Blog Post: Most Played Video Games That Revived a Franchise
When it comes to video games, there are few things more exciting than the revival of a beloved franchise. Whether it’s a classic game from our childhood or a series that has been dormant for years, seeing a new installment can bring about a sense of nostalgia and anticipation. But not all franchise revivals are successful – some fall flat and fail to recapture the magic of the originals. However, there are a few video games that have managed to not only revive a franchise but also become some of the most played games in recent years. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the most played video games that successfully revived a franchise and brought new life to old favorites.
1. God of War (2018)
The original God of War series, which debuted in 2005, was a huge success and became known for its fast-paced action and epic boss battles. However, after the release of God of War III in 2010, the series went quiet. It wasn’t until 2018 that fans got a new installment, simply titled God of War. This game was a complete revamp of the series, taking Kratos – the protagonist of the previous games – to the world of Norse mythology. The game was met with critical acclaim and became one of the most played games of 2018. It not only revived the franchise but also introduced a new generation of players to the world of God of War.
2. Doom (2016)
The original Doom game, released in 1993, is considered a classic in the first-person shooter genre. However, after a few lackluster sequels, the franchise seemed to have lost its touch. That is until 2016, when the game simply titled Doom was released. This game brought back the fast-paced, gory action that the series was known for and became one of the most played games of that year. It not only revived the franchise but also set a new standard for first-person shooters.

Most Played Video Games That Revived a Franchise
3. Resident Evil 2 (2019)
The Resident Evil franchise has had its fair share of ups and downs, with some of the later installments deviating from the survival horror genre that made the series famous. However, in 2019, Capcom released a remake of the 1998 classic Resident Evil 2. This game not only modernized the graphics and gameplay but also stayed true to the original’s survival horror roots. It was met with critical acclaim and became one of the most played games of the year. The success of the remake has also sparked rumors of a potential remake of Resident Evil 3, further reviving the franchise.
4. Tomb Raider (2013)
The Tomb Raider franchise had a successful run in the 90s and early 2000s, but after a few lackluster releases, it seemed to have lost its charm. That is until 2013 when the game simply titled Tomb Raider was released. This game was a complete reboot of the series, taking Lara Croft back to her origins and giving her a more human and relatable character. The game was a huge success and became one of the most played games of that year. It not only revived the franchise but also paved the way for a successful sequel and a new trilogy.
5. Super Mario Odyssey (2017)
The Super Mario franchise has been around for decades and has seen many successful releases. However, after the release of Super Mario Galaxy 2 in 2010, the series seemed to have reached its peak. That is until 2017 when Super Mario Odyssey was released on the Nintendo Switch. This game took the classic platforming gameplay of the series and added new elements, such as a sentient hat companion named Cappy. It was met with critical acclaim and became one of the most played games of that year, reviving the franchise for a new generation of players.
In summary, these are the most played video games that successfully revived a franchise and brought new life to old favorites. From revamped gameplay to new and improved graphics, these games not only brought back beloved franchises but also introduced them to a new generation of players. With the success of these revivals, it’s clear that the gaming industry will continue to see more franchise revivals in the future, and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us.








