We’re sort of in the middle of a ‘proper’ decade, but there’s been a whole lot that’s happened in the gaming world in the past ten years! With that in mind, it’s time for a countdown of the games that have changed the landscapes. We’ve had genre-shapers, entirely new technical standards, and larger than ever virtual worlds. We’re going to explore mobile hits, console blockbusters and some online favourites too. Ready to see what’s on the list? Here’s our pick of the decade defining games, from 2014 to the present day.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)
It’s not often you can start off a chronological countdown of this kind with such a heavy hitter – but here we are! The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt didn’t just raise the bar for RPGs; it practically redefined what a fantasy game could be. With a meticulously crafted open world, rich with stories and layered characters, The Witcher 3 made each choice meaningful, impacting Geralt’s relationships and the world around him.
We should also take a moment for the game’s DLC expansions, especially Blood and Wine. These were jam packed with content, so much so they felt like standalone releases. The title’s immense success, with over 40 million copies sold, and its Netflix adaptation cemented The Witcher 3 as not just a game, but a cultural phenomenon.
Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead (2016)
Online casinos have continued to grow in popularity, with slot games always at the front of the pack. There have been plenty of clever new mechanics and dazzling graphics, but maybe no one slot character that’s made quite as big of an impact as Rich Wilde. You’ll probably know him from his most famous title Book of Dead but there are plenty of other adventures that he’s had a hand in too. Book of Dead took players on a high-stakes treasure hunt through ancient Egyptian tombs, with Rich Wilde acting as a kind of digital Indiana Jones.
While Book of Dead draws on classic slot mechanics, it adds a twist with the ‘Expanding Symbol’ feature, enhancing potential plays. So popular was this mechanic that you’ll see copycat ‘book slots’ as they’re called, everywhere.
Pokémon GO (2016)
Remember when Pokémon GO launched in 2016? It did something almost unheard of – it forced people outside and into the real world to play. Before, video games had been confined to our couches and bedrooms, but the game’s augmented reality (AR) mechanics allowed us to ‘catch’ Pokémon in real-life locations. Our city centers, parks, even corner shops were suddenly turned into bustling Pokémon habitats.
As such, the game became an instant hit, surpassing 500 million downloads in its first year alone. It was heralded as a genius example of how to blend gaming with exercise, as well as pioneer of making AR accessible for everyone.
Fortnite (2017)
When Epic Games decided to pivot Fortnite from a survival game to a battle royale, they found overnight success. Fortnite had totally redefined the online multiplayer, blending competitive action with lighthearted visuals.
On top of this, the clever team behind the game were brutally effective at ‘live’ marketing events. From concerts, film screenings, and even interactive storylines, that had to be accessed at the right time, this game became a kind of video game/social platform hybrid. The classic battle game had become a fully immersive, you’ve-got-to-be-there experience.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
Ask any Zelda fan and they will agree, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild didn’t just reinvigorate the Zelda series it, quite literally, redefined open-world design. In place of rigid quest structures, the game offered a world brimming with puzzles, mysteries, and environmental challenges. We were given total free reign to dip into a bit of this and segue into a bit of that. We had to learn to scavenge for food and resources, adding a layer of realism that even a pioneer like this hadn’t seen before. While it didn’t necessarily get the same clout in the press as other open world big hitters (Skyrim, Red Dead Redemption, The Witcher etc.) it really did propel us – and Nintendo Switch sales – into another realm.
