The 10 Video Games That Shaped the 2010s

The 2010s were a transformative time for video games, blending new technology with bold ideas. From indie gems to blockbuster hits, the decade gave us titles that changed how we play and think about games.

This article dives into 10 games that left a lasting mark on the 2010s, each pushing the medium in unique ways. Let’s explore what made them unforgettable.

10. Pokémon GO (2016)

Pokémon GO took the world by storm, turning streets into playgrounds. Niantic’s mobile game used augmented reality to let players hunt virtual creatures in real-world locations, sparking a global craze.

Its simple yet addictive gameplay drew in casual players and longtime fans alike. The game’s cultural impact was huge, fostering community events and showing how games could blend with daily life.

9. Fortnite (2017)

Fortnite redefined multiplayer gaming with its colorful battle royale mode. Epic Games created a free-to-play phenomenon that mixed fast-paced combat with building mechanics, appealing to millions.

Beyond gameplay, its dances, skins, and live events turned it into a cultural hub. It proved games could be social platforms, shaping online gaming for years to come.

8. Hollow Knight (2017)

Hollow Knight showed indie games could rival big-budget titles. Team Cherry’s Metroidvania masterpiece offered tight gameplay, haunting visuals, and a sprawling world filled with secrets.

Its challenging combat and deep lore captivated players, setting a high bar for indie developers. The game’s success helped fuel the Metroidvania trend, inspiring countless others.

7. Dark Souls (2011)

Dark Souls brought punishing difficulty back to gaming. FromSoftware’s grim action RPG demanded precision and patience, creating a cult following with its intricate world and cryptic storytelling.

Its influence spawned the ‘Soulslike’ genre, with many games copying its tough-but-fair approach. The game’s legacy lies in proving challenge could be a core part of storytelling.

6. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (2015)

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt raised the bar for open-world RPGs. CD Projekt Red crafted a rich fantasy world with deep characters, meaningful choices, and breathtaking visuals.

Its storytelling and vast world made every quest feel personal. The game’s polish and ambition influenced how developers approached narrative-driven adventures.

5. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)

Skyrim immersed players in a massive fantasy world. Bethesda’s RPG offered unmatched freedom, letting you explore snowy mountains, join guilds, or slay dragons at your own pace.

Its modding community kept it alive for years, with players creating new quests and visuals. Skyrim’s scale and flexibility made it a benchmark for open-world games.

4. Grand Theft Auto V (2013)

Grand Theft Auto V blended crime drama with open-world chaos. Rockstar Games delivered a sprawling Los Angeles-inspired city, three playable characters, and a gripping story.

Its online mode, GTA Online, became a juggernaut, offering endless missions and updates. The game’s ambition and longevity made it a defining title of the decade.

3. The Last of Us (2013)

The Last of Us wove a heartbreaking story with intense survival gameplay. Naughty Dog’s post-apocalyptic tale of Joel and Ellie set a new standard for cinematic storytelling in games.

Its emotional depth, stunning visuals, and tight mechanics resonated with a wide audience. The game showed how narrative could elevate action, leaving a lasting impact.

2. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)

Breath of the Wild redefined open-world adventure. Nintendo’s masterpiece gave players a vibrant, interactive world where exploration felt limitless, from climbing mountains to cooking recipes.

Its freedom and physics-driven gameplay inspired countless developers. The game’s bold design made it a landmark in how open worlds could feel alive and dynamic.

1. Minecraft (2011)

Minecraft became a global phenomenon, offering endless creativity. Mojang’s blocky sandbox let players build, explore, and survive in a procedurally generated world, appealing to all ages.

Its impact went beyond gaming, inspiring education, art, and even a movie. Minecraft’s universal appeal and flexibility made it the decade’s most iconic game.

Which of these games shaped your 2010s, or is there another title you’d crown? Drop your thoughts in the comments!