Blog Post:
Video games have become a significant part of our culture, providing endless hours of entertainment and escapism. Over the years, video games have evolved into various genres, each with its own unique characteristics and fan base. However, some video games have stood out and defined their genres, setting the standards for future games to come. In this blog post, we will take a look at the most played video games that have defined a genre and left a lasting impact on the gaming industry.
1. Super Mario Bros. – Platformer Genre:
Super Mario Bros. is a classic platformer game released in 1985 by Nintendo. It follows the story of Mario, a plumber, and his brother Luigi, as they try to rescue Princess Peach from the evil Bowser. This game introduced the concept of side-scrolling and set the foundation for the platformer genre. With its colorful graphics, catchy music, and challenging levels, Super Mario Bros. became an instant hit and is still popular among gamers of all ages. Its success led to numerous sequels, spin-offs, and remakes, solidifying its position as one of the most played video games of all time and defining the platformer genre.
2. Doom – First-Person Shooter Genre:
Doom, released in 1993, is a first-person shooter game developed by id Software. It follows the story of a space marine fighting against demons from Hell. The game’s fast-paced action, 3D graphics, and adrenaline-pumping soundtrack revolutionized the first-person shooter genre. It was one of the first games to allow players to control the camera’s movement, giving them a more immersive experience. Doom also popularized the multiplayer deathmatch mode, where players compete against each other in a battle to the death. Its impact on the gaming industry is still evident today, with the success of games like Call of Duty and Halo.
3. The Legend of Zelda – Action-Adventure Genre:
The Legend of Zelda, released in 1986, is an action-adventure game developed by Nintendo. It follows the story of Link, a hero on a quest to rescue Princess Zelda and defeat the evil Ganon. This game introduced the open-world concept, where players can freely explore the game’s vast world and discover hidden secrets. The Legend of Zelda also popularized the use of puzzles and exploration in action games, making it a pioneer in the action-adventure genre. Its success led to numerous sequels and spin-offs, including the critically acclaimed game, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Most Played Video Games That Defined a Genre
4. World of Warcraft – Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Genre:
World of Warcraft, released in 2004, is a massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) developed by Blizzard Entertainment. It is set in the fantasy world of Azeroth, where players can create their own character and embark on epic quests with other players from around the world. World of Warcraft’s success is unmatched in the MMORPG genre, with millions of active players and numerous expansions released over the years. It also popularized the subscription-based model for online games, paving the way for future MMORPGs like Final Fantasy XIV and Guild Wars 2.
5. Minecraft – Sandbox Genre:
Minecraft, released in 2009, is a sandbox game developed by Mojang Studios. It allows players to create and explore their own virtual world, using blocks to build structures and craft items. Minecraft’s open-ended gameplay and endless possibilities have made it one of the most played video games of all time, with over 200 million copies sold. It has also popularized the survival and crafting mechanics, inspiring many similar games like Terraria and Roblox.
6. The Sims – Life Simulation Genre:
The Sims, released in 2000, is a life simulation game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. It allows players to create and control virtual people, called Sims, and guide them through their daily lives. The game’s open-ended gameplay and realistic simulation of human behavior have made it a fan favorite and a defining game in the life simulation genre. It has also spawned numerous expansions, spin-offs, and sequels, including the highly successful The Sims 4.
7. Street Fighter II – Fighting Genre:
Street Fighter II, released in 1991, is a fighting game developed by Capcom. It follows the story of martial artists from around the world competing in a tournament to become the strongest fighter. With its colorful characters, fast-paced gameplay, and complex fighting mechanics, Street Fighter II became a hit in arcades and on home consoles. It also popularized the use of special moves and combos in fighting games, setting the standard for future titles like Mortal Kombat and Tekken.
8. Pokemon Red and Blue – Role-Playing Genre:
Pokemon Red and Blue, released in 1996, are role-playing games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo. They follow the story of a young trainer on a journey to catch and train creatures known as Pokemon. The game’s unique concept of collecting and battling Pokemon in a fantasy world captured the hearts of players worldwide. It also popularized the use of trading and battling with other players, leading to the creation of the Pokemon Trading Card Game and the massively successful mobile game, Pokemon Go.
Summary:
Video games have come a long way since their humble beginnings and have evolved into various genres, each with its own unique characteristics and fan base. Some games have stood out and defined their genres, setting the standards for future games to come. From Super Mario Bros. to Pokemon Red and Blue, these eight video games have left a lasting impact on the gaming industry and continue to be enjoyed by players worldwide.