Over the years, video games have changed drastically, from the style of games to the genres, to even the way they are played, with virtual reality beginning to take over. The evolution of video games has been unparalleled in comparison to almost any other industry, with gamers being given the option to play some of the most detailed releases or even play slot games at Lottomart. There have been many turning points in the industry’s development, including games that have been a massive influence, which is what we will be looking at today.
Pong
You can’t have a list of video games that have shaped the industry without naming the game that started it all. Released in 1972 by Atari, Pong took over the world, with an incredibly simple format of 2 blocks on either side of the screen that moved up and down to hit a ball back and forth. The game was so simplistic, yet so revolutionary in the industry.
Space Invaders
Taito took a massive step when it released Space Invaders in 1978, only 6 years after Pong’s incredibly successful debut. This game changed arcade gaming forever, introducing a new high score element which challenged players not just to beat their own records but also to compete against other players around the world.
Pac-Man
To this day, Pac-Man is still a huge part of the gaming industry, becoming one of the most iconic video game characters of all time. Namco released Pac-Man in 1980, introducing the yellow disc character and ghosts, with an engaging gameplay that spread around the world, not just as a result of the interesting style, but also due to the love for the Pac-Man character.
Super Mario Bros
Introduced to the market in 1985, this title revived the gaming industry after the 1983 crash, bringing the Mario and Luigi characters to the forefront of the gaming scene. Mario is a game series that has continued even into 2025, with a wide variety of titles, making him one of the most iconic and recognisable characters in the industry.
The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda is another game which has played a huge part even in modern-day gaming. The 1986 video game introduced players to the character of Link, exploring a new world that revolutionised open-world gaming experiences. This was the real beginning of this style of video game, which has evolved into many top titles we play today.
Doom
In the 90s, in 1993, Doom was released, which completely revolutionised the FPS genre by introducing a whole new space-themed character.
This game not only changed the way FPS games function but also introduced an all-new online mode, adding a new competitive element to video game play.
Final Fantasy VII
Final Fantasy VII was already a part of a revolutionary game series when it was released in 1997. This release, in particular, was major, as it proved that games could deliver cinematic storytelling while creating characters recognised around the world. It also helped to fortify RPGs as a mainstream genre.
Half-Life
Half-Life, while being a top first-person shooter game, was revolutionary for its developed visual elements and gameplay mechanics, but for its ability to seamlessly integrate stories into a game like never before. It was groundbreaking in 1998 when it was published by Valve Corporation, and maybe it doesn’t get as much appreciation as it deserves.
World of Warcraft
Going into the early 2000s, World of Warcraft was released in 2004, bringing a whole new audience to the RPG style of video games. Not only was it massive for players who discovered a whole new side to online gaming, but for developers, experimenting with subscription services, which are found in almost every modern game on the market.
Minecraft
The biggest game of the 21st century, potentially even of all time, Minecraft is one of the most influential video games. Released in 2011 by Mojang Studios, Minecraft captivated the sandbox style of game, inspiring a whole new wave of titles adopting a similar style. It became so popular that themed toys, books and even a movie have been developed surrounding Minecraft. It’s a game that changed the industry and helped to structure how games can go forward and merge into mainstream products and media.
Fortnite
When talking about modern-day gaming, Fortnite has to be mentioned as the only competitor for Minecraft’s title of being the biggest game in the 21st century. Battle Royale games were on the rise, but Fortnite took that to another level in 2017. The constant upgrades, response to the community and in-app purchases were revolutionary, as well as their competitive scene, which drew even more attention to the rising Esports scene.
