While some of Moby's earlier work garnered critical and commercial success within the electronic dance music scene, "Play" was both a critical success and a commercial phenomenon. Initially issued to lackluster sales, it topped numerous album charts months after its release and was certified platinum in more than 20 countries. The album introduced Moby to a worldwide mainstream audience, not only through a large number of hit singles that helped the album to dominate worldwide charts for two years, but also through unprecedented licensing of his music in films, television, and commercial advertisements. "Play" eventually became the biggest-selling electronica album of all time, with over 12 million copies sold worldwide.