Discover the 10 Most Influential Games That Shaped a Decade

Among these iconic titles, only one was released in the final year of the decade – and it’s not the widely discussed Death Stranding.

As the decade draws to a close, the renowned TIME magazine reflects on the most impactful games that have left a lasting mark on the gaming landscape. Here is the curated list of ten groundbreaking games, presented without ranking.

Grand Theft Auto V (2013)

One of the most successful entertainment ventures globally, Grand Theft Auto V has generated revenue surpassing even the highest-grossing films, with earnings reaching approximately $6 billion compared to $2.8 billion for blockbuster movies like Avatar. The franchise’s immense popularity and cultural impact are undeniable, inspiring upcoming projects, including a film starring Ryan Reynolds that draws heavily from its immersive online multiplayer experience.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)

This installment redefined open-world gaming, with Nintendo crafting an expansive and captivating environment that encourages exploration beyond the main storyline. Much like how Persona 4 Golden boosted the PS Vita’s appeal, Breath of the Wild became a key motivator for gamers to invest in the Nintendo Switch.

Fortnite (2017)

While PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds popularized the battle royale genre, Fortnite transformed it into a global cultural phenomenon. Initially a survival sandbox, the introduction of a free-to-play battle royale mode post-PUBG’s success catapulted Fortnite to unprecedented popularity, enabling Epic Games to expand with their own gaming platform.

Dark Souls (2011)

Over the past decade, Dark Souls has become synonymous with challenging yet rewarding gameplay. Its unique blend of difficulty and depth inspired titles like Bloodborne, which shifted towards gothic horror aesthetics, and influenced modern action games such as Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, known for its strategic combat mechanics.

League of Legends (2009)

Launching just before the decade, League of Legends set the standard for the MOBA genre, gaining massive popularity in subsequent years. It remains a cornerstone of competitive gaming, with tournaments drawing viewership rivalling major sporting events like the Super Bowl.

Pokémon Go (2016)

In 2016, Pokémon Go sparked a worldwide craze, motivating players to explore real-world locations in search of virtual creatures and compete for control over virtual gyms. Even those who never played were familiar with its cultural presence, and Niantic continues to update the game while inspiring similar augmented reality experiences.

Minecraft (2009)

Another title from 2009 that flourished throughout the decade, Minecraft remains the most-watched game on YouTube, surpassing Fortnite by over 40 billion views. It ranks as the second best-selling game ever, just behind Nintendo’s Wii Sports. Regular updates and a passionate community ensure its influence will continue well into the future.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)

Since its release, Skyrim has consistently topped sales charts and is available across nearly all platforms. Its vast, intricately detailed open world and the active modding community have sustained its popularity, offering players endless possibilities to customize their adventures.

Portal 2 (2011)

Valve kicked off the decade with Portal 2, a critically acclaimed sequel that enhanced the original’s innovative puzzle mechanics with a compelling narrative and refined portal gun gameplay.

Disco Elysium (2019)

Released just months before the decade ended, Disco Elysium offered a remarkable finale with its blend of classic role-playing elements and forward-thinking game design, showcasing what the future of gaming might hold.

Which games from the past ten years left the strongest impression on you? Share your favorites in the comments below!

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