A new study by gaming site experts at Clash.gg analyzed Wikipedia data to uncover the game characters sparking the most curiosity. This is based on the number of page views across dedicated character Wikipedia pages over the past 30 days.
Game characters often leave players intrigued with mysteries about their backstories or roles that drive fans to seek out more information, while Wikipedia has become the go-to resource for many looking to unravel these mysteries.
And it turns out the video game character people want to know the most about is Shadow the Hedgehog with 68,896 page views. This iconic villain from the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise also recently appeared in the movie Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
In second place is Mario, with 67,263 Wikipedia page views. First introduced in Donkey Kong and Mario Bros., this beloved character has become a global sensation. His appearance in The Super Mario Bros. Movie further cemented his status as a timeless favorite, leaving generations of fans eager to learn more about the plumber.
Pikachu, the face of the Pokémon franchise, ranks third with 56,933 page views. Known for its electric abilities and iconic design, this yellow mouse has global recognition, drawing more to learn about its enduring legacy.
Interestingly, Sonic the Hedgehog himself lands in fourth place, with 39,470 Wikipedia page views. Despite being the franchise’s main hero, it’s the enigmatic antihero Shadow who has captured greater attention from fans over the last month.
In fifth place is Kratos, the formidable protagonist of the God of War series, with 38,993 page views. His complex character arc, rooted in Greek and Norse mythology, continues to intrigue fans, making him a fascinating figure to explore further.
Iconic Tomb Raider heroine, Lara Croft, follows closely in sixth place with 38,876 Wikipedia page views. Her enduring legacy keeps her among the most-researched characters, as well as a recent casting announcement regarding a live-action series.
Another Sonic the Hedgehog character, Doctor Eggman ranked seventh with 35,972 Wikipedia page views. As the franchise’s main antagonist, his reprised appearance in Sonic the Hedgehog 3 clearly left fans wanting to know more.
Shifting to the horror genre, Pyramid Head, first introduced in Silent Hill 2, takes eighth place with 32,817 page views. The faceless monster draws nearly double the amount of page views than the franchise’s protagonist, James Sunderland, who ranked twentieth on the list with 16,914 page views.
Back to the Sonic universe, Knuckles ranked ninth with 28,951 page views. Featuring alongside Sonic in Sonic the Hedgehog 3, the movie clearly sparked curiosity among new and old audiences, fueling interest in Knuckles and the rest of the Sonic gang.
Rounding out the top ten is Steve from Minecraft, with 28,084 page views. The simplicity and creativity of his world have made him a global icon for gamers of all ages wanting to know more about his backstory.
Princess Peach is 11th with 27,179 page views. The second Mario franchise character to make the list, Peach is the female game character with the most game appearances.
Pokémon’s protagonist, Ash Ketchum, ranks 12th with 27,151 page views. Popularized in the anime series following the success of the original Pokémon games, Ash has become a beloved figure in pop culture.
Bowser claims 13th place with 26,206 page views. The monstrous turtle-like creature and nemesis of Mario and Luigi have captivated fans for decades. His character gained even more depth through The Super Mario Bros. Movie.
In 14th place, with 24,593 page views, is Arthur Morgan, the protagonist of Red Dead Redemption 2. Arthur received critical acclaim for his multifaceted character, showcasing vulnerability and moral struggles.
Leon Scott Kennedy, from the Resident Evil franchise, takes the 15th spot with 22,051 page views. Leon has appeared in multiple games, series, and films, with his extensive history and evolving role making his Wikipedia page a treasure trove.
Top 15 Most-Viewed Video Game Characters on Wikipedia
Rank | Game Character | Number of Wikipedia Page Views Over 30 Days |
1 | Shadow the Hedgehog | 68,896 |
2 | Mario | 67,263 |
3 | Pikachu | 56,933 |
4 | Sonic the Hedgehog | 39,470 |
5 | Kratos | 38,993 |
6 | Lara Croft | 38,876 |
7 | Doctor Eggman | 35,972 |
8 | Pyramid Head | 32,817 |
9 | Knuckles | 28,951 |
10 | Steve | 28,084 |
11 | Princess Peach | 27,179 |
12 | Ash Ketchum | 27,151 |
13 | Bowser | 26,206 |
14 | Arthur Morgan | 24,593 |
15 | Leon Scott Kennedy | 22,051 |
Speaking on the findings, Gabriele Asaro, Head of SEO and research at Clash.gg commented: “It’s fascinating to see which characters have made the top of the list and to think about what drives people to search for game characters on Wikipedia. Is it the need to uncover their origins, delve into their backstories, or explore other appearances in media?
“These results highlight how characters with depth and crossover appeal continue to intrigue fans. The influence of Sonic the Hedgehog 3 is particularly notable, placing four Sonic characters in the top ten and demonstrating how other media can significantly expand a game character’s reach.
“As we move into 2025, it will be exciting to see how major releases, such as the much-anticipated GTA 6, or new adaptations in film and TV, influence the rankings. These developments have the potential to spotlight new characters and reignite interest in older ones, reshaping who fans want to know more about.”
Content Credit: https://clash.gg