There is no denying that the video game industry has evolved over the last 40 years. Not only has it moved from an arcade to the home, but the quality, storytelling and the experience are now more diverse and creative than ever.

However, the titles many people know and love today would not have been possible without some of the most iconic games in history. Here are the five video games that changed the industry.

1. Space Invaders (1978)

While you won’t find Taito’s classic, Space Invaders, on the PS5 or Xbox Series X, it became one of the most popular games in the world after its release in 1978. In fact, the pixelated alien figure is instantly recognisable across the world and incorporated into pop culture to this day, which is a testament to its influence on the gaming industry.

It wasn’t an instant hit when it was initially released in Japan, but arcade lovers soon fell in love with its advanced graphics and original gameplay. Midway later secured the license and it dominated every arcade, earning an incredible $1 billion in revenue across the world.

It also helped to save the home games console industry, as gamers had grown bored of the likes of Pong (1972), and many manufacturers had started to sell their consoles at a loss. Space Invaders was then acquired by Atari in 1980, which helped to save the major console brand when many others closed their doors for good. It was the first time in history that an arcade game was licensed for a console and arguably rescued the failing market.

2. Grand Theft Auto III (2001)

Rockstar’s Grand Theft Auto III changed gaming forever, as it provided players with unlimited freedom during play, which was a new concept during the early noughties. Players can explore the virtual city at their leisure and could choose to complete a mission or go off on their own adventure. 

Unsurprisingly, the sandbox play caught the attention of many developers, who created games in a similar style, such as True Crime (2003) and Saints Row (2007). However, many of these titles became instantly forgettable and the original has undoubtedly stood the test of time, as it remains a firm favourite with gamers across the world.

3. World of Warcraft (2004)

World of Warcraft, which offers a unique planet of magic, myth and adventure, not only became an instant hit with gamers after its release, but it inspired a brand-new gaming genre. Blizzard Entertainment managed to create an exciting world in one game, which caught the imagination of avid players across the world.

While it was not the first Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) game, it was the most engaging, addictive, and influential, offering perfected rules and a detailed universe that allowed players to immerse themselves in the game. Plus, the frequent expansion packs provide gamers with an opportunity to add to their characters’ journeys, which keeps them hooked on the title. There is no game on the market quite like it, but there have been good efforts in the form of Dragon Age (2014) and Diablo III (2012).

4. Super Mario 64 (1996)

Nintendo were major players in the gaming industry by the time it released Super Mario 64 in 1996, and the game cemented the Nintendo and Super Nintendo consoles as firm gaming favourites. While the previous Mario games allowed players to enjoy 2D games, Nintendo took the experience to a whole new level with Super Mario 64, which offered 3D gameplay.

It ultimately allowed gamers to move a player up, down, left and right, which was a major industry advancement that changed the way developers created video games. The hit game also introduced the in-game camera system and 360 analogue controls, which are now regarded by many developers as the origin of 3D console gaming.

5. Final Fantasy VII (1997)

Many passionate gamers love nothing more than absorbing themselves in a role-playing title, and few games can rival Final Fantasy VII, which has set a precedent for the popular genre. However, when it first entered the market in 1997, role-playing games had a small following. 

Final Fantasy VII undoubtedly popularised role-playing on home game consoles, and it is not hard to see why, as it offers relatable characters, an interesting storyline, and advanced controls that gamers still adore today. It is the ultimate storytelling game that offers non-stop action and adventure, which inspired the likes of Kingdom Hearts III (2019) and Xenoblade Chronicles (2010).