Video games have come a long way, from humble beginnings as simple pixels on a screen just to steal our attention to the immersive experiences we have today. Along the way, certain games have redefined what’s possible in gaming, changing the course of the industry and leaving an indelible mark not just on players but on popular culture, technology, and storytelling. Each game on this list is a cornerstone that inspired countless others, set new standards, and left a lasting legacy.
These games didn’t just entertain; they rewrote the rules. Pong’s simple start brought entertainment to the pixelated box and Breath of the Wild’s open world redefined genres and left lasting marks on gaming. They’re key moments in gaming’s evolution, showing its power to innovate.
Let’s take a journey through gaming history and explore some of the most influential video games of all time, uncovering the stories behind these landmark titles and understanding why they continue to shape the medium even decades later.
1. Pong (1972)
When we talk about video games, it’s impossible not to start with Pong. As one of the earliest arcade hits, this simple table tennis simulation is often credited as the game that launched the video game industry into mainstream culture.
💣Why this game is an influence bomb: Aside from being an instant commercial success, Pong planted gaming culture firmly in the public consciousness—you couldn’t walk into a bar, arcade, or amusement center in the 70s without seeing people lining up to play. Its easy-to-learn mechanics ignited the competitive spirit among gamers, and its hardware innovations helped birth the entire arcade gaming industry. Without Pong, gaming might never have risen out of experimental tinkering into the massive entertainment juggernaut we know today.
2. Super Mario Bros. (1985)
Few games hold the same level of reverence as Super Mario Bros. Developed by Nintendo, the platformer introduced the world to Mario and redefined what a video game could be, both in terms of design and cultural reach.
💣Why this game is an influence bomb: Super Mario Bros. established side-scrolling platforming as a genre-defining standard, with meticulously crafted levels that rewarded exploration and experimentation. Its tight controls are still cited as the gold standard for game design, and its success rejuvenated the struggling video game industry after the crash of 1983. Mario isn’t just a plumber—he’s the face of gaming itself, and this game launched him into stardom, cementing its place among the most influential video games of all time.
3. Tetris (1984)
Sometimes, the simplest ideas leave the deepest impressions. With its endless falling blocks and stacking mechanics, Tetris became one of the most iconic puzzle games of all time.
💣Why this game is an influence bomb: The game’s universal appeal transcends age, culture, and skill level. It introduced gaming to casual players in a way no other game had before. Tetris also demonstrated how powerful handheld consoles could be—it became a launch title for the Game Boy, and its popularity made the handheld indispensable in gaming history. Decades later, its addictive gameplay mechanics remain a benchmark for puzzle game design.
4. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (1998)
The acclaimed game established new gaming standards for both action-adventure games and 3D gaming as an entity. Players found complete freedom through their journey into the extensive 3D world of Hyrule in Ocarina of Time.
💣Why this game is an influence bomb: Players benefited from Z-targeting because it implemented innovative game mechanics for 3D combat, which established foundational approaches for developing action games inside virtual environments. Through puzzles along with exploration and storytelling, Ocarina of Time introduced principles that shaped numerous adventure games in subsequent years. Gamers continue to recognize The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time as one of the all-time great video games in present-day evaluation.
5. Doom (1993)
Blood, guts, and demons—that’s Doom. The first-person shooter released a cultural phenomenon that welcomed numerous gamers to the intense experience of killing numerous enemies while playing this game. Due to its thrilling gameplay and unsettling style, alongside groundbreaking 3D technology, Doom set new industry standards that other titles have yet to match, firmly establishing it as one of the most influential video games of all time.
💣Why this game is an influence bomb: Doom demonstrated to players and developers that first-person shooters existed alongside the capacity to create player-made level modifications that players could share with others. Halo and Call of Duty owed their existence to Doom through inevitable influences. Through its deathmatch mode, Doom unleashed a new era of multiplayer gaming, which ultimately led to today’s standard in online gameplay.
6. Final Fantasy VII (1997)
Final Fantasy VII became a definitive game transformation when it arrived on the PlayStation console. Role-playing games (RPGs) achieved their highest point after the release of Final Fantasy VII because of its narrative-driven plot, along with movie-like cutscenes and unforgettable personas.
💣Why this game is an influence bomb: The game introduced a whole new audience to RPGs, with many players experiencing the genre for the first time. Its use of pre-rendered backgrounds and 3D graphics set a high bar for visual storytelling. Plus, Final Fantasy VII showed how games could deliver epic, character-driven narratives that rivaled the best films and novels. Sephiroth’s villainy and Aerith’s tragic fate remain some of gaming’s most iconic moments.
7. Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
When Xbox launched, no one could have predicted how Halo: Combat Evolved would revolutionize console gaming. Its thrilling battles, expansive worlds, and exciting multiplayer mode made it the flagship title that solidified Microsoft’s foothold in the gaming industry, marking it as one of the most influential video games of all time in the console space.
💣Why this game is an influence bomb: Halo redefined first-person shooters for consoles with its precise controls and balanced gameplay. It also set a new standard for multiplayer gaming with its system-link feature, allowing friends to host LAN parties. Its legacy continues to shape modern competitive shooting games, influencing titles from Call of Duty to Apex Legends. Master Chief has since become one of the most recognizable icons in video game history.
8. World of Warcraft (2004)
If we’re talking about games that shaped the world (literally), we have to mention World of Warcraft. This MMORPG created a sprawling online community where millions of players could embark on epic adventures, craft their own stories, and build lasting friendships.
💣Why this game is an influence bomb: World of Warcraft didn’t just perfect the MMORPG genre; it turned it into a mainstream phenomenon. Its enduring success proved that online games could sustain vibrant, living worlds for decades. From social systems to quest-based storytelling, its influence can be seen in countless modern online games, such as Destiny and Final Fantasy XIV.
9. Minecraft (2011)
Everyone would have been stunned to see how building blocks established unprecedented transformations for video games. In Minecraft, players were able to construct while investigating their dynamically created lands as they maintained their existence through player-driven freedom, proving its status as one of the most influential video games of all time.
💣Why this game is an influence bomb: The game series Minecraft stands as one of the few titles capable of unlocking complete player creativity. Through its sandbox structure, the game demonstrated that letting players express themselves could function as an essential gameplay component. The educational value of Minecraft led multiple institutions to use it in their school curriculum. The game equally pleased people from all age brackets, which proves games share the potential to become a creative force accessible to anyone. The Minecraft gaming experience exists beyond being a standard video game and acts as a creative foundation.
10. The Sims (2000)
Direction over everything would transform your existence into what? Through The Sims, players obtain the power to mold their entire existence by constructing houses while pursuing professional goals and discovering subtle yet crucial elements in everyday existence.
💣Why this game is an influence bomb: Through The Sims, players received a historic gaming opportunity that allowed them to experience the power of controlling everything. Through this release, gaming became accessible to people who would have brushed away the idea of gaming as beyond their interest. Future generations will remember this game because it provided open access to personal life choices and taught valuable life lessons through gameplay simulations. Through an Interactive Interface, players experience a layer beyond the standard video game where creativity and storytelling take center stage to establish a novel gameplay genre.
11. Grand Theft Auto III (2001)
Almost everything within the open-world sandbox genre originates from Grand Theft Auto III and its groundbreaking design choices. The title delivered to players an unmatched spectrum of freedom to move through a functioning metropolis and meet inhabitants while engaging in destructive chaos, making it one of the most influential video games of all time in the open-world genre.
💣Why this game is an influence bomb: Grand Theft Auto III was revolutionary for its scale and ambition, introducing players to the joys of open-ended gameplay. The ability to complete missions or simply explore the world at your leisure became a defining feature of modern games. Titles like Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Witcher 3 still draw inspiration from GTA’s open-world DNA, proving the lasting impact of this trailblazing title.
12. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
To close our list, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. With its sprawling, open-ended Hyrule and physics-driven gameplay, this critically acclaimed entry redefined what open-world games could be.
💣Why this game is an influence bomb: Breath of the Wild shattered conventions by allowing players to approach the game’s challenges in an endless variety of ways. Want to climb a mountain or glide across a ravine? Go for it. The game rewarded experimentation and creativity and influenced franchises like Elden Ring and Horizon Forbidden West. Breath of the Wild is a testament to how video games can inspire awe, wonder, and sheer joy.
Conclusion
Each of these games has left an undeniable impact on gaming history and shaped the medium into the powerhouse of creativity and technology it is today. Our list is made of games that are proof that gaming is more than just entertainment—it’s an art form, a cultural movement, and a way to connect people around the world. Their influence lives on in the games we play today and the ones that will come tomorrow. As developers continue to push boundaries, it’s exciting to think about the legacy that today’s most ambitious titles may one day leave, potentially joining the ranks of the most influential video games of all time.
Why is Pong considered one of the most influential video games?
Pong launched video games into the mainstream, making them a cultural phenomenon. Its simple design was appealing to nearly anyone, and it helped create the arcade gaming industry.
What makes open-world games like Grand Theft Auto III so influential?
Open-world games give players the freedom to explore and interact with the game world however they want. GTA III made this style of gameplay mainstream and inspired countless other open-world titles.
Is Minecraft still relevant today?
Absolutely! With its endless creative possibilities, Minecraft remains one of the best-selling and most-played games worldwide. Its impact on creativity and education ensures its place in gaming history.
How did Halo: Combat Evolved change console gaming?
By introducing a multiplayer system and mastering first-person action on consoles, Halo made competitive multiplayer gaming an integral part of the console experience.
