Video Games Are Either Short-Lived Or Live On Forever
While most video games tend to come and go, there are a couple of gems out there that continue to live on. Even though years have passed, these games have only gotten larger or maintained their popularity. Let's take a look at 10 games that started off strong but fell off hard and 10 games we don't see going away anytime soon.
Photo by Douglas Muth from Philadelphia, PA, USA & Brandenads on Wikimedia Commons
1. Among Us
Back in 2020 when the pandemic was at its worst, many gamers around the world found comfort in this multiplayer online game. With its simple concept and controls, it was incredibly easy to learn, but provided hours of endless fun. Whether you played with friends or strangers, each game felt refreshing and different. Sadly, Among Us didn't last very long in terms of popularity, but it'll always be remembered as a game that helped us through difficult times.
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2. Fall Guys
Another video game that reached its peak popularity during the pandemic was Fall Guys. Not only is this game cross-platform, but you can also play with so many different friends and strangers all at once. Its fun battle royale genre made it a lighthearted yet competitive game that hooked players in right from the get go. Fall Guys might not be talked about anymore, but for anyone that ever won first place, you'll always remember that high.
3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
While COVID-19 tried to bring us all to our knees, Animal Crossing: New Horizons kept us all afloat. Giving us the perfect island escape, gamers were able to transport themselves to a peaceful little town. Filled with friendly (sometimes sassy) animal neighbors, everything from the dialogue, the visuals, and the gameplay worked seamlessly together to create the ultimate cozy game.
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4. Palworld
Remember the insane hype Palworld received upon its release? Everyone from casual gamers to popular streamers were playing it. While this was all the buzz earlier this year, it quickly faded into nothingness. When was the last time you even heard someone talking about it?
5. Hogwarts Legacy
When Hogwarts Legacy was first announced, it had Harry Potter fans and gamers alike waiting in anticipation. The concept just seemed amazing! But with so many delays, the eventual release just didn't hit the same. While it was still popular and made small waves online, it's been a while since we last heard a peep about it.
6. Overwatch
Making this a free-to-play game was definitely the right move. When Overwatch first came out, it felt like that was all the gamers were talking about! With so many different heroes to choose from, it kept the game interesting no matter how many times you played the same map. But as a first-person shooter game, there's a lot of competition on the market. And sadly, this one got left behind in the shadows.
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7. Splitgate
Splitgate is just one of those games that started off on a high, but fell off over time. Many players have commented a plethora of issues including too many bots, trouble with matchmaking, and too many inconsistencies. Looks like the gamers just weren't content with what they were getting.
8. Apex Legends
Apex Legends might have been competition for Fortnite upon initial release, but over time, it's completely lost its once massive fanbase. The game has reached an all time low in average players recently, echoing its fall from grace. We don't think you'll be hearing about this on social media though, given how few people actually still talk it.
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9. Diablo 4
This franchise has always been a hit with the fans, but surprisingly, the release of Diablo 4 felt a bit underwhelming. The game hit the market only to face numerous criticisms and complaints from fans. To put it bluntly, players were so unsatisfied with the game, they immediately demanded quality of life changes.
10. Squid Game (The Game)
Inspired by the hit Netflix show Squid Game, this game of the same title had a short spark in the gaming world. For a little while, your YouTube page was likely filled with influencers and streamers playing it. Definitely all thanks to the hype of the series, the game quickly fell off the moment something bigger and better came along.
1. Tetris
The moment you read this word, we're betting its iconic theme song started playing in your brain. We swear Tetris will forever be popular thanks to its tune alone! But with its simple concept and addictive gameplay, this is one that's perfect for gamers of all ages. It's timeless - a pretty impressive feat to accomplish for a video game.
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2. Mario Kart
Is anyone ever going to be tired of throwing bananas at their opponents while racing down rainbow road? We think not. Mario Kart is an absolute classic. Not only does the game feature a variety of familiar and beloved characters from the Mario universe, each map is so unique and creates a different gaming experience each time. It's the ultimate party game to play with friends.
Redmist89 on Wikimedia Commons
3. Minecraft
Who knew this blocky world would ever become such a massive game? There's no one on this planet that hasn't heard of Minecraft before. Especially popular among younger kids, this imaginative world lets gamers' hearts roam free. Be a builder, a farmer, a miner, whatever you want! There's endless ways to enjoy this game, meaning it'll never lose its appeal.
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4. GTA V
Bigger and better than ever before, fans were deeply impressed by how immersive and expansive GTA V was. This game was the reason for many sleepless nights and tired mornings back in 2013 when it first released. And what's shocking is, even over a decade later, it's still as popular as it was the first day it came out.
5. Pokémon
It's pretty safe to say Pokémon will never fade into nothing. As one of the largest fandoms in the world, Pokémon fans will always be there opening day for the newest release. Whether its classics like Leaf Green or newer entries like Scarlet + Violet, there's always going to be a huge group of people playing the game.
Photo by Danny Schleusser on Unsplash
6. Stardew Valley
The perfect example of a cozy game, ConcernedApe really hit the nail on the head with this one. Stardew Valley is one of the most beloved games on the market. Its easygoing, play-at-your-own-pace gamestyle allows a wide variety of different people to enjoy it. The pixel art is adorable, the townspeople are lovely, and you can't help but want to build the best farm ever.
7. League of Legends
Love it or hate it, League of Legends continues to be Riot Games' greatest success. It's been so many years since its release, and with constant updates, new game modes, and new champions, no one will ever get bored of it.
8. Super Smash Bros.
Featuring all of your favorite Nintendo characters, this platform fighting game brings any party to life. Each hero has their own unique set of abilities that harks back to their respective game, making Super Smash Bros. not only fun to play, but fun to watch too. Most people can play for hours on end without getting tired.
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9. The Sims
No matter how many years have passed, The Sims will always be a go to game for fans of the simulation genre. Letting you live your life how you want to, gamers always enjoy leaving reality and jumping into this simulated world. There's not much to its gameplay, but that's what fans love about it. Its simple and doesn't disappoint.
Kristin Wassermann on Wikimedia Commons
10. Fortnite
Even if you think Fortnite has lost all of its popularity, you'd be surprised to learn that it remains one of the most played games worldwide. It continues to maintain a large active playerbase every month, meaning it's nowhere near its end. And with so many cool collaborations and updates, the game continues to entice new and old players alike.
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