Video games have become an integral part of popular culture, providing entertainment and fostering communities for millions of people worldwide. The following list highlights six of the best video games in terms of sales, delving into their history, gameplay mechanics, and lasting impact on the gaming industry.
1. Tetris
History and Legacy
Invented in 1984 by Alexey Pajitnov, Tetris gained immense popularity on multiple platforms, including the Game Boy, which helped to establish it as one of the best-selling video games ever. The game’s success contributed to the development of the puzzle game genre, inspiring countless imitations and adaptations.
Gameplay Mechanics
The premise of Tetris is simple: players must arrange falling blocks into horizontal lines, which are then cleared from the screen. As the game progresses, the blocks fall more quickly, increasing the challenge. The addictive nature of this simple concept has contributed to its lasting appeal.
Notable Features
A key factor in Tetris’s popularity is its simplicity, which makes it accessible to a wide range of players. The iconic music and sound effects have also become synonymous with the game, further cementing its status as a cultural icon.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
Tetris can be credited with pioneering casual gaming, as it attracted players who may not have otherwise engaged with video games. The game’s success also influenced the development of future puzzle games, many of which have attempted to emulate its addictive qualities.
2. Minecraft
History and Legacy
Minecraft, created by Markus Persson in 2009, has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon. Microsoft’s acquisition of the game in 2014 has led to continued updates and expansions, ensuring its enduring popularity.
Gameplay Mechanics
This open-world sandbox game allows players to create structures and landscapes using a wide range of block types. Minecraft offers both survival and creative modes, providing a tailored experience for each player’s preferences.
Notable Features
The infinite, procedurally generated worlds of Minecraft offer a unique experience for each player, ensuring endless opportunities for exploration and creativity. Multiplayer functionality and cross-platform play also contribute to the game’s ongoing success.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
Minecraft’s popularity has had a significant influence on the gaming industry, popularizing the sandbox game genre and inspiring numerous imitations and spin-offs. The strong community-driven content creation has also demonstrated the power of user-generated content in games.
3. Grand Theft Auto V
History and Legacy
Developed by Rockstar North in 2013, Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) is a standout title in the long-running Grand Theft Auto series. The game’s record-breaking sales have solidified its place among the best video games of all time.
Gameplay Mechanics
GTA V is an open-world action-adventure game that allows players to explore a vast, detailed environment. The game features a third-person perspective and a unique character-switching mechanic, which enables players to control three different protagonists throughout the story.
Notable Features
The expansive game world of GTA V, complete with engaging storylines and well-developed characters, sets it apart from other open-world games. Additionally, the robust online multiplayer component, GTA Online, has contributed to the game’s ongoing revenue and popularity.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
The success of GTA V has raised the bar for open-world games, with its intricate narratives and highly detailed environments. The game’s influence can be seen in other narrative-driven titles, while its online component has demonstrated the potential for continued revenue through additional content.
4. Super Mario Bros.
History and Legacy
Super Mario Bros., developed by Nintendo in 1985, introduced the world to the iconic characters of Mario and Luigi. As a pivotal title in gaming history, it revitalized the industry after the crash of 1983 and solidified Nintendo as a major player in the gaming world.
Gameplay Mechanics
This side-scrolling platformer challenges players to navigate through various levels, defeating enemies and collecting power-ups along the way. The inclusion of secret areas and warp zones added to the game’s depth and replayability.
Notable Features
Super Mario Bros. is known for its memorable music and sound effects, as well as its challenging level design. These elements combined to create a gaming experience that has stood the test of time.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
Super Mario Bros. defined the platformer genre and has had an enduring impact on gaming, with numerous sequels and spin-offs continuing to captivate audiences. The game’s success also played a major role in establishing Nintendo as a dominant force in the industry.
5. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
History and Legacy
Released in 2017, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is a groundbreaking entry in the long-running Legend of Zelda series. By breaking from traditional Zelda conventions, the game offered a fresh take on the beloved franchise.
Gameplay Mechanics
Breath of the Wild is an open-world action-adventure game that emphasizes exploration and non-linear progression. Players can approach the game’s various challenges in any order, creating a sense of freedom and discovery. Dynamic physics and chemistry systems also add depth to the gameplay.
Notable Features
The rich and diverse game world, intricate puzzle-solving elements, and compelling narrative make Breath of the Wild an unforgettable experience. The memorable characters and engaging storylines add to the game’s lasting appeal.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
Breath of the Wild has reinvented open-world game design and set new standards for exploration and player freedom. Its influence can be seen in numerous subsequent games, as developers have sought to emulate its innovative approach to open-world gaming.
6. Pokémon Red and Blue
History and Legacy
Developed by Game Freak in 1996, Pokémon Red and Blue launched the wildly popular Pokémon franchise, which has continued to thrive through multiple generations of games and expanded into movies, TV shows, and merchandise.
Gameplay Mechanics
In these role-playing games, players assume the role of Pokémon trainers, catching and training creatures to battle against other trainers. The turn-based battle system and expansive in-game world with unique locations create an immersive and engaging experience.
Notable Features
Featuring 151 original Pokémon species, Pokémon Red and Blue introduced players to the concept of collecting and trading creatures with other players. This social aspect, combined with the engaging storyline and progression, has contributed to the games’ lasting popularity.
Impact on the Gaming Industry
Pokémon Red and Blue popularized the monster-collecting genre and pioneered social gaming features such as trading and battling with other players. The franchise’s enduring success has spawned a multimedia empire and influenced numerous games in the years since its release.
These six best-selling video games have each left a lasting impact on the gaming industry, demonstrating the importance of innovation and creativity in game development. As technology continues to advance and the industry evolves, it will be exciting to see what new experiences future titles have to offer.