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50 Video Games That Changed The History Of Gaming
EntertainmentMAY 18, 2022

50 Video Games That Changed The History Of Gaming

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The last decade has been incredible for gamers, with records being broken, new franchises hitting the market, and legendary old titles getting remastered. Video games have really come a long way since the days of Pong, Space Invaders, Tetris, and Pac-Man.
They have evolved over the years and now come in many forms, from mobile and casual games to great console titles, and even games you can find on social media and streaming platforms (yeah, Netflix is not just shows and movies anymore). The best part about having gaming as a passion is that there’s really something for everyone.
However, even with so many different kinds of video games available today, some titles stand out as truly exceptional offerings from developers around the world. The best video games of all time are hotly contested, so it’s hard to choose favorites, but we did our best to bring you the ones critics and gamers have rated highest.
Our picks, in no particular order, have stood the test of time and are considered among the greatest works in video game history. Let us know what you think!
If you want to keep the momentum going beyond classic titles and dive into today’s daily challenges, start with today’s Wordle hints or head to our comprehensive Games Hub for more NYT game hints, answers, and new puzzle content.

This post may include affiliate links.

#21 Portal

Image showing the iconic Portal game logo with a stick figure falling through a glowing portal, symbolizing video games history.
11points

#22 Tetris

Classic Tetris blocks falling into place against a starry background, highlighting video games that changed gaming history.
11points

#23 Diablo II

Diablo II video game cover featuring warrior characters and fiery text, highlighting iconic games that changed gaming history.
10points

#24 Pac-Man

Classic Pac-Man gameplay screen with maze, ghosts, and pellets, representing video games that changed the history of gaming.
9points

#25 Half-Life 2

Close-up of a character from Half-Life 2, one of the iconic video games that changed the history of gaming.
8points

#26 Super Mario Bros.

Pixelated Mario character jumping and fireball with Nintendo logo on classic video games history artwork.
8points

#27 World Of Warcraft

Artwork collage of iconic characters from World of Warcraft featured in 50 video games that changed the history of gaming.
8points

#28 BioShock

Character from Bioshock holding a large drill arm, representing iconic video games that changed the history of gaming.
6points

#29 Assassin's Creed II

Character from Assassin’s Creed II video game, a classic title that changed the history of gaming.
6points

#30 Sid Meier's Civilization IV

Cover art of Civilization IV video game showing ancient and modern monuments representing gaming history impact.
6points

#31 StarCraft

Alien warrior from StarCraft wielding an energy blade, representing iconic video games that changed gaming history.
6points

#32 Donkey Kong

Classic Donkey Kong arcade game featuring Mario dodging barrels in one of the most iconic video games that changed gaming history.
6points

#33 Metal Gear Solid

Metal Gear Solid main character with an eyepatch in tactical gear featured in historic video games.
5points

#34 Portal 2

Portal 2 gameplay scene showing robot character jumping through blue and orange portals in a futuristic gaming environment.
5points

#35 Sonic The Hedgehog

Sonic the Hedgehog standing on a checkered platform with palm trees and a loop in a classic video game setting.
5points

#36 Journey

Journey game title screen with a lone robed figure crossing vast sand dunes under a bright sun, symbolizing video games that changed gaming.
5points

#37 Final Fantasy VII

Character from Final Fantasy VII Remake holding a large sword, representing video games that changed gaming history.
4points

#38 The Legend Of Zelda

The Legend of Zelda characters and sword in a forest setting from iconic video games that changed the history of gaming.
4points

#39 Doom

Doom character in green armor fighting demonic creatures in a fiery landscape, representing iconic video games that shaped gaming history.
4points

#40 The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion

Cover art of The Elder Scrolls IV Oblivion video game, a classic title that changed the history of gaming.
4points
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