The 2000s Belonged To Gamers
The 2000s flipped gaming on its head. LAN parties turned into online lobbies, and consoles doubled as entertainment hubs. This was the decade when games weren’t just pastimes anymore, as they became the reason you begged for “five more minutes.” Plus, arguments about which console was “king” could break friendships, and yet those same games built communities that lasted years. So, let’s take a look at 20 titles that shaped how an entire generation played and connected.
1. The Sims (2000)
Breaking away from traditional goals and combat, The Sims invited players to control ordinary lives in extraordinary ways. Designing homes, shaping personalities, and testing social dynamics turned everyday routines into amazing stories. Plus, its open-ended freedom redefined gaming.
The Sims 1 (2000) - PC Gameplay by AlphaYellow
2. Halo: Combat Evolved (2001)
Released in 2001 for the Xbox, Halo: Combat Evolved revolutionized console shooters. Its precise controls and iconic ringworld setting became instant classics. This game also cemented Microsoft's place as a major console force and laid the groundwork for the future of online console gaming.
Halo Combat Evolved (2001) Full Game Movie (HD) by KCarvs GamingTheatre //
3. Grand Theft Auto III (2001)
When Grand Theft Auto III launched in 2001, it blew open the concept of open-world gaming. Liberty City wasn’t just a backdrop—it was a living, breathing playground. Players could follow missions or cause chaos at will, reshaping expectations of immersion and storytelling for years to come.
Grand Theft Auto III (2001) Gameplay (4K 60FPS) by Grayson Gameplays
4. Counter-Strike 1.6 (2000)
Counter-Strike 1.6 became a proving ground for tactical shooters, emphasizing precision and quick decision-making over flashy mechanics. Teams relied on communication and map knowledge as much as raw aim, which made every round a test of discipline.
Counter Strike 1.6 2000 - Playing With Pro International Players by MrEagle Gaming
5. World Of Warcraft (2004)
At its peak, World of Warcraft drew over 12 million subscribers, making Azeroth one of the busiest virtual societies ever created. Players didn’t just level characters; they staged massive raids requiring forty coordinated members and even sparked real-world economies through gold trading.
World of Warcraft (2004) is my THIRD favorite video game of all time! by Exothermic Plays Games
6. Call Of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (2007)
This game's release brought the series into the modern era. Its cinematic storytelling, seen in missions like "All Ghillied Up," set a new standard for shooters. The game also introduced unlockable perks, further reshaping multiplayer progression.
Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare 2007 by NB MOTIONS
7. Gears Of War (2006)
With its over-the-shoulder camera and gritty cover system, Gears of War changed how shooters felt to play. Battles against the monstrous Locust Horde pushed players to think tactically, ducking, flanking, and timing reloads. And its cinematic storytelling quickly made it a benchmark for action games on consoles.
Gears of War (2006) - Full Game Walkthrough | 4K 60FPS XSX by Geração Power Up
8. Guitar Hero (2005)
Released in 2005, Guitar Hero revolutionized music gaming. The innovative guitar controller made rocking out accessible to everyone. Moreover, it also became a social phenomenon, as it turned parties into jam sessions and created a new generation of music fans.
Guitar Hero (2005) - PS5™ Gameplay [1080p] by GAMER KING
9. Half-Life 2 (2004)
Half-Life 2 showcased how physics could transform gameplay, letting players solve puzzles and experiment with the now-iconic Gravity Gun. Its detailed environments pulled players into a world ruled by the Combine, which proved that first-person shooters could deliver cinematic immersion without breaking momentum.
Half-Life 2 (2004): Full Playthrough / Hard by Retro Games Couple & friends (Greek Gamer Friends)
10. Shadow Of The Colossus (2005)
The desolate world of Shadow of the Colossus offered gamers unique challenges, as players confronted sixteen colossal beings with only their horse, Agro, by their side. This innovative title inspired later open-world and exploration-driven games.
Longplay of Shadow of the Colossus (2005) (HD) by LongplayArchive
11. BioShock (2007)
BioShock transported players into Rapture, an underwater city collapsing under the weight of its founder’s ideals. Besides, genetic enhancements called plasmids let players hurl lightning or bend the battlefield in inventive ways. Beneath the action lay questions of morality, free will, and the price of unchecked ambition.
BioShock Gameplay (PS4 HD) [1080p60FPS] by Throneful
12. Wii Sports (2006)
Wii Sports arrived in 2006 with the Nintendo Wii, bringing motion controls to the forefront of gaming. This simple but effective mechanic broadened the appeal of video games significantly. The game even became a best-seller, encouraging active participation.
Wii Sports Nintendo Wii Gameplay - GC 2006: Golf by IGN
13. Pokémon Ruby And Sapphire (2002)
Sunlight and rainfall weren’t just scenery in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire—they shaped battles themselves. Set in the Hoenn region, these entries introduced 135 new Pokémon and strategic double battles. Together, they redefined handheld play and deepened the series’ competitive foundation.
14. Animal Crossing (2001)
Animal Crossing introduced players to a quaint village of quirky animal neighbors. A real-time clock synced the game with real-world events and holidays. On top of that, players could even send letters to their in-game friends.
Animal Crossing (2001) is my 138th favorite video game of all time! by Exothermic Plays Games
15. Resident Evil 4 (2005)
Resident Evil 4 shifted the survival horror genre with its innovative over-the-shoulder camera. This new perspective, combined with fast-paced action and the introduction of Las Plagas, influenced a generation of third-person shooters. In short, the game remains a landmark title of the 2000s.
resident evil 4 (2005) Gameplay | Part 1 by The Scarlet Seeker
16. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty (2001)
What began as another mission for Solid Snake soon shifted to a new protagonist, Raiden, challenging player expectations. This game’s cinematic style, stealth mechanics, and commentary on digital information made it one of the most provocative titles of the decade.
Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty | Full Game Walkthrough | No Commentary by The Game Archivist
17. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (2006)
Stepping out of the tutorial sewers in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion revealed a vast, open world few games had matched. Cyrodiil invited players to explore at their own pace, mixing political intrigue with sprawling quests. Plus, its Radiant AI gave characters daily routines, while mods and expansions kept the experience endlessly evolving.
18. Minecraft (2009)
This innovative game allowed players to build and survive in a block-based 3D world. It was the game’s open-ended sandbox design, coupled with the accidental creation of the Creeper, that made it a cultural phenomenon. Over time, the game went on to inspire countless other creative games.
Minecraft 2009 Gameplay - Survival Mode 6 Years Ago - 0.24 Gameplay by ibxtoycat
19. God Of War (2005)
This game turned Greek mythology into a playable epic, letting Kratos battle hydras, minotaurs, and Ares himself with the chained Blades of Chaos. Its quick-time events made boss encounters cinematic, and its fluid combat system pushed the PlayStation 2 to new heights in both action and storytelling.
Longplay of God of War (2005) (HD) by LongplayArchive
20. Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune (2007)
A treasure hunt gone wrong launched Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune into gaming history. Players followed Nathan Drake across jungles, ruins, and ancient mysteries in a blend of platforming and cinematic cutscenes. Most importantly, its charm lay in pairing blockbuster storytelling with gameplay that felt adventurous.
