Some games aren’t just successful—they redefined the industry. These are the games that push boundaries, set trends, and teach us what works in gaming.
As an avid gamer, these trends have always interested me in understanding how gaming has evolved. Let’s dive into five groundbreaking games and the lessons they teach us about creating and sustaining success in the ever-evolving world of gaming.
1. Super Mario Bros. (1985)
Platform(s): Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. didn’t just introduce us to an iconic plumber; it revolutionized platform gaming and what it became. With its tight controls, innovative level design, and simple story of rescuing Princess Peach, the game became a cultural phenomenon. Its influence didn’t stop there—Super Mario Odyssey proved decades later that this franchise is evergreen, driving both software and hardware sales for Nintendo.
What we learned: Timeless mechanics and beloved characters can create franchises that span generations. Mario’s success is a testament to the power of iteration and evolving alongside your audience.
2. Minecraft (2011)
Platform(s): Multiple (PC, consoles, mobile)
Minecraft inspired a movement in the game industry. Created by Markus Persson (Notch) and later acquired by Mojang Studios, it allowed players top explore open-ended gameplay which unlocked limitless creativity. With multiple modes that range from survival to creative, it appeals to everyone from kids building castles to hardcore gamers conquering mobs. Minecraft has sold over 300 million copies as of 2024, making it the best-selling game of all time.
What we learned: Players love freedom. Games that empower creativity and exploration foster communities that stick around for years, creating cultural phenomena that extend beyond gaming.
3. StarCraft (1998)
Platform(s): PC
Blizzard Entertainment’s StarCraft didn’t just introduce real-time strategy to the masses; it helped birth modern esports. It provided easy-to-learn, hard-to-master gameplay that struck a chord, especially in South Korea, where it became a national pastime. StarCraft’s balanced mechanics and sci-fi lore appealed to both casual and competitive players, setting a gold standard for strategy games.
What we learned: Accessibility and depth aren’t mutually exclusive. Games that welcome beginners while challenging veterans create enduring appeal. And when a game becomes a cultural icon, it turns players into lifelong fans.
4. Counter-Strike (2000)
Platform(s): PC
Counter-Strike, originally a mod for Half-Life, grew into one of the most influential first-person shooters in history. With iterations like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), the game dominated esports for years. Its combination of skill-based gameplay, tactical depth, and a thriving community made it a pioneer in competitive gaming. Add an iconic skin market, and the result is a game that is still going strong decades later.
What we learned: Skill-based mechanics, fairness, and community-driven features (like the skin market) keep players coming back. When players feel ownership over their experience, they stay invested.
5. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (2017)
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Breath of the Wild was an open-world masterpiece that redefined exploration and environmental storytelling. Its approach—offering players freedom to explore, solve puzzles, and tackle challenges in their own way—set a new benchmark for open-world games. Zelda is a long-standing brand that has helped Nintendo grow over the years, and even decades later, the games continue to innovate and captivate players around the world.
What we learned: Giving players autonomy creates immersion. When a game respects the player’s intelligence and curiosity, it feels less like a product and more like a personal journey.
What did they do right?
1. Rapid Prototyping and Iteration
These games didn’t start perfect; they became perfect through constant testing and iteration. Developers like Nintendo and Blizzard iterated rapidly, using player feedback to refine mechanics and fix flaws. This process turned good ideas into unforgettable experiences.
2. Innovative Gameplay
From Minecraft’s creative sandbox to Super Mario Bros.’ precise platforming, each game brought something fresh to the table. They didn’t just settle at copying trends. When developers take risks and focus on delivering truly engaging experiences, players notice.
3. Simple Yet Intuitive Design
Even the most complex games, like StarCraft or Counter-Strike, maintained simple and intuitive designs. Their interfaces were easy to navigate, ensuring that new players weren’t overwhelmed while veterans could dive deep into strategy and tactics.
4. Community Building
Great games are shared experiences. These titles created active communities through forums, social media, and fun in-game interactions that made fans feel heard. Developers who listen to their communities, release timely updates, and adapt to feedback can build loyalty that lasts for years.
5. Scaling Infrastructure
Whether it’s Minecraft, handling millions of concurrent players, or CS:GO, managing esports tournaments – it is essential to scale up infrastructure. These developers invested in robust systems—cloud servers, scalable architectures, and performance optimization—to ensure smooth gameplay, even as their audiences grew.
Final Thoughts
These gaming giants changed the industry. They taught us that success comes from understanding players, embracing creativity, and constantly iterating to meet evolving expectations.
If there’s one takeaway here, it’s that the best games go beyond just entertainment. They connect, inspire, and innovate. Whether you’re a developer or a player, these lessons are worth remembering.
Which of these games have you played? What lessons do you think the industry should learn from them?
