Most Popular Video Games in Australia: What Australians Are Playing Right Now

This list is a quick glance that will help you to scan the essentials first. Here’s how the popular games in Australia stack up across platforms, genres, and local appeal drivers.

From long-standing franchises to newer hits, these games define current Australian gaming preferences:

1. Grand Theft Auto V

Grand Theft Auto V owns the Australian gaming throne and has held it for over a decade. This 2013 release defies conventional game lifespans, selling over 205 million copies worldwide with no signs of slowing.

The secret? Los Santos feels genuinely alive. The game delivers three distinct protagonists—Michael, Franklin, and Trevor—whose storylines intersect through high-stakes heists. But GTA Online keeps players hooked with constantly evolving content. Players build criminal empires, execute massive multiplayer heists, customize everything from sedans to flying motorcycles, and access regular updates that keep the experience fresh.

For Australian audiences, the game arrives in North American English with universally resonant voice acting. Rockstar’s satirical take on American culture transcends regional boundaries, requiring minimal localization. The core experience remains unchanged, which Australian players appreciate.

2. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 

Black Ops 6 represents the latest iteration in Call of Duty’s venerable franchise. As one of the most popular video games in Australia, it appeals to casual players and esports enthusiasts equally.

Launching in late 2024 with Xbox Game Pass integration, the game dramatically expanded its player base. Australian gamers flock to its refined gunplay mechanics, diverse multiplayer maps, and progression systems that reward dedication. The franchise attracts major streamers and content creators on Twitch, amplifying its cultural presence.

The game arrives in English with North American voice acting standards intact. Some Australian players report connectivity issues with region-specific servers—a technical challenge rather than a localization issue that developers continue to address.

3. It Takes Two

It Takes Two surged back into the top 10 recently, reflecting a shift toward cooperative, emotionally driven experiences. This 2021 Hazelight Studios title specifically requires two players to tackle challenges and explore relationship themes.

Australian gamers embrace this unique approach to storytelling through cooperative gameplay. The mechanics explore conflict, love, and reconciliation. Unlike traditional competitive games, It Takes Two demands communication and compromise, creating powerful bonding experiences. Its recent surge reflects players seeking games that strengthen real-world relationships.

The game delivers English voice acting with full dialogue options. Its universal emotional themes require minimal cultural adaptation, making it accessible to Australian audiences without significant changes.

4. EA Sports FC 25

EA Sports FC 25 continues the football simulation legacy that began as FIFA before EA’s naming transition. This annual release maintains a strong position among video games in Australia thanks to the sport’s massive cultural relevance.

Football commands intense passion in Australian culture, particularly with the A-League domestically and international competition globally. EA Sports FC 25 offers multiple modes, including the addictive Ultimate Team card-collecting experience, where players build dream squads. Competitive ranked seasons and live events keep players engaged year-round.

The game includes Australian commentary and features Australian teams and players, with English voice acting from both international and locally familiar broadcasters—a thoughtful localization that resonates with domestic audiences.

5. Hogwarts Legacy 

Hogwarts Legacy stands as one of the most anticipated games ever released and has maintained remarkable popularity since its February 2023 launch. This open-world action RPG transported millions of Harry Potter fans into the world they’d imagined for decades.

The game achieves something extraordinary: it fulfills the fantasy of attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Over 99% of the doors in Hogwarts Castle are accessible. Players explore Diagon Alley, the Forbidden Forest, and Hogsmeade while casting spells, brewing potions, and studying herbology. The character customization system lets players choose their house, which grants access to house-specific quests and common rooms. The game shipped over 12 million copies globally and became the most-downloaded game on Steam upon launch.

For Australian players, the game supports English voice acting regionally appropriate to local audiences. The Wizarding World’s British roots mean the English language experience aligns naturally with Australian players’ expectations without requiring Australia-specific characters or quests.

6. NBA 2K25

NBA 2K25 maintains the annual sports game tradition that has cemented itself in Australian gaming culture. Released in September 2024, this edition features updated rosters, refined mechanics, and expanded modes, keeping the franchise among the most-played video games in Australia.

Beyond basketball’s global recognition, NBA 2K25 appeals through its MyCAREER mode, where players create custom athletes and guide them through competitive, narratively engaging career arcs. MyTeam lets players collect cards and build dream rosters, while MyNBA enables general management. Notably, the W mode features WNBA teams with full rosters, broadening its appeal beyond traditional NBA audiences.

The game delivers in English with commentary from recognizable NBA broadcasters. Australian audiences receive the same experience as global players, though regional pricing reflects local market conditions—minimal localization that works effectively.

7. Red Dead Redemption 2

Red Dead Redemption 2 has maintained its position in the Australian top 10 since its 2018 release. This Rockstar Games western has achieved legendary status among gamers worldwide.

The game’s meticulous recreation of the American frontier, combined with its gripping story of loyalty, betrayal, and survival, creates an unforgettable experience. Red Dead Online continues receiving updates. The immersive attention to detail—from how NPCs react to your appearance to the physics of horse movement—creates a believable living world that Australian gamers return to regularly.

Voice acting arrives in English with American regional accents. The frontier setting and historical context require no specific Australian localization, allowing the authentic period experience to shine through.

8. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe stands as one of Nintendo’s perennial bestsellers and maintains consistent chart presence through its accessibility and social appeal. This Nintendo Switch exclusive has become a staple at gaming sessions and casual gatherings across Australia.

The game’s genius lies in its simplicity. Whether you’re a hardcore competitive player or a casual gamer, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe provides immediate fun with nuanced depth for those seeking mastery. Couch co-op multiplayer means Australian families and friend groups can gather around a single Switch for intense, laughter-filled races. The roster includes beloved Nintendo characters and courses from across the franchise’s history.

The English language interface features no region-specific characters or content. The visual-primary gameplay requires minimal translation, making it universally accessible.

9. Grand Theft Auto Online

Grand Theft Auto Online, the multiplayer component of GTA V, appears separately in the charts, indicating its status as practically a standalone experience worth tracking independently.

GTA Online offers an entirely different experience from GTA V’s campaign. Players create custom characters and build criminal empires through businesses, heists, and ventures. Rockstar’s commitment to regular updates—adding new missions, vehicles, weapons, and business opportunities—keeps the environment fresh. The game supports solo play, cooperative heists, and competitive modes, appealing to diverse playstyles.

Like GTA V, it’s delivered in English with minimal regional adjustment needed, maintaining consistency with its single-player counterpart.

10. Super Mario Party Jamboree 

Super Mario Party Jamboree represents Nintendo’s recent entry into the top 10, indicating renewed interest in multiplayer party gaming. The December 2024 release captured Australian audiences through its social gaming focus.

Party games have experienced a resurgence as players seek experiences that bring people together offline. Super Mario Party Jamboree offers a collection of mini-games that reward varied skill sets, making it accessible to players of all abilities. The colourful aesthetic and recognizable characters ensure broad appeal across age groups.

The English interface requires no content adaptation for regional markets, maintaining Nintendo’s consistent localization approach.

Australian gaming preferences aren’t random—they’re driven by specific factors that explain why these titles consistently top the charts:

• Open-World Freedom Reigns Supreme: GTA V, Hogwarts Legacy, and Red Dead Redemption 2 all provide vast, explorable environments that reward curiosity and offer the freedom Australian players increasingly demand.
• Social Connection is Non-Negotiable: Games like Mario Kart 8, It Takes Two, and GTA Online thrive because they facilitate connection—whether online or locally. Working with a game development company that understands these social dynamics proves crucial for creating engaging experiences.
• Accessibility Matters: Mario Kart 8 and Super Mario Party Jamboree succeed partly because they don’t require extraordinary skill development to enjoy, allowing casual players to participate meaningfully alongside competitive players. This design philosophy influences game development cost considerations, as balancing accessibility with depth requires careful planning.
• Franchise Loyalty Runs Deep: Australian gamers have invested years in the worlds of GTA, Call of Duty, and Red Dead Redemption, creating switching costs and emotional attachment that keep them engaged.
• Consistent Content Updates Drive Retention: Games receiving regular updates—particularly GTA Online and NBA 2K25—offer continual reasons to return, preventing stagnation and maintaining player interest over months and years.

The Australian gaming landscape is transforming rapidly, and current trends reveal where the market is heading. Mobile gaming now represents 60% of the global gaming market, with Australian players increasingly blurring the lines between console, PC, and mobile play. Players expect cross-save functionality and cloud services that allow seamless progression across devices—considerations that shape mobile game development services offerings.

It’s worth noting that while Australia embraces global gaming trends, the country maintains strict content standards. Some video games banned in Australia include titles with extreme violence or certain themes, reflecting the nation’s classification system. However, this rarely impacts the most popular mainstream titles that dominate the charts.

The market also shows growing interest in Australian-made video games, with local developers creating titles that resonate both domestically and internationally. This local development scene contributes to the broader gaming ecosystem while learning from global successes and understanding regional player preferences.

Looking ahead, Australian gamers will likely demand even more cross-platform integration, with seamless progression across devices becoming the baseline expectation rather than a premium feature. The rise of cooperative games like It Takes Two signals a shift toward experiences that strengthen real-world relationships, moving beyond pure competition. Any game development studio developing for the Australian market now considers AI integration as a standard feature, with players experiencing smarter NPCs, personalized recommendations, and improved anti-cheat systems.

Grand Theft Auto V’s decade-long dominance demonstrates that games-as-a-service models with consistent updates can sustain cultural relevance indefinitely. Hogwarts Legacy proves that IP-driven experiences fulfilling long-held fantasies create powerful engagement that transcends traditional gaming demographics. The presence of the sports games—EA Sports FC 25 and NBA 2K25—suggests that annual franchises will continue to thrive, but only if they deliver meaningful innovation beyond roster updates.

The next generation of the most popular video game in Australia will likely blend the open-world freedom of GTA V with the social connectivity of Mario Kart, the narrative depth of Red Dead Redemption 2, and the accessibility of party games. Australian players have spoken clearly about what they value, and developers worldwide are listening.