25 Iconic Video Games That Changed Entertainment Forever
Pong (1972)
The first commercially successful arcade game, it popularized video gaming.
Space Invaders (1978)
Popularized the concept of a high score and paved the way for future shooters.
Pac-Man (1980)
One of the most iconic arcade games, known for its non-violent gameplay and appeal to all demographics.
Donkey Kong (1981)
Introduced Mario and jumpstarted the platforming genre.
Super Mario Bros. (1985)
Revolutionized platform gaming and helped popularize home consoles.
Tetris (1984)
A puzzle game that became a worldwide phenomenon, influencing game design and mobile gaming.
The Legend of Zelda (1986)
Introduced an open-world format with a strong narrative focus and immersive gameplay.
Street Fighter II (1991)
Defined competitive fighting games and led to the boom of arcade fighting games.
Super Mario 64 (1996)
Transformed 3D platforming, influencing countless 3D games that followed.
Final Fantasy VII (1997)
Brought RPGs into mainstream gaming with an unforgettable story and cinematic presentation.
GoldenEye 007 (1997)
Revolutionized first-person shooters with its multiplayer mode and innovative controls.
Half-Life (1998)
Combined immersive storytelling and action, influencing the evolution of FPS games.
The Sims (2000)
Created a life-simulation genre and reached a wide audience beyond traditional gamers.
Grand Theft Auto III (2001)
Redefined open-world gameplay and created one of the most successful franchises in history.
Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
Helped define first-person shooters on consoles and popularized online multiplayer.
World of Warcraft (2004)
Set a new standard for MMORPGs with its massive online world and deep player interactions.
Wii Sports (2006)
Popularized motion controls and brought casual gaming to a wider audience.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)
Revolutionized open-world RPGs with its vast, immersive world and complex narratives.
Minecraft (2011)
Pushed the boundaries of creativity with open-world sandbox gameplay, and became a cultural phenomenon.
The Last of Us (2013)
Set a new benchmark for narrative-driven games with its deep storytelling and character development.
Pokémon Red/Blue (1996)
Changed the way video games encouraged player interaction, trading, and exploration, spawning a massive franchise.
Doom (1993)
Pioneered the first-person shooter genre, influencing countless future FPS games.
Super Smash Bros. (1999)
Defined crossover fighting games and brought together beloved characters from various franchises.
Fortnite (2017)
Revolutionized the battle royale genre, with its free-to-play model and live-service updates.
Resident Evil 4 (2005)
Changed the survival horror genre with a more action-oriented approach and a fresh camera perspective.
