Thousands of video games have been released up to now, but only a select few have had a dramatic impact on global culture. The best video games are beloved across the world, and their influence extends beyond the orders of interactive entertainment.
These works of art have birthed entire multimedia franchises, with all manner of books, movies, and TV shows based on video games. Here are 10 of the biggest and most memorable titles to grace the world of video games.
1. Tetris
Few games are as old and iconic as Tetris. This classic has truly stood the test of time, having been around since as far back as the early 80s’.
Despite its age, Tetris remains one of the most played games of today. Thanks to the simplicity of its premise, it can be played on absolutely any platform, and the experience will be flawless 100% of the time.
2. Minecraft
Minecraft is best described as a playground for creativity. It offers a combination of fun and complexity that’s hard to put down, and it’s even used as an educational tool nowadays.
Despite the fact that it’s been around since 2011, it still has millions of active players. Such a strong user base after more than a decade makes it easy to see why Minecraft is often referred to as one of the most influential games of all time.
3. Super Mario Bros.
Nintendo is well-known for its ability to produce classics, and Super Mario Bros. is the first and foremost among them.
Mario and Luigi have been delighting gamers of all ages since 1985. There are very few places you can go where the famous brothers won’t be instantly recognized, and the rest of the characters are all prominent in pop culture.
4. Pokémon
Seven years after the release of Nintendo’s first Game Boy, Pokémon’s iconic duo of Ash and Pikachu was unleashed on the world.
Following its critical and commercial success, Pokémon swiftly grew into a massive global franchise, and there are now over 70 titles in the series, not to mention a highly successful cartoon series, blockbuster movies, and the viral spin-off game, Pokémon Go.
5. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a premium RPG experience. Over 40 million copies have been shipped since the game’s release, making it one of the highest-selling games ever made.
It’s got everything you could want from an action RPG, from the superb voice acting and stellar narrative to the graphical details and terrific world-building. All in all, there are over a hundred hours of content, and every moment is a joy to play.
6. Animal Crossing
When it came out in 2020, Animal Crossing: New Horizons broke the record for the most digital copies of a game sold within one month.
The major reason for its success? The fact that it’s a social simulation game. It came out when remote work was gaining steam, leading to a ‘lightning in a bottle’ opportunity for the game’s developer.
7. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim has been released and re-released so many times, for so many different platforms, that people often joke about its ubiquity.
Skyrim is more a sandbox than a story-driven game, and there’s even a thriving mod community that creates user-generated content. Roleplaying motivates every mechanic, and no two playthroughs are ever the same.
8. The Sims
While this may be surprising news for some gamers, The Sims is still extremely popular around the world.
Gamers can’t seem to get enough of this life simulator, and the extensive list of content updates is proof of the longevity of the franchise. We’re up to the 4th title in the series at this point, and the last release is still receiving expansions as we speak.
9. Super Smash Bros.
Nintendo’s third and final entry on our list is Super Smash Bros, the tremendously popular cartoon brawler that features all of your favorite characters from multiple genres.
This crossover fighting game revitalized couch co-op gaming, and its multiplayer-focused gameplay has given rise to a healthy competitive community, with several high-profile tournaments that draw thousands of spectators.
10. World of Warcraft
Every MMORPG since World of Warcraft (WoW) has tried to equal its success. With the exception of Final Fantasy XIV, none of them have come close to toppling the king of the genre.
WoW is the pioneer of the genre, the one that managed to stay on top despite an endless stream of supposed ‘WoW killers’. It holds a special place in MMO fans’ hearts, and with 1.5 million daily players in 2022, proves that WoW remains the number one MMO of today.