The Power Of A Breakout Hit
Every so often, a game comes along that doesn’t just win over players—it changes everything for the people who made it. That’s because one hit can take a developer from relative obscurity to being mentioned in the same breath as gaming’s biggest names. Suddenly, the studio’s logo becomes instantly recognizable, and its future projects are hyped before anyone even sees a trailer. So, let’s take a look at 20 games that made their creators unforgettable.
1. Super Mario Bros. (Nintendo)
When Super Mario Bros. launched in 1985, it redefined video gaming. Its innovative side-scrolling levels showcased Shigeru Miyamoto’s design vision, setting a new standard for platformers. Soon, the title’s runaway success cemented Mario as Nintendo’s mascot and propelled the company into mainstream recognition worldwide.
Super Mario Bros. (1985) Full Walkthrough NES Gameplay [Nostalgia] by Pii89
2. Minecraft (Mojang)
Initially a side project by Markus Persson, Minecraft propelled Mojang into the spotlight. The game's blocky visuals and open world amazed players, further establishing the sandbox genre's popularity. Plus, its influence expanded beyond gaming, finding applications in education and architecture.
MINECRAFT Gameplay Walkthrough FULL GAME (4K 60FPS) No Commentary by Shirrako
3. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt (CD Projekt Red)
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is based on a series of Polish fantasy novels, which brought CD Projekt Red global recognition. Featuring open-world RPG design, compelling story, and impactful choices, this game earned numerous Game of the Year awards.
Beating The Witcher 3 The Way CD PROJEKT RED Intended by Avarti
4. Halo: Combat Evolved (Bungie)
Before Halo: Combat Evolved, Bungie had niche recognition from games like Marathon. However, its release changed everything, establishing Bungie as a major force in gaming. That’s how split-screen multiplayer became a social phenomenon, and the Flood's terrifying arrival provided a memorable twist.
Halo: Combat Evolved 100% Walktrough - Longplay [No Commentary] [4K] Legendary by Star Marshal
5. Doom (id Software)
The first-person shooter genre was changed by id Software’s Doom. Its fast, violent gameplay was controversial, but its impact was undeniable. And the game was so ubiquitous that players flexed about running it on any device.
DOOM Gameplay Walkthrough FULL GAME [4K 60FPS PC ULTRA] - No Commentary by MKIceAndFire
6. Pokémon Red & Blue (Game Freak)
Released in 1996, Pokémon Red & Blue converted Game Freak from a small studio into an international sensation. By combining monster collecting, trading, and battling, it created a cultural phenomenon that extended into television and merchandise.
Pokemon Red/Blue: Best Strategy Playthrough by Man of Recaps
7. Grand Theft Auto III (Rockstar Games)
In 2001, Grand Theft Auto III introduced a fully 3D Liberty City that redefined open-world gaming. Its living cityscape, paired with branching missions and cinematic storytelling, set a new standard. The game’s scale and controversy propelled Rockstar Games into worldwide recognition.
GTA 3 - Full Game Walkthrough in 4K by GTA Series Videos
8. Sonic The Hedgehog (Sega)
Sega’s breakthrough came in 1991 with Sonic the Hedgehog, a title built to compete directly with Nintendo’s Mario. This game’s speed-focused platforming highlighted the Genesis’ technical edge, while Sonic’s bold design appealed to a new generation.
Sonic the Hedgehog - Full Game 100% Walkthrough by BeardBear
9. Final Fantasy VII (Square)
Released in 1997, Final Fantasy VII marked a turning point not only for Square but for the entire RPG genre. It was the company’s first major leap into 3D graphics, complete with cinematic cutscenes and a sweeping orchestral score that made the story feel more like a film than a video game.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake - FULL GAME - No Commentary by SourceSpy91
10. Half-Life (Valve)
Half-Life redefined what a first-person shooter could be and launched Valve into the spotlight. Instead of relying on simple level progression and mindless shooting, it wove a continuous, story-driven experience that unfolded through in-game events rather than cutscenes.
Half-Life - Full Game Walkthrough Gameplay No Commentary by Gamer Max Channel
11. World Of Warcraft (Blizzard)
Blizzard Entertainment found massive success with World of Warcraft. This MMORPG changed online gaming communities with its expansive world and focus on social interaction. Plus, Leeroy Jenkins exemplifies the game's cultural penetration, while long-lasting guilds demonstrate its staying power.
World of Warcraft (2023) - Gameplay (PC UHD) [4K60FPS] by Throneful
12. Tetris (Alexey Pajitnov)
Tetris achieved global recognition, transforming Alexey Pajitnov into a famous game designer. Its deceptively simple gameplay became a cultural phenomenon. And as a pioneering entertainment software exported from the USSR to the US, Tetris proved that fun is not confined to borders.
Tetris Ultimate - 1 hour PC gameplay no commentary by Flook611
13. Angry Birds (Rovio)
A flock of furious birds slingshotted into pop culture in 2009, catapulting Rovio into worldwide fame. What began as a simple physics-based puzzle game quickly became a mobile sensation, perfectly timed with the smartphone boom.
Angry Birds Gameplay #1 Poached Eggs Level 1-21 by TheStoreQsr
14. Fortnite (Epic Games)
Epic Games, once just a respected developer, became a household name thanks to Fortnite. This battle royale title's cross-platform play revolutionized multiplayer expectations. Interestingly, the game’s in-game concerts, starring famous pop stars, attracted millions of viewers.
15. Space Invaders (Taito)
Back in 1978, Space Invaders turned dimly lit arcades into buzzing social hubs and made Taito a name everyone knew. Players lined up with their pockets full of coins, determined to push back waves of relentless aliens that grew faster and more menacing the longer they survived. It reportedly contributed to localized shortages of 100-yen coins in Japan.
Space Invaders 1978 - Arcade Gameplay by Game Archive - No Commentary Gameplay
16. Pac-Man (Namco)
Unlike the shooters that dominated the era, this game introduced a playful, non-violent concept where players guided a yellow character through mazes. Its approachable design drew in audiences beyond the traditional young male gamer base, especially women, helping expand gaming’s cultural reach.
Arcade Longplay - Pac-Man (1980) Midway by hirudov2d
17. League Of Legends (Riot Games)
Riot Games was relatively unknown before League of Legends. This free-to-play title, with its microtransactions for cosmetic upgrades, changed the MOBA scenario forever. Featuring over 170 champions, League of Legends allowed players to personalize their gaming experience.
League Of Legends Gameplay (2021) PC 1080p 60FPS by MindYourGames
18. Assassin’s Creed (Ubisoft)
The mix of historical settings, open-world exploration, and parkour-based movement in the Assassin’s Creed offered players a fresh take on action-adventure games. More than just a hit, Assassin’s Creed proved Ubisoft could create immersive worlds that rivaled Hollywood in scale and storytelling.
Assassin's Creed Unity - Stealth Kills Gameplay - Fast-Paced Action - PC by Swifty Unknown
19. The Sims (Maxis)
Maxis became a recognized name thanks to The Sims, which let players craft and guide virtual people. The unique Simlish language added to the game's charm. Lastly, its influence permeated pop culture, inspiring parodies and impacting reality TV, as it solidified the life simulation genre.
The Sims 4 -- Gameplay (PS4) by GamePlayStation
20. Candy Crush Saga (King)
Candy Crush Saga took the entire gaming world by storm with its simple yet addictive match-three puzzle design. The game's colorful visuals and intuitive gameplay appealed to a broad audience, including those unfamiliar with gaming.
