Video games have come a long way since their inception, evolving from simple pixelated screens to the immersive, high-definition experiences we enjoy today. Over the years, certain game series have stood out, becoming cultural touchstones and driving the industry forward. In this article, we’ll explore the most popular game series from every decade, highlighting the impact these games had on gaming and popular culture.
1980s: Pac-Man and Super Mario Bros.
The 1980s marked the beginning of video games as a mainstream form of entertainment. The most iconic game of the early 80s was undoubtedly Pac-Man. Released in 1980 by Namco, Pac-Man quickly became a cultural phenomenon. With its simple yet addictive gameplay, players controlled a yellow circle that devoured pellets while avoiding ghosts. Its appeal crossed generations, making it one of the most recognizable video games of all time.
In 1985, Super Mario Bros. was released on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), and it revolutionized the platformer genre. Created by Shigeru Miyamoto, the game introduced players to Mario, who would go on to become one of the most beloved video game characters in history. The game’s innovative level design and 69vn precise controls set a standard for platformers that still influences games today.
1990s: The Legend of Zelda and Final Fantasy
The 1990s saw the rise of 3D gaming and some of the most influential RPGs ever created. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998) is often cited as one of the greatest video games of all time. Released for the Nintendo 64, it introduced an expansive world, intricate puzzles, and an engaging narrative, setting a new benchmark for action-adventure games. The Zelda series, which began in the 1980s, became synonymous with quality game design and creativity in the 90s.
Meanwhile, Final Fantasy became the defining RPG series of the 1990s. With Final Fantasy VII (1997), the franchise broke into the mainstream with its epic storytelling, unforgettable characters like Cloud Strife, and its cinematic cutscenes. The game’s success cemented the Final Fantasy series as a key player in the role-playing game genre, paving the way for future titles to push the boundaries of what games could achieve in terms of narrative and emotional depth.
2000s: Halo and Grand Theft Auto
The 2000s were defined by the rise of first-person shooters and open-world games. Halo: Combat Evolved (2001), developed by Bungie and released on the Xbox, revolutionized online multiplayer gaming with its innovative gameplay and competitive multiplayer modes. The game’s protagonist, Master Chief, became a symbol of the Xbox brand, and Halo went on to become one of the most successful franchises in gaming history.
On the other side of the spectrum, Grand Theft Auto (GTA) reached new heights in the 2000s with the release of Grand Theft Auto III (2001) and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004). These open-world games offered players unprecedented freedom to explore vast, living cities while engaging in a variety of criminal activities. The combination of satirical storytelling, memorable characters, and open-ended gameplay made GTA a defining series of the decade.
2010s: The Witcher and Fortnite
As technology advanced in the 2010s, game development became more ambitious, leading to groundbreaking titles with vast open worlds, immersive storytelling, and multiplayer experiences. One of the standout RPGs of the decade was The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015). This game, developed by CD Projekt Red, took players on an epic journey through a dark, beautifully crafted fantasy world. Its complex characters, engaging plot, and player choice mechanics set a new standard for open-world RPGs.
Meanwhile, Fortnite (2017) became a cultural phenomenon in the world of multiplayer online games. Developed by Epic Games, Fortnite introduced the battle royale mode to a mainstream audience, allowing 100 players to compete in a shrinking arena until only one remains. The game’s free-to-play model, regular updates, and in-game events made it a global success, dominating both the gaming landscape and social media for years.
2020s: Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Elden Ring
As we enter the 2020s, gaming continues to evolve with more immersive and socially connected experiences. Animal Crossing: New Horizons (2020) became a massive hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its relaxing, open-ended gameplay, which allowed players to build their ideal island paradise, provided a comforting escape for millions of players worldwide. The game’s emphasis on community and creativity made it a global sensation, particularly among players seeking a stress-free experience.
At the same time, Elden Ring (2022), developed by FromSoftware, brought the soulslike genre to new heights with its expansive open world and punishing difficulty. The collaboration between Hidetaka Miyazaki, the creator of Dark Souls, and fantasy author George R.R. Martin resulted in a game that captivated fans with its deep lore, challenging gameplay, and vast exploration. Elden Ring received critical acclaim and became one of the best-selling games of the decade.
Conclusion
Each decade in the history of video games has brought forth series that shaped the gaming industry and popular culture. From the iconic arcade titles of the 1980s to the vast open-world adventures of the 2020s, game series like Pac-Man, Super Mario Bros., Halo, and Elden Ring have left lasting legacies. As technology continues to advance, it’s exciting to think about what the next decade will bring in terms of new game series and innovations.
