History's Best Selling Video Games of 2000

Revisiting 2000 presents a grand parade of games history, marked by Y2K fever and early digital revolution and enduring fan favorites. Unrivaled hits including The Sims, PlayStation 2, and The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask took top honors in living rooms and storefronts alike. Master craftsmen from industry leaders like Maxis and Sony led the vanguard, engineering high-caliber releases that dominated airwaves and playground buzz alike. Dive into the full historical rankings below to see which standout creations won the day.

1. The Sims

   Released in 2000 by Maxis, Electronic Arts

   On February 4, 2000, a game was released that had no final boss, no score, and no explicit goal. It was simply about life itself. This was the day *The Sims* debuted, launching a new 'life simulation' genre, captivating a massive audience far beyond traditional gamers, and becoming one of the best-selling PC games in history. Its release on this date marked the beginning of a cultural phenomenon that would redefine what a video game could be.

2. PlayStation 2

   Released in 2000 by Sony

   On March 4, 2000, the landscape of home entertainment was irrevocably altered with the Japanese launch of the Sony PlayStation 2. The anticipation was immense, building on the unprecedented success of its predecessor. Crowds lined up for blocks in districts like Akihabara, eager to get their hands on a machine that promised not just a leap forward in gaming, but a complete living room revolution. Promoted as a 'computer entertainment system,' its ability to play DVD movies was a major selling point, making it a Trojan horse for interactive entertainment. This launch marked the beginning of a historic run that would see the PS2 overcome initial supply shortages to dominate the sixth console generation and ultimately become the best-selling console in history.

3. The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

   Released in 2000 by Nintendo EAD, Nintendo

   The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask launched in Japan on April 27, 2000, quickly becoming a defining title for the Nintendo 64. Arriving just a year after the groundbreaking 'Ocarina of Time', this sequel immediately captivated audiences with its notably darker tone and innovative time-loop mechanics. It transcended being just another installment; it was a bold departure that challenged conventional Zelda gameplay, immersing players in a melancholic world teetering on the brink of apocalypse. Its distinct atmosphere and groundbreaking gameplay elements swiftly established it as a significant cultural phenomenon, reinforcing the Nintendo 64's legacy for hosting groundbreaking titles and further cementing Link's iconic status in video game history, despite its more somber narrative.

4. Diablo II

   Released in 2000 by Blizzard North, Blizzard Entertainment

   On June 29, 2000, Blizzard Entertainment unleashed Diablo II upon the world, and it immediately cemented its place as a gaming juggernaut. Building on the dark, addictive formula of its predecessor, this action RPG became an instant cultural phenomenon, captivating millions of PC gamers globally. Its launch was met with unprecedented hype and widespread critical acclaim, quickly making it one of the fastest-selling computer games of its time. For many, Diablo II wasn't just a game; it was an obsession, defining the summer of 2000 with its gothic atmosphere, relentless loot grind, and groundbreaking online multiplayer experience. It solidified Blizzard's reputation for crafting deeply engaging and infinitely replayable titles.