Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has built a strong reputation in the gaming world, creating some of the most popular and successful game series ever. With exciting stories, innovative gameplay, and unforgettable characters, Sony’s franchises have entertained millions and helped shape the future of gaming.
Name | Genre | Developers | Publishers | Platforms | Initial Release | Sales (units) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Gran Turismo | Racing Simulation | Sony Computer Entertainment Japan, Polyphony Digital | Sony Interactive Entertainment | PlayStation (Original), PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PlayStation Portable | Gran Turismo (PlayStation) - December 23, 1997 (Japan) | 90+ million | |
God of War | Action-Adventure, Hack and Slash | Santa Monica Studio, Ready at Dawn, Javaground/SOE-LA | Sony Interactive Entertainment, Sony Pictures Digital | PlayStation 2, Java ME, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows | March 22, 2005 | 66 million | |
Spider-Man | Action-Adventure | Insomniac Games | Sony Interactive Entertainment | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC | Marvel's Spider-Man: September 7, 2018 (PlayStation 4) | 50 million | |
Uncharted | Action-Adventure, Third-Person Shooter | Naughty Dog, Bend Studio, One Loop Games, Bluepoint Games, Playspree, Iron Galaxy | Sony Interactive Entertainment | PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, Android, iOS, PlayStation 5, Windows | November 19, 2007 (PlayStation 3) | 41 million | |
The Last of Us | Action-Adventure, Survival Horror | Naughty Dog | Sony Interactive Entertainment | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC | June 14, 2013 (PlayStation 3) | 37 million | |
Horizon | Action Role-Playing | Guerrilla Games, Firesprite, Nixxes Software, Studio Gobo | Sony Interactive Entertainment | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch | February 28, 2017 | 32 million | |
Helldivers | Cooperative Shooter | Arrowhead Game Studios | Sony Interactive Entertainment | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5 | March 3, 2015 | 16 million | |
Jak and Daxter | Platform, Beat 'em up, Action-adventure, Third-person shooter, Racing | Naughty Dog, Ready at Dawn, High Impact Games, Mass Media Games | Sony Computer Entertainment | PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PlayStation Vita | December 3, 2001 | 15 million | |
Infamous | Action-Adventure | Sucker Punch Productions | Sony Computer Entertainment | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 | May 26, 2009 | 8 million | |
Twisted Metal | Vehicular Combat | SingleTrac, 989 Studios, Incognito Entertainment, Eat Sleep Play | Sony Interactive Entertainment | PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Microsoft Windows | November 5, 1995 | 5 million |
This article looks at Sony’s top-selling franchises in 2024, focusing on the games that continue to lead sales and win over players around the world. Whether you’ve been a fan for years or are just discovering PlayStation, these franchises show why Sony stays at the top of the gaming industry. Let’s explore the success and impact of these amazing game series.
Top-10 Franchises by Sells
1. Gran Turismo
- Developers: Sony Computer Entertainment Japan, Polyphony Digital
- Publishers: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Genre: Racing Simulation
- Initial Release:
- Gran Turismo (PlayStation) – December 23, 1997 (Japan)
- Platforms:
- PlayStation (Original)
- PlayStation 2
- PlayStation 3
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
- PlayStation Portable
- Sales: 90+ million
The Gran Turismo franchise is one of the longest-running and most influential racing simulation series in video game history. Created by Polyphony Digital and exclusively associated with the PlayStation platform, Gran Turismo is renowned for its unparalleled realism, featuring highly detailed vehicle models, authentic driving physics, and a vast selection of cars and tracks. Each game emphasizes a blend of accessibility and realism, making it suitable for both casual players and hardcore motorsport enthusiasts. Over the years, the franchise has evolved technologically, showcasing PlayStation’s graphical capabilities and pushing the boundaries of racing simulations.
Gran Turismo’s consistent focus on automotive culture, including collaborations with car manufacturers and partnerships with motorsport organizations, has solidified its position as a cultural icon in gaming and automotive communities.
Notability:
- Brand Legacy: With over 90 million units sold worldwide, Gran Turismo stands as one of the best-selling PlayStation franchises, offering a robust platform for brand collaborations and promotions.
- Realism and Authenticity: The franchise’s commitment to realistic driving experiences appeals to automotive enthusiasts, making it an ideal partner for car manufacturers and related industries.
- Diverse Audience: Spanning multiple console generations, Gran Turismo attracts both long-time fans and new players, providing a broad demographic for targeted marketing campaigns.
- Esports Integration: With events like the Gran Turismo World Series, the franchise has a significant presence in the esports arena, offering opportunities for sponsorships and community engagement.
- Technological Showcase: Each installment showcases the capabilities of PlayStation consoles, appealing to tech-savvy consumers and serving as a benchmark for gaming performance.
2. God of War
- Developers: Santa Monica Studio, Ready at Dawn, Javaground/SOE-LA
- Publishers: Sony Interactive Entertainment, Sony Pictures Digital
- Genre: Action-Adventure, Hack and Slash
- Initial Release: March 22, 2005
- Platforms:
- PlayStation 2
- Java ME
- PlayStation Portable
- PlayStation 3
- PlayStation Vita
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
- Windows
- Sales: 66 million
The God of War franchise is one of Sony’s flagship video game series, known for its blend of mythological storytelling, intense action, and cinematic gameplay. The series debuted in 2005 and follows the story of Kratos, a former Spartan warrior who becomes the Greek God of War. The earlier titles, set in Greek mythology, focus on Kratos’s quest for vengeance against the gods who betrayed him.
In 2018, the franchise underwent a significant transformation, rebooting its narrative to explore Norse mythology while introducing a more emotional, character-driven story. Kratos, now a father, embarks on a journey with his son Atreus, navigating themes of redemption, parenthood, and destiny. This shift in tone and gameplay expanded the franchise’s appeal, making it a critical and commercial success.
Notability:
- Iconic Branding: Kratos is a globally recognized character, offering strong branding potential for cross-promotions and merchandise.
- Broad Appeal: The series appeals to both nostalgic fans and new players, with its mythological themes and emotional storytelling resonating widely.
- Critical and Commercial Success: Multiple Game of the Year awards and over 60 million copies sold underline its market strength.
- Cross-Platform Expansion: Releases on PC have broadened its audience beyond PlayStation, opening doors for diversified campaigns.
- Cultural Impact: The franchise’s exploration of mythology and universal themes enhances its relevance for creative, narrative-driven marketing.
3. Spider-Man
- Developers: Insomniac Games
- Publishers: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Genre: Action-Adventure
- Initial Release (Modern Series):
- Marvel’s Spider-Man: September 7, 2018 (PlayStation 4)
- Platforms:
- PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC
- Sales: 50 million
The Spider-Man video game series by Insomniac Games is a critically acclaimed action-adventure franchise set in the Marvel Universe. Players take on the role of Peter Parker in Marvel’s Spider-Man and Miles Morales in Spider-Man: Miles Morales, swinging through an open-world New York City, fighting iconic villains, and unraveling complex narratives that blend personal struggles with superhero duties.
The franchise combines fluid combat, dynamic traversal mechanics, and compelling storytelling, setting a high standard for superhero games. The games also serve as a love letter to Spider-Man fans, capturing the essence of the character while delivering an immersive gaming experience.
Notability:
- Global Brand Recognition:
Leveraging the Spider-Man IP, one of the most iconic and beloved superhero brands, ensures a built-in, worldwide audience spanning generations. - Multi-Demographic Appeal:
The franchise resonates with casual gamers, comic book enthusiasts, and superhero fans, providing opportunities for cross-promotion with movies, comics, and merchandise. - Critically Acclaimed Titles:
Both Marvel’s Spider-Man and Miles Morales have received widespread praise, enhancing their credibility and attractiveness in promotional campaigns. - Cultural Relevance:
The release of games often coincides with Spider-Man films or other Marvel projects, maximizing marketing impact through synergy with broader media campaigns. - Cross-Platform Reach:
Expanding to PC has opened the franchise to a wider audience, allowing marketers to target not just console players but also the large PC gaming community. - Dynamic Content Opportunities:
The games’ visually stunning graphics and fluid web-swinging mechanics provide eye-catching material for trailers, social media content, and influencer collaborations. - Diversity in Storytelling:
Featuring Miles Morales as a protagonist in Spider-Man: Miles Morales highlights themes of representation and inclusion, appealing to a broader and more diverse audience. - Merchandising Potential:
The strong association with Marvel’s merchandising machine offers endless opportunities for co-branded products, collectibles, and apparel.
4. Uncharted
- Developers: Naughty Dog, Bend Studio, One Loop Games, Bluepoint Games, Playspree, Iron Galaxy
- Publishers: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Genre: Action-Adventure, Third-Person Shooter
- Initial Release:
- Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune: November 19, 2007 (PlayStation 3)
- Platforms:
- PlayStation 3
- PlayStation Vita
- PlayStation 4
- Android
- iOS
- PlayStation 5
- Windows
- Sales: 41 million
The Uncharted franchise is a blockbuster action-adventure series that follows the exploits of treasure hunter Nathan Drake and his companions as they unravel historical mysteries and embark on globe-trotting quests. Known for its cinematic storytelling, dynamic gameplay, and richly detailed environments, the series blends fast-paced combat, puzzle-solving, and exploration.
The franchise has been praised for its narrative depth, witty characters, and high production values, often compared to Hollywood adventure films. With its strong focus on character relationships and epic scale, Uncharted has become a cultural touchstone for action-adventure gaming.
Notability:
- Hollywood-Like Appeal:
With its cinematic storytelling and action-packed sequences, Uncharted bridges the gap between gaming and film, making it ideal for cross-media promotions, including the 2022 Uncharted film starring Tom Holland. - Strong Franchise Legacy:
Spanning multiple console generations, the franchise appeals to a loyal fan base while attracting new players through remastered editions and PC releases. - Award-Winning Reputation:
The series’ critical acclaim and numerous awards make it a credible and prestigious brand for marketing collaborations. - Cinematic Marketing Material:
The series’ visually stunning environments and high-octane action scenes provide excellent material for engaging trailers, social media content, and influencer campaigns. - Cross-Platform Expansion:
The release of the Legacy of Thieves Collection on PlayStation 5 and PC expands the franchise’s reach to a broader audience, creating opportunities for targeted campaigns across multiple gaming demographics. - Cultural and Character Appeal:
Nathan Drake’s charismatic personality and iconic status make him a marketable figure for merchandise, collaborations, and character-driven storytelling in campaigns. - Adventure Genre Universality:
The franchise’s themes of exploration, treasure hunting, and historical intrigue resonate universally, appealing to diverse audiences and allowing for geographically adaptable marketing strategies. - Transmedia Opportunities:
The success of the Uncharted film has introduced the franchise to a non-gaming audience, paving the way for synergistic campaigns across gaming, film, and merchandise industries.
5. The Last of Us
- Developers: Naughty Dog
- Publishers: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Genre: Action-Adventure, Survival Horror
- Initial Release:
- The Last of Us: June 14, 2013 (PlayStation 3)
- Platforms:
- PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC
- Sales: 37 million
The Last of Us franchise is a critically acclaimed action-adventure series set in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a fungal infection that turns humans into zombie-like creatures. The story follows the deeply emotional journeys of its protagonists, Joel and Ellie, as they navigate a world fraught with danger, loss, and moral ambiguity.
Known for its cinematic storytelling, realistic characters, and intense gameplay, the franchise blends stealth, combat, and exploration. It explores themes of survival, humanity, and relationships, resonating with players on an emotional level. The franchise includes two mainline games, a PC remake, and a successful HBO television adaptation, further solidifying its cultural impact.
Notability:
- Cultural Phenomenon:
The franchise’s acclaimed storytelling and emotional depth have transcended gaming, gaining recognition as one of the finest examples of narrative-driven games. The HBO series adaptation expands its reach into mainstream pop culture. - Critical and Commercial Success:
The series has won numerous Game of the Year awards and sold over 37 million copies as of 2023, ensuring credibility and a built-in audience for promotional campaigns. - Cross-Media Appeal:
The success of the HBO series introduces the franchise to non-gamers, offering opportunities for cross-media campaigns and broader audience engagement. - Emotional Connection:
The franchise’s focus on relationships and morality creates a strong emotional bond with its audience, making it a compelling candidate for storytelling-based marketing. - Diverse Demographics:
Its mature themes, cinematic presentation, and accessibility on multiple platforms attract both hardcore gamers and casual players, enabling diverse campaign strategies. - Transmedia Opportunities:
The franchise’s expansion into television, books, and potential merchandise offers marketers a chance to create multi-channel campaigns that capitalize on its widespread appeal.
6. Horizon
- Developers: Guerrilla Games, Firesprite, Nixxes Software, Studio Gobo
- Publishers: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Genre: Action Role-Playing
- Initial Release: February 28, 2017
- Platforms: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch
- Sales: 32 million
The Horizon franchise is a critically acclaimed action role-playing series set in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by robotic creatures. The narrative follows Aloy, a skilled huntress, as she unravels the mysteries of her origins and the world’s downfall.
The Horizon series is renowned for its expansive open-world environments, blending lush natural landscapes with advanced technological elements. Players engage in dynamic combat against diverse robotic adversaries, utilizing a variety of weapons and strategies. The franchise seamlessly integrates exploration, crafting, and storytelling, offering a rich and immersive experience.
Notability:
- Strong Female Protagonist: Aloy’s character appeals to a broad demographic, promoting diversity and inclusion in gaming narratives.
- Technological Showcase: The series demonstrates the capabilities of PlayStation consoles, serving as a benchmark for graphical fidelity and open-world design.
- Cross-Media Potential: The rich lore and expansive universe present opportunities for adaptations into films, series, and other media formats.
- Merchandising Opportunities: The unique design of robotic creatures and the protagonist’s distinctive appearance lend themselves to a wide range of merchandise, from action figures to apparel.
- Critical and Commercial Success: The franchise’s acclaim and strong sales figures enhance its appeal for collaborations and promotional partnerships.
7. Helldivers
- Developers: Arrowhead Game Studios
- Publishers: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Genre: Cooperative Shooter
- Initial Release: March 3, 2015
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 5
- Sales: 16 million
The Helldivers franchise, developed by Arrowhead Game Studios and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, is a series of cooperative shooter games set in a dystopian future where players, as part of an elite unit called the Helldivers, work together to protect Super Earth and defeat various alien threats.
The Helldivers series is known for its intense cooperative gameplay, requiring players to collaborate strategically to complete missions and combat alien species. The original game features a top-down perspective, while the sequel, Helldivers 2, transitions to a third-person viewpoint, enhancing the immersive experience. The franchise emphasizes teamwork, tactical decision-making, and a satirical narrative tone.
Notability:
- Cooperative Gameplay Appeal: The emphasis on teamwork attracts players seeking collaborative gaming experiences, fostering a strong community and potential for social engagement campaigns.
- Cross-Platform Presence: Availability across multiple platforms, including PlayStation consoles and Windows PC, broadens the target audience and marketing reach.
- Successful Sequel Launch: Helldivers 2 achieved significant commercial success, selling over 12 million copies within the first 12 weeks, surpassing previous PlayStation records.
- Engaged Player Base: The franchise’s challenging gameplay and cooperative mechanics cultivate a dedicated and engaged player community, ideal for community-driven marketing initiatives.
- Potential for Expansion: The game’s unique universe and satirical elements offer opportunities for expansion into other media forms, such as comics or animated series, enhancing cross-promotional prospects.
8. Jak and Daxter
- Developers: Naughty Dog, Ready at Dawn, High Impact Games, Mass Media Games
- Publishers: Sony Computer Entertainment
- Genre: Platform, Beat ’em up, Action-adventure, Third-person shooter, Racing
- Initial Release: December 3, 2001
- Platforms: PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PlayStation Vita
- Sales: 15 million
The Jak and Daxter franchise is a series of platform action-adventure games that debuted on the PlayStation 2. The series follows the adventures of Jak and his companion Daxter as they explore vibrant worlds, combat various enemies, and unravel intricate narratives.
The Jak and Daxter series is renowned for its seamless open-world design, engaging platforming mechanics, and a blend of action and puzzle-solving elements. The narrative evolves from lighthearted adventures to darker, more complex themes, showcasing the growth of its characters and the depth of its storytelling. The franchise includes several main titles and spin-offs, each contributing to a rich and expansive universe.
Notability:
- Strong Brand Legacy: As one of the early flagship titles for PlayStation 2, the series holds nostalgic value, appealing to long-time gamers and fostering brand loyalty.
- Character Appeal: The dynamic duo of Jak and Daxter offers strong character branding opportunities, suitable for merchandise, cross-promotions, and potential adaptations into other media.
- Critical Acclaim: The franchise has received positive reviews for its innovative gameplay and storytelling, enhancing its credibility and appeal in marketing campaigns.
- Platform Exclusivity: Being exclusive to PlayStation platforms, the series reinforces the brand’s gaming ecosystem, attracting dedicated fans and promoting console sales.
- Potential for Revival: The enduring popularity and fan demand present opportunities for remasters, reboots, or new installments, generating buzz and renewed interest.
9. Infamous
- Developers: Sucker Punch Productions
- Publishers: Sony Computer Entertainment
- Genre: Action-Adventure
- Initial Release: May 26, 2009
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4
- Sales: 8 million
The Infamous franchise, developed by Sucker Punch Productions and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, is a series of action-adventure games that allow players to assume the roles of super-powered individuals navigating complex moral choices in richly detailed open-world environments.
The Infamous series is renowned for its dynamic gameplay, where players harness superhuman abilities to traverse expansive urban landscapes and engage in combat. A distinctive feature of the series is the karma system, which tracks the player’s moral decisions, influencing the storyline, character development, and available powers. The narrative explores themes of power, responsibility, and consequence, offering multiple endings based on the player’s choices.
Notability:
- Engaging Moral Dynamics: The karma system’s emphasis on player choice and consequence resonates with audiences seeking depth and replayability, enhancing engagement and fostering community discussions.
- Exclusive PlayStation Identity: As a PlayStation-exclusive series, Infamous strengthens brand loyalty and serves as a key title in Sony’s gaming portfolio, appealing to dedicated console gamers.
- Potential for Expanded Universe: The rich lore and compelling characters present opportunities for transmedia storytelling, including comics, animated series, or other media adaptations, broadening the franchise’s reach.
- Visually Striking Gameplay: The depiction of superpowers and urban environments provides visually appealing content suitable for trailers, promotional materials, and social media campaigns, capturing audience interest.
- Community Engagement: The moral choice mechanics encourage discussions and debates among players, fostering a vibrant community that can be leveraged for user-generated content and interactive marketing strategies.
10. Twisted Metal
- Developers: SingleTrac, 989 Studios, Incognito Entertainment, Eat Sleep Play
- Publishers: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Genre: Vehicular Combat
- Initial Release: November 5, 1995
- Platforms: PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Microsoft Windows
- Sales: 5 million
The Twisted Metal franchise, developed by various studios including SingleTrac and Eat Sleep Play, and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, is a series of vehicular combat games where players control armed vehicles in destructive battles across diverse arenas.
The Twisted Metal series is renowned for its chaotic vehicular combat, featuring a diverse roster of characters, each with unique vehicles and backstories. Players engage in demolition derby-style battles, utilizing an array of weapons to destroy opponents and emerge victorious in the eponymous Twisted Metal tournament. The franchise is noted for its dark humor, intricate level designs, and a distinctive blend of action and strategy.
Notability:
- Pioneering Legacy: As one of the earliest and most influential vehicular combat series, Twisted Metal holds a nostalgic appeal, attracting both veteran gamers and new audiences interested in classic gaming experiences.
- Iconic Characters: Figures like Sweet Tooth, the menacing clown with an ice cream truck, have become emblematic within gaming culture, offering strong potential for character-driven marketing and merchandise.
- Cross-Media Expansion: The franchise’s adaptation into a television series on Peacock in 2023 has expanded its reach beyond gaming, creating opportunities for cross-promotional campaigns and a broader audience engagement.
- Competitive Multiplayer Focus: The series’ emphasis on multiplayer combat aligns with the growing interest in competitive gaming, providing avenues for community events, esports tournaments, and collaborative marketing initiatives.
- Distinctive Thematic Elements: The unique combination of vehicular combat and dark, dystopian themes differentiates Twisted Metal in the market, allowing for creative and unconventional marketing strategies that stand out.
Eternal Legacy
Sony Interactive Entertainment continues to set the standard in the gaming industry with franchises that captivate players and dominate sales charts. These best-selling series are more than just games—they are experiences that shape the way players connect with stories, characters, and worlds. From long-time classics to innovative newcomers, Sony’s franchises showcase their ability to adapt, innovate, and create games that resonate with players across generations.
As we look to the future, it’s clear that Sony will keep delivering unforgettable adventures and groundbreaking gaming experiences. Their commitment to quality and creativity ensures they remain a leader in the gaming world, setting new benchmarks for what’s possible in interactive entertainment.
Disney does not own Sony. After acquiring Fox, Disney lacks the financial resources to buy Sony. Additionally, such a purchase might not receive regulatory approval due to concerns about Disney becoming too close to a monopoly.
Yes, Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group manages many famous franchises, including Spider-Man, Jumanji, James Bond, Bad Boys, Peter Rabbit, Resident Evil, Men in Black, Hotel Transylvania, Ghostbusters, and Venom.
Sony owns several significant brands. In 1988, it acquired CBS Records, and in 1989, it purchased Columbia Pictures. The company launched the PlayStation console in 1994, which became a flagship brand. In Japan, Sony has also ventured into the financial sector.