its tournaments. Its constant updates, seasonal changes, and esports ecosystem make it perpetually relevant.

7. Among Us

• Release Year: 2018 (gained massive popularity in 2020)
• Why It’s Hot: Among Us became a massive hit during the COVID-19 pandemic as people turned to online social games for fun. It’s a simple but brilliant multiplayer game of deception, and its popularity exploded on streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube. Despite its simple graphics, Among Us remains a beloved party game for all ages.

8. Call of Duty: Warzone

• Release Year: 2020
• Why It’s Hot: Warzone brought the battle royale formula into the Call of Duty universe with fast-paced action and high-quality graphics. It quickly became one of the most-played games worldwide, offering both solo and squad-based play. Its free-to-play model, constant updates, and cross-platform play have kept it extremely relevant.

9. Pokémon GO

• Release Year: 2016
• Why It’s Hot: Pokémon GO brought augmented reality (AR) gaming to the mainstream, creating a global sensation. With its real-world gameplay and the ability to catch Pokémon while exploring the outdoors, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Even years after its release, Niantic continues to add new content, keeping the player base active.

10. Cyberpunk 2077

• Release Year: 2020
• Why It’s Hot: Cyberpunk 2077 made headlines for its stunning visuals, ambitious open world, and deep storytelling. Despite a rocky launch, the game has been continuously updated and improved by CD Projekt Red, making it a must-play for many fans of sci-fi RPGs.

Conclusion: The Hottest Game Ever?

The "hottest" game can change over time, depending on what's trending, but right now, Minecraft, Fortnite, and GTA V are the undisputed champions in terms of player base and cultural impact. Each of these games has influenced the gaming world in significant ways and remains extremely popular.

Ultimately, the title of "hottest game ever" can depend on your perspective—whether you're looking at all-time sales, cultural impact, or current player engagement. Would you consider one of these the hottest game ever, or is there another title you’d add to the list?