The online gaming industry is witnessing significant growth to become an entertainment source.
Several games have played a pivotal role in the success of this industry. This industry has laid benchmarks in gameplay, graphics, and community interaction.
The article features seven phenomenal games that changed the face of online gaming.
Games That Transformed the Online Game Industry
1. World of Warcraft
World of Warcraft transformed the massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) genre. This game was introduced in 2004, and it opened the gates for gamers to adventure into a comprehensive fantasy realm.
Its engaging gameplay and strong social features have nurtured a community that has lasted for decades. It was a cultural phenomenon, revealing the viability of subscription models.
2. Fortnite
While launching Fortnite in 2017, it created an uproar in the entire gaming community as it introduced the battle royal mode. Speedy gameplay, instead of the traditional way to build houses, created a completely different ecosystem.
Moreover, the game attracted millions due to its free-to-play idea and regular updates. It popularized the concept of in-game events, like virtual concerts, showing how they could serve much more than just a mere arena.
3. Minecraft
Since its launch in 2009, players have been free to express themselves, build, explore, or create. In many ways, it encouraged imaginative work and problem-solving for its diverse audience, both young and old.
Young people all around the world are engaged in the game and, to be sure will continue to play it. It has also paved the way for user-generated content games and allows players to join the gaming revolution which has just exploded.
4. League of Legends
It captivated millions in 2009 with its introduction of the multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA)-and ironically enough, this competitive gameplay offered strategic depth, with thousands attracted by this free-to-play model. The esports scene grew very rapidly, turning rivals’ most watched competitive games of the world into how online games are going to professionalize.
5. Counter-Strike
Counter-Strike is not considered a separate game, as it began in 2000 as a mod for Half-Life. Then, it builds on team-based tactical gameplay to do tasks that are achieved by players.
There are also high-paced action scenes that rely heavily on the skill, making it a popular game among competitive players. Its influences can still be seen in most modern first-person shooters and even in esports.
6. PUBG: Battlegrounds
The classic player ‘Unknown’ bounty grounds debuted in 2017. It got popularity in the genre termed as battle royale where players parachute to an island. After landing, they fight toward being the last player remaining on the ground.
It was the era when realistic graphics and hardcore gameplay would set itself as a standard for almost all subsequent games within the genre. PUBG shows the interest that such games can generate with their outcome based on online participation on large scales. It also encourages a whole different slew of games from thereon.
7. Among Us
Among Us, initially released in 2018, became somewhat popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was essentially a simple game for people of all ages.
Many simply got hooked on the easy mechanics, social deduction gameplay, and accessibility the game offered. It also showcased how smaller indie projects could become successful worldwide.
Top 10 Moments From E3 2021(Opens in a new browser tab)
Conclusion
Online gaming has experienced several prominent and lasting games in its early development. These games not only initiated some wonderful new game mechanics, but they also created an atmosphere of community and trends that would dominate the industry and how we interact with the game many years later.
