Over the past few years, innovation and originality in video games have exploded. These interactive experiences have entertained gamers and left a lasting influence on pop culture. They span from fascinating storylines to cutting-edge aesthetics and gameplay. To understand how these legendary video games released between 2017 and 2023 altered the entertainment landscape and developed into something more significant, let’s take a deeper look at each one.

(1) “THE LEGEND OF ZELDA – BREATH OF THE WILD” (2017)

Nintendo released The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, a ground-breaking action-adventure game, in March 2017. The game takes place in a vast open environment. The game completely altered open-world exploration with its captivating gameplay and stunning visuals. Players were thrilled by the beautiful environment, tricky challenges, and freedom to select their path. Breath of the Wild not only revived the Zelda series but also transformed the possibility of open-world gaming. Its influence on pop culture is visible in fan art, cosplay, and even how it inspires a new generation of game developers to push the boundaries.

(2) RED DEAD REDEMPTION 2 (2018)

Gamers embarked on an epic journey through the American Wild West with Red Dead Redemption 2 by Rockstar Games. The meticulous attention to detail, gripping plot, and vibrant game characters captivated players and non-players alike. It sparked discussions on the value of storytelling in video games as a true art form and how they might rival blockbuster movies in terms of narrative complexity. In addition to strengthening Rockstar Games’ reputation as a master storyteller, Red Dead Redemption 2 solidified the Western genre as a dominant force in gaming.

(3) CYBERPUNK 2077 (2020)

The much-awaited video game Cyberpunk 2077 from CD Projekt Red transported players to the dystopian Night City, where high-tech and low-life coexist. With Keanu Reeves portraying the renowned character Johnny Silverhand and the game’s futuristic open-world scenario, there was a lot of hype. Despite significant technical difficulties during its initial release, Cyberpunk 2077 prompted extensive debates on the promise of interactive storytelling and the future of gaming. Its cyberpunk aesthetics and challenging issues have a long-lasting influence on pop culture, influencing fashion trends and how futuristic worlds are portrayed in various media.

(4) ANIMAL CROSSING – NEW HORIZONS (2020)

Nintendo’s Animal Crossing: New Horizons provided a soothing virtual haven as the world struggled with the COVID-19 pandemic. The game’s realistic recreation of living on a deserted island gave gamers everywhere a sense of camaraderie and inventiveness. Players took comfort in building their lovely islands, engaging with cute animal inhabitants, and discussing their experiences with friends and family during the social distancing era. The game became a cultural phenomenon, inspiring in-game activities, viral challenges, and celebrity appearances. Animal Crossing: New Horizons evolved into something more than just a game; it became a representation of community through trying times.

(5) RESIDENT EVIL VILLAGE (2021)

Players were transported back to the terrifying world of survival horror in Capcom’s Resident Evil Village. The game introduced players to the mysterious and frightful Lady Dimitrescu, who soon gained notoriety online as the long-running franchise’s eighth main chapter. Thanks to her towering presence and striking design, she inspired many fan art, cosplay, and even fan-made mods for other video games. In addition to revitalising the survival horror subgenre, Resident Evil Village demonstrated the influence that a well-designed character could have on pop culture by moving beyond the gaming industry to become a worldwide phenomenon.

(6) FORTNITE (2021 – ONGOING)

Even though Fortnite was first released in 2017, its influence on pop culture persisted well into 2020 and beyond. With live in-game events, concerts, and exclusive partnerships with celebrities like Travis Scott and Ariana Grande, Epic Games’ battle royale juggernaut has developed into a gigantic social platform. Millions of players and spectators worldwide were drawn to Fortnite because it blurred the barriers between gaming, music, and entertainment. Its characters, emotes, and dances have influenced many memes, dances, and even professional athletes who use in-game emotes to celebrate their successes. Its characters have also become a mainstay of online culture.

CONCLUSION

Over the years, many renowned video games have been released, and they’ve all significantly influenced popular culture. These games entertained players and encouraged creativity, friendship, and debates about various parts of the gaming industry. These games have shown that video games are more than just interactive entertainment; they are potent forces that radically alter and bind our civilisation. They do this through simple yet compelling gameplay and thought-provoking themes. Let’s enthusiastically anticipate the subsequent wave of ground-breaking experiences that will have a lasting impact on the dynamic world of pop culture as we continue to celebrate and appreciate these game-changers.

Dorcas Akintoye
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Dorcas Akintoye is a versatile writer with a passion for beauty, fashion, relationships, and culinary delight. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she adds a touch of elegance to every topic she explores. She is a writer at THEWILL DOWNTOWN.