17 Video Games That Changed the Industry Forever

Video games have come a long way from simple pixelated screens to expansive, lifelike worlds. Along the way, certain games didn’t just entertain—they redefined how we think about gaming itself. These groundbreaking titles set new standards, introduced fresh mechanics, and even reshaped pop culture. Here are 17 video games that left an undeniable mark on the industry.

1. Pong (1972)

Pong wasn’t the first video game, but it was the first to gain widespread popularity. Its simple two-paddle tennis gameplay introduced gaming to the masses, proving that video games could be a viable commercial product. It also kickstarted the arcade craze, leading to a massive boom in gaming culture. Without Pong, the gaming industry as we know it might not exist.

2. Super Mario Bros. (1985)

Super Mario Bros. redefined platform gaming and helped revive the industry after the 1983 video game crash. Its precise controls, vibrant graphics, and memorable music made it an instant classic. It introduced Mario, who remains one of the most iconic characters in gaming. The game also set the blueprint for countless platformers that followed.

3. The Legend of Zelda (1986)

The Legend of Zelda introduced open-world exploration and non-linear gameplay, setting it apart from other games of its time. It gave players the freedom to tackle dungeons in different orders, creating a sense of discovery. Its focus on puzzles, adventure, and storytelling laid the foundation for future action-adventure games.

4. Doom (1993)

Doom didn’t just popularize the first-person shooter genre—it revolutionized it. Its fast-paced gameplay, 3D graphics, and modding capabilities made it a cultural phenomenon. The game’s multiplayer mode also laid the groundwork for modern online gaming. Doom’s impact on both technology and game design is still felt today.

5. Street Fighter II (1991)

Street Fighter II was the game that put fighting games on the map. Its intricate combo system, unique characters, and competitive multiplayer made it a staple in arcades worldwide. The game’s popularity helped establish the esports scene and inspired countless fighting games. It also became a cultural touchstone, influencing movies, music, and more.

6. Final Fantasy VII (1997)

Final Fantasy VII wasn’t just a hit RPG; it was a technological marvel for its time. Its 3D graphics, cinematic cutscenes, and deep storyline showed the potential of games as a storytelling medium. It also helped popularize Japanese RPGs in the West, introducing a whole new audience to the genre.

7. Grand Theft Auto III (2001)

Grand Theft Auto III set the standard for open-world games. Its sprawling, interactive city offered players unprecedented freedom to explore and cause chaos. The game’s sandbox design influenced countless titles, from Saints Row to Assassin’s Creed. Its mature themes and storytelling pushed the boundaries of what games could achieve.

8. Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)

Halo wasn’t just a launch title for the Xbox; it was a phenomenon that revolutionized console shooters. Its tight controls, innovative AI, and multiplayer modes set a new standard for first-person shooters. Halo also helped establish online console gaming through its sequel, Halo 2, which introduced Xbox Live matchmaking.

9. World of Warcraft (2004)

World of Warcraft took the MMORPG genre to new heights, becoming a cultural phenomenon in the process. Its massive, immersive world encouraged exploration, cooperation, and competition. The game’s social aspect, with guilds and raids, kept players coming back for years. WoW’s success showed the potential of online gaming as a long-term service.

10. Minecraft (2011)

Minecraft changed the way we think about creativity in games. Its sandbox design let players build anything they could imagine, from simple houses to entire cities. The game’s simplicity and accessibility appealed to players of all ages, making it one of the best-selling games of all time. It also inspired a wave of user-generated content and mods.

11. Tetris (1984)

Tetris proved that simple gameplay could be endlessly addictive. Its block-dropping mechanics became a cultural phenomenon, transcending language and age barriers. The game’s availability on almost every platform cemented its legacy as one of the most iconic puzzle games ever. It also helped establish handheld gaming with its success on the Game Boy.

12. The Sims (2000)

The Sims introduced players to life simulation, offering a game where there were no enemies or objectives—just life. It appealed to a wide audience, including people who didn’t typically play games. The game’s focus on player-driven stories and creativity paved the way for sandbox games and social simulations.

13. Pokémon Red and Blue (1996)

Pokémon Red and Blue created a global phenomenon, turning the Pokémon franchise into a cultural juggernaut. Its addictive gameplay loop of catching, training, and battling creatures appealed to players of all ages. The games also introduced the idea of trading between players, fostering a sense of community.

14. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)

Call of Duty 4 brought cinematic storytelling and multiplayer innovation to the first-person shooter genre. Its modern setting and intense campaign were groundbreaking, but its online multiplayer is what truly changed the game. Killstreaks, progression systems, and loadout customization became industry standards.

15. Wii Sports (2006)

Wii Sports wasn’t just a game; it was an experience that introduced motion controls to the masses. Its intuitive gameplay made it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. The game’s success helped the Nintendo Wii become one of the best-selling consoles ever, proving that gaming could appeal to a broader audience.

16. Fortnite (2017)

Fortnite revolutionized gaming with its blend of battle royale gameplay and a vibrant, ever-evolving world. Its free-to-play model, combined with seasonal updates and in-game events, kept players engaged. The game’s crossover with pop culture through events, skins, and concerts blurred the lines between gaming and entertainment.

17. The Last of Us (2013)

The Last of Us raised the bar for storytelling in games. Its emotional narrative, lifelike characters, and cinematic presentation showed that games could rival movies and TV. The game also brought attention to the survival genre, with its focus on resource management and realistic combat. Its impact on the industry is still felt in modern narrative-driven games.