
25 Video Games That Changed The Industry Forever

25. Fortnite
Fortnite popularized Battle Royale with its free-to-play model and cross-platform play. Its regular seasonal updates have reshaped how games make money, proving that the free-to-play model can be very profitable. | © Epic Games

24. Dark Souls
Dark Souls redefined difficulty in gaming by challenging modern conventions of handholding and ease of play. Its intricate world design, deep lore, and relentless challenge sparked the creation of a whole genre of souls-like games. | © FromSoftware

23. The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was one of the first major games to introduce microtransactions, starting with a simple horse armor DLC in 2006. Although this approach has drawn criticism over the years, it set the stage for how games monetize additional content today. | © Bethesda Game Studios

22. Mortal Kombat
Mortal Kombat captured audiences with groundbreaking use of violence in the early '90s, which even led to the creation of the ESRB. The game's popularity among kids transformed the industry, sparking a debate over whether video games are just simple fun, a form of art, or a catalyst for corrupting violence. | © NetherRealm Studios

21. The Legend Of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda set the standard for open-world gaming by offering a simple story and a vast world to explore and solve puzzles. Its innovative design has inspired countless developers, influencing many fantasy titles, RPGs, and even AAA games like Dark Souls. | © Nintendo

20. The Sims
The Sims redefined gaming with accessible modding tools and a built-in sharing platform, allowing community-made content to reach a broader audience. It turned video games into a passionate, social space where creativity and collaboration flourished. | © Electronic Arts

19. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare redefined what a first-person shooter could be with cinematic storytelling, groundbreaking multiplayer innovations, and immersive gameplay. Its cultural impact set a new standard for modern shooters, influencing countless games that followed. | © Infinity Ward

18. Super Mario 64
Super Mario 64 was one of the first fully 3D games that allowed players to explore a vibrant gaming world with natural controls thanks to its innovative analogue gamepad. With the timeless charm of Mario, it redefined platform gaming and captured the excitement of both new and longtime fans. | © Nintendo

17. Wii Sports
Wii Sports helped to put a significant spotlight on player accessibility in gaming, allowing anyone, no matter their age, to have fun playing video games. This simple yet groundbreaking game helped make gaming more accessible, paving the way for future innovations in player-friendly design. | © Nintendo

16. Metal Gear Solid
Metal Gear Solid is a landmark in video game history due to its groundbreaking lore, rich characters, and philosophical story that was truly ahead of its time. Even with a few inconsistencies, its immersive universe and captivating narrative make it a standout franchise. | © Konami

15. Tetris
Pac-Man may have introduced a maze-action game format, but Tetris became the pioneer of this genre with its simple and addictive gameplay. The monochrome version of the Nintendo Gameboy became one of the best-selling games ever, selling 35 million copies worldwide. | © Sega

14. Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII had significant influence on the RPG genre and the gaming industry as a whole with its rich narrative, complex themes, and deep character development. Its innovative design and groundbreaking storytelling continue to inspire game developers these days. | © Square Enix

13. BioShock
BioShock is a spiritual successor to the System Shock series that combines a captivating narrative with rich themes and immersive gameplay. Critics praised its striking visual design and detailed setting, making it a game that truly pushed the boundaries of storytelling in gaming. | © 2K Games

12. Farmville
Farmville brought microtransactions to the mainstream and introduced a new way to play with friends that no one had seen before. It also played a key role in making social media popular by engaging millions of casual gamers in its fun, community-driven experience. | © Zynga

11. Chrono Trigger
Chrono Trigger broke new ground with its innovative New Game+ feature and multiple endings that gave players fresh ways to experience its deep story. Its inventive design and timeless charm make it a must-play for gamers of all ages, even for those who weren't around when it first came out. | © Square Enix

10. Crash Bandicoot
Crash Bandicoot pushed the limits of the original PlayStation by delivering high-quality 3D graphics with clever techniques like forced perspective. The developers even worked around Sony’s SDK limitations to create a visually engaging game that left a lasting impact on the industry. | © Naughty Dog

9. Star Fox
Star Fox brought true 3D graphics to consoles in the early '90s, marking a major milestone in gaming technology. Though it may seem archaic today, it paved the way for future 3D games and innovative flight combat experiences. | © Nintendo

8. Street Fighter II
Street Fighter II revolutionized arcade games with competitive battles and a diverse roster of fighters like Ryu and Chun-Li. Its blend of simple button moves and strategic special attacks fired up players and onlookers alike, setting a new standard for fighting games. | © Capcom

7. Quake
Quake was a groundbreaking shooter that introduced 3D sprite models instead of flat 2D images, allowing players to circle around enemies with a new level of freedom. The innovative design made combat feel more dynamic and immersive, setting a fresh standard for first-person shooters. | © id Software

6. Pong
Pong was the first commercially successful video game that set the stage for the entire gaming industry and transformed arcades around the world. Despite the straightforward table tennis design, this game captured the imagination of both kids and adults and even earned a place in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC. | © Atari

5. Grand Theft Auto III
Grand Theft Auto III introduced the mainstream to open-world gaming, allowing players to freely explore the fictional Liberty City from a third-person perspective. Despite sparking controversy with its mature content, the game became a cultural phenomenon that set the standard for future open-world titles. | © Rockstar Games

4. World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft was the true revolution in online gaming thanks to the vast fantasy universe, allowing players to create their avatars and embark on epic quests together or against each other. At its peak in 2010, the game boasted 12 million subscribers online. | © Blizzard Entertainment

3. Doom
Doom is one of the frontrunners of first-person shooters that captivated gamers with fast-paced action and groundbreaking features like modding and multiplayer deathmatch. By late 1995, the game was installed on more computers than Microsoft's newly released Windows 95. | © id Software

2. Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate 3 is a unique experience from the modern gaming packed with meaningful content that feels rewarding from the smallest detail to the biggest moments. The game has rich story, deep character development, and immersive gameplay, which makes it a fantastic RPG even by the highest standards. | © Larian Studios

1. Minecraft
You can easily take Minecraft for granted these days, but this simple sandbox game opened the door for players to build and explore their adventures. Its creative design inspired many other games to let you craft your world and explore endless possibilities. | © Mojang Studios
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