The most significant games of the last 10 years

The last decade has changed the gaming universe so much. There have been new concepts, great stories, and experiences that have left many amazed. As technology changes and what gamers want changes as well, some games have become extremely popular and influential in culture. They have had a lasting impact on the industry. Let's look at the most influential games of the last decade and determine what they brought and the legacies they left.

1. The Witcher 3: Wild hunt

Initially released in 2015, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is the greatest open-world RPG. The game, which was developed by CD Projekt Red, enables gamers to become Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter, to venture into a well-designed world that is full of interesting tales and unforgettable characters.

Main features and impacts:

Narrative complexity: The game has a narrative that can alter based on the decisions players make during their adventure. This level of interaction has raised the bar for storytelling, and developers have been paying more attention to player choice in games like Assassin's Creed Origins and Cyberpunk 2077.

World-building: The Witcher 3 has built a rich world with side quests that are just as interesting as the main story. This has led to most RPGs delving into deeper storytelling. Each side quest reveals stories that showcase the game's moral choices, something that can be seen in Kingdom Come: Deliverance as well.

Cultural phenomenon: Aside from gaming, The Witcher 3 spawned a Netflix hit series that propelled the franchise into mainstream, showcasing how the game still influences popular media and culture.

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2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Nintendo launched The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild in 2017, which changed the action-adventure game landscape. Breaking from the norm that is characteristic for the franchise, it offered gamers an open-world setting that motivates players to experiment and discover.

Main points and impacts:

New gameplay mechanics: The player is able to climb nearly any surface, cook, and solve puzzles in new manners. This open-endedness encourages creativity and influences the design of future games like Genshin Impact, which takes its style of exploration.

Environmental storytelling: Instead of using traditional quest markers, Breath of the Wild pushes players to explore its world by traveling to interesting-looking places that they happen to see. This design philosophy in games has inspired other games like Elden Ring, which also focuses on discovery without being strictly guided.

Cultural influence: The game's success has made people more interested in open-world adventures. This has encouraged developers to make large worlds that allow players to explore and discover.

3. Fortnite

Since its launch in 2017, Fortnite has evolved from a survival title to a cultural sensation. While PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds inaugurated the battle royale craze, Fortnite took it to the next level with building mechanics and cartoon-like graphics.

Main points and effects:

Cultural integration: Fortnite is a cultural events space, where it holds concerts and collaborates with major franchises like Marvel and Star Wars. This integration has set a new standard for live events in games, influencing games like Apex Legends.

Business model evolution: The game employs new concepts for small payments and periodic updates, which have revolutionized how games generate revenue. Other developers have seen this and begun adopting these strategies, creating a trend of free-to-play games with optional purchases.

Community: Fortnite creates a sense of community with its social features and events. It encourages players to engage with the game and with each other. This has made Fortnite a focal point of gaming culture, especially among youth.

4. Resident Evil 2 (Remake)

The 2019 remake of Resident Evil 2 brought back a classic and established the standard for video game remakes. With a mix of nostalgia from the past and new gameplay, the game won over the hearts of old-time followers and newcomers alike.

Principal characteristics and impact:

New gameplay: The remake kept the general idea of the original but updated the mechanics and the visuals for the modern audience. This set a trend for remaking beloved games, including Dead Space and the Silent Hill remakes.

Revisiting survival horror: Its popularity has rekindled interest in the survival horror genre among people, proving that it is possible to both be a commercial success and be well-received critically. Upcoming titles like The Callisto Protocol take cues from its success.

Technical mastery: The game's stunning visuals and atmospheric design have raised the bar for what horror games are supposed to be, with hopes for future titles to reach these heights.

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5. Dark Souls series

Dark Souls series, specifically Dark Souls 3 and Bloodborne, have changed the gaming world. Dark Souls series is renowned for being challenging to complete and having complex worlds, and it has returned some level of difficulty found in mainstream games.

Key points and impacts:

Challenging gameplay: The series has made hardcore difficulty the norm of the genre, spawning a generation of "souls-like" titles such as Nioh and Lies of P. This has conditioned players to embrace challenge as part of the gaming experience.

Interconnected world design: The games have rich worlds that are interconnected, prompting players to travel and observe very closely. This concept has encouraged numerous developers to create worlds that are more interactive and immersive.

Community and culture: Dark Souls has developed a loyal fan base who like to work together and share hints and ideas for the story. This cooperative style of communication and sharing has made the series very well-liked among gaming groups.

6. Hades

Launched in 2020, Hades demonstrates how to blend rogue-like elements with solid storytelling and character development. This title has raised the bar for the genre, demonstrating that a good narrative and enjoyable gameplay can coexist.

Principal characteristics and influence:

Innovative Storytelling: The game employs an innovative narrative framework, in which players learn about character backstories and connections through multiple playthroughs. This interactive storytelling method has pushed subsequent rogue-like games to focus on narrative richness.

Visual style: The stunning visuals and rich color palette of the game have set a new standard for indie games, proving that smaller developers can deliver visually appealing experiences on par with larger releases.

Character development: All characters in Hades possess distinct personalities and narratives, and their interactions vary from one playthrough to another. Such profound character development causes players to be invested in the narrative, resulting in a trend of prioritizing characters in games.

7. The Last of Us Part II

In 2020, The Last of Us Part II revolutionized the way video games are told, continuing the survival and right-versus-wrong themes that the original started. This second installment introduced the nuanced characters and moral dilemmas that make one think differently.

Principal characteristics and impact:

Mature Themes: The game deals with dark themes of revenge, loss, and the aftermath of violence. This raises questions about how a narrative is conveyed in games. It encourages players to consider the emotional repercussions of their actions.

Cinematic techniques: The use of storytelling in games has revolutionized how game developers create stories, leading to experiences that engage players emotionally. The game's graphics and attention to detail have set a new standard for storytelling in games.

Critical reception: The game had mixed reviews from the fans but undoubtedly enhanced the way stories are presented and emotions experienced in video games, influencing how future games will present their stories.

Final thoughts

The past decade has witnessed numerous games that not only entertain but also test the conventional ways of thinking and bring forth new ideas. As we look to the future, it will be fascinating to see how the industry evolves based on the foundation laid down by these incredible games. Whether through new concepts for gameplay, compelling narratives, or engaging with culture, the legacy of these games will continue to inspire gamers and developers alike. The enduring influence of these significant titles ensures that gaming remains a dynamic, constantly evolving medium that has the power to capture the hearts and imaginations of millions. The next generation of gamers will surely bring the success of such iconic games to a new level, devising new methods in the world of interactive entertainment.