The article explores the ongoing debate about which video game is truly the best-selling of all time, highlighting the discrepancies in sales data between Tetris and Minecraft. IGN reports that Tetris has sold around 520 million copies, but this figure encompasses all versions of the game, including various popular mobile adaptations, leading some to argue that this total reflects a franchise rather than a single game. In contrast, Minecraft is recognized by Guinness World Records as having sold an impressive 350 million copies, strengthening claims for its status as the best-selling game.

Wikipedia also presents criteria for how sales are calculated, including initial releases, remasters, and re-releases, while excluding remakes and expansions from the original game's sales. According to their listings, Minecraft surpasses Tetris in this regard, solidifying its position as the top-selling game of all time. Meanwhile, the highest-ranking Tetris title on their list is from 1989 for the Game Boy, placing it at 25, which underscores the significant difference in game release strategies and market reach over the years.

This debate highlights the complexities of the gaming industry and how legacy and definitions affect sales figures. Both Tetris and Minecraft have shaped gaming culture in significant ways, but understanding their sales is crucial for appreciating their impact and ubiquity in gaming history. The comparison also reflects broader themes in the gaming world, such as modernization, nostalgia, and the ways in which we evaluate the success of creative works.