10 Video Games That Changed Multiplayer Forever

Multiplayer gaming has come a long way from simple split-screen battles to massive online worlds where thousands connect. Some games didn’t just follow trends—they set them, reshaping how we play together and creating experiences that still influence developers today.

I’ve picked 10 games that broke new ground in multiplayer dynamics, from early experiments to modern classics. Each brought something fresh, whether it was a new way to compete, cooperate, or connect. Let’s dive into the games that made multiplayer what it is.

10. ‘Pong’ (1972)

Atari’s ‘Pong’ kicked off video game multiplayer with a simple idea—two paddles, one ball, and endless fun. Released in arcades, it let two players face off in a virtual tennis match, sparking the idea that games could be a shared experience.

Its basic setup laid the foundation for competitive gaming. ‘Pong’ showed that even simple mechanics could create intense rivalries, paving the way for more complex multiplayer games. Arcades became social hubs because of it.

9. ‘Doom’ (1993)

‘Doom’ brought fast-paced multiplayer carnage to PCs with its deathmatch mode. Players could connect over local networks to battle in gritty, first-person shooter arenas, a huge leap from slower-paced games of the time.

This game made multiplayer shooters a thing. Its LAN-based battles inspired the esports scene and showed developers that players craved direct, heart-pounding competition. ‘Doom’ set the stage for online shooters to come.

8. ‘Quake’ (1996)

‘Quake’ took ‘Doom’s multiplayer and cranked it up with smoother graphics and true 3D environments. Its multiplayer mode let players fight across networks, introducing mods and custom maps that kept the community buzzing.

It was a pioneer in online gaming culture. ‘Quake’ proved that player-created content could extend a game’s life, influencing how developers approached multiplayer design for years.

7. ‘Ultima Online’ (1997)

‘Ultima Online’ created a living, breathing world where thousands of players could interact in real time. This massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) let people build lives, form guilds, and even fight over virtual land.

It showed the power of persistent online worlds. ‘Ultima Online’ introduced social dynamics like trading and alliances, setting the blueprint for every MMORPG that followed, from crafting systems to player-driven economies.

6. ‘Counter-Strike’ (2000)

Originally a mod for ‘Half-Life,’ ‘Counter-Strike’ became a phenomenon with its team-based tactical shooting. Players split into terrorists and counter-terrorists, focusing on strategy and precision over chaotic gunfire.

Its focus on teamwork and skill made it a cornerstone of competitive gaming. ‘Counter-Strike’ helped birth esports, with its tight mechanics still influencing shooters like ‘Valorant’ today.

5. ‘Halo: Combat Evolved’ (2001)

‘Halo: Combat Evolved’ brought multiplayer shooters to consoles in a big way. Its LAN parties and split-screen modes let friends battle in epic sci-fi arenas, making the Xbox a multiplayer powerhouse.

The game’s smooth controls and varied maps set a new standard for console shooters. ‘Halo’ proved that consoles could handle complex multiplayer, inspiring countless games to follow.

4. ‘World of Warcraft’ (2004)

‘World of Warcraft’ took MMORPGs to new heights with its massive world and polished gameplay. Millions teamed up for raids, quests, and battles, creating a global community that’s still active today.

It redefined online cooperation. Guilds, group dungeons, and epic battles made ‘World of Warcraft’ a cultural force, showing how deep and social multiplayer games could be.

3. ‘League of Legends’ (2009)

‘League of Legends’ popularized the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) genre, pitting teams of five against each other in strategic, fast-paced matches. Its free-to-play model made it accessible to millions.

The game’s focus on teamwork and evolving strategies created a new kind of competitive scene. ‘League of Legends’ turned MOBAs into a global phenomenon, with its esports tournaments drawing huge crowds.

2. ‘Fortnite’ (2017)

‘Fortnite’ redefined multiplayer with its battle royale mode, dropping 100 players into a shrinking map to fight until one remained. Its colorful style and building mechanics made every match unique.

It became a cultural juggernaut, blending gaming with social events like in-game concerts. ‘Fortnite’ showed how multiplayer could be a platform for creativity and connection, influencing games across genres.

1. ‘Among Us’ (2018)

‘Among Us’ turned simple deception into a multiplayer masterpiece. Players work together on a spaceship but must root out impostors, sparking heated debates and friendships in short, intense rounds.

Its social deduction gameplay made it a hit during online streams and casual play. ‘Among Us’ proved that multiplayer didn’t need complex graphics—just clever ideas and human interaction.

Which game’s multiplayer hooked you the most, or did I miss a classic? Drop your thoughts in the comments!