You know those games that you play and think: “Man, this changed everything”? Well, today we’re going to talk about games that really changed the industry.
Not only because they sold a lot, but because they changed the way we make and play video games. It's no exaggeration to say that many things that are standard today only exist because someone back then decided to take a risk.
Whether it's the graphics, the story, the open world or the freedom to play however you want, these games left their mark.
There are old games, there are newer games, but they all have one thing in common: they came to break everything and show that it was possible to go further. And look... they succeeded.
So settle in, grab a snack and let's check out these four games that simply changed the course of gaming history.
Super Mario Bros – The rebirth of gaming
Released in 1985, Super Mario Bros. wasn't just a success: it was the game that saved video games from the crisis. People were discouraged, consoles were stranded... until Mario arrived jumping on Goombas and became a craze.
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The game had simple but addictive gameplay. The levels were well thought out, with difficulty increasing gradually. You kept playing and didn't even realize you were improving.
Furthermore, he showed that it was possible to have a cool story, even if it was basic. The classic “save the princess” became a reference for many things after that.
So when it comes to games that changed the industry, Mario is like the granddaddy of them all. A true game changer.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time – 3D at its best
In 1998, Ocarina of Time arrived to show how to make a classy 3D game. It was beautiful, immersive and had an open world that seemed too real for its time.
The automatic aiming system (the so-called Z-targeting) revolutionized gameplay. Many people copied it later, and rightly so. It still works today.
The plot was also like something out of a movie. You got attached to the characters and felt real emotion. It wasn't just about pressing a button, it was about living the story.
That's why it's here. Because it was one of the games that changed the industry technically and emotionally at the same time.
GTA III – Total Freedom
Thirdly, when GTA III came out in 2001, nobody was prepared for it. A game where you could do whatever you wanted, in whatever order you wanted, however you wanted?
The city felt alive. You could ignore all the missions and just go exploring. Or cause chaos. Total freedom, something that became a trend later.
And the adult tone, full of social criticism, also caught attention. It showed that video games weren't just for kids, they could have a dense story.
But there's no denying it: this was another game that changed the industry in a big way.
Minecraft – Create your way
Finally, Minecraft, back in 2011, looked weird with those square blocks. But those who tried it understood: it was a game about creating. And that changed everything.
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So you could build castles, cities, farms… or just go exploring endless caves. It was truly total freedom.
The coolest thing? It became an educational tool, a space for modders and even a virtual meeting point. Many schools still use it today!
Minecraft is one of the games that changed the industry not with graphics, but with creativity. And that is powerful.
Which one struck you the most?
Ultimately, these games weren't just good. They were important. They were the games that truly changed the industry, paving the way for everything that came after.
Whether it was Mario saving games, Zelda revolutionizing 3D, GTA becoming a general release or Minecraft activating builder mode for everyone… they all left their mark on an era.
In fact, it's crazy to think that each of these has changed the way we play to this day. And the coolest thing? They're still relevant.
Now tell me: which of these is your favorite? Or which one do you think deserves to be on this list too?