The last decade has seen a significant shift in the gaming industry, with the rise of indie games, the growth of the esports scene, and the evolution of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology. Among the many great games that have been released over the past decade, some have had a more profound impact on the industry than others. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 5 most influential games of the last decade.
1. Minecraft (2011)
Minecraft is a sandbox-style video game that was first released in 2011. Developed by Mojang Studios, the game allows players to build and explore a blocky, pixelated world filled with creatures, resources, and treasures. Minecraft has become a cultural phenomenon, with millions of players worldwide, and has been praised for its creative freedom, addictive gameplay, and educational value.
Minecraft’s influence on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. It has inspired a generation of gamers and developers, and has helped to popularize the sandbox genre. The game’s success has also led to the creation of a thriving community of content creators, who produce custom maps, mods, and resource packs.
2. Grand Theft Auto V (2013)
Grand Theft Auto V is an open-world action-adventure game developed by Rockstar Games. Released in 2013, the game is set in the fictional city of Los Santos and follows the story of three playable characters: Michael, Franklin, and Trevor. The game features a vast open world, a rich storyline, and a wide range of gameplay mechanics, including driving, shooting, and role-playing.
Grand Theft Auto V has been a massive commercial success, selling over 135 million copies worldwide. Its influence on the gaming industry can be seen in its impact on the open-world genre, which has become increasingly popular in recent years. The game’s success has also led to the development of new technologies, such as the Rockstar Advanced Game Engine (RAGE), which has been used in several other Rockstar Games titles.
3. The Last of Us (2013)
The Last of Us is a post-apocalyptic survival horror game developed by Naughty Dog. Released in 2013, the game follows the story of Joel and Ellie, two survivors of a deadly virus that has devastated humanity. The game features a strong narrative focus, deep characters, and intense gameplay mechanics.
The Last of Us has been widely praised for its storytelling, characters, and gameplay, and has won numerous awards, including several Game of the Year awards. Its influence on the gaming industry can be seen in its impact on the survival horror genre, which has experienced a resurgence in popularity in recent years.
4. Overwatch (2016)
Overwatch is a team-based first-person shooter developed by Blizzard Entertainment. Released in 2016, the game features a diverse cast of heroes, each with their own unique abilities and playstyles. The game has become a popular esport, with a thriving competitive scene and numerous professional teams and players.
Overwatch’s influence on the gaming industry can be seen in its impact on the esports scene, which has grown significantly in recent years. The game’s success has also led to the development of new technologies, such as the Overwatch League’s cloud-based infrastructure, which allows for seamless gameplay and high-quality streaming.
5. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (2017)
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) is a battle royale game developed by PUBG Corporation. Released in 2017, the game features a large map, a variety of gameplay mechanics, and a strong focus on survival and strategy.
PUBG’s influence on the gaming industry can be seen in its impact on the battle royale genre, which has become increasingly popular in recent years. The game’s success has also led to the development of new technologies, such as the PUBG Mobile platform, which allows for seamless gameplay on mobile devices.
Conclusion
The last decade has seen a significant shift in the gaming industry, with the rise of indie games, the growth of the esports scene, and the evolution of VR and AR technology. Among the many great games that have been released over the past decade, Minecraft, Grand Theft Auto V, The Last of Us, Overwatch, and PUBG have had a more profound impact on the industry than others. These games have inspired a generation of gamers and developers, and have helped to shape the gaming industry into what it is today.