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Top 10 Best-Selling & Most Iconic Video Game Characters of All Time Ranked by Franchise Value
From Mario's 832 million games sold to Pikachu's $150 billion franchise, these are the ten video game characters whose faces transcended consoles. Ranked by franchise value, cultural reach, and copies sold. Vote for your favorite below!
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Frequently asked questions
Who is typically ranked as the most iconic video game character of all time?
Mario from Nintendo's Super Mario series is widely considered the most iconic video game character, recognized globally for his role in popularizing platform games and his consistent presence in gaming culture since 1981.
What criteria are used to define an 'iconic' video game character?
Iconic status is usually based on factors such as cultural impact, brand recognition, longevity, influence on the gaming industry, and cross-generational appeal across multiple franchises.
Are there any female characters on the list of most iconic video game characters?
Yes, characters like Lara Croft from Tomb Raider and Samus Aran from Metroid often appear on top 10 lists due to their groundbreaking roles and lasting popularity.
Do characters from modern games ever make it onto lists of all-time iconic characters?
Yes, characters such as Master Chief from Halo (2001) and Geralt of Rivia from The Witcher series have quickly achieved iconic status due to their massive influence and strong fan communities.
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