Gaming has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a niche hobby. Today, it is one of the most popular forms of entertainment worldwide. What was once the domain of kids and tech nerds is now a culture that spans the globe, connecting millions of players from all walks of life. Whether it’s vast open worlds or frantic multiplayer arenas, video games are storytelling mediums, social spaces, and creative outlets all rolled into one. And whether someone is a casual phone gamer or a hardcore grinder in competitive titles, there’s a game out there for everyone.
But with so many games out there, what makes a game “good”? Why do some games become top titles with a fan base that will carry on for years, while others are quickly forgotten after their release? Well, we can start by seeing what gamers are voting for themselves.
The Current Biggest Games
A global community of gamers voted on the real-time Ranker list, and the Top 3 Best Games in the World right now are Minecraft, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Grand Theft Auto V. As the voting community is constantly active, the list is an extremely accurate representation of what games the world loves. The three games may appear completely different from each other, but they’re all successful for the same reason. These games do what gamers want most: offer freedom, replayability, and community.
It’s no surprise that the top-ranked game is Minecraft. It’s a household name for a reason, having stayed as popular as ever for over a decade. The game’s blocky, open-world aesthetic can seem basic at first, but it’s this simplicity that leads to endless possibilities. The game lets players build entire cities or landscapes, or they can fight monsters at night and have the largest game in the world be limited only by the imagination of its players.
In second place is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, a game that truly lives up to its name. With a roster of over 100 characters from various video game franchises, it offers a rare mix of accessibility and spectacle. Whether you’re imagining Mario and Pikachu going at it or Link and Sonic throwing down, there’s an action-packed fantasy matchup that you can enjoy in this game. Plus, with a high skill ceiling and a vibrant competitive scene, there’s always more to master and learn.
Rounding out the top three is Grand Theft Auto V. One of the best-selling games of all time, GTA V has remained a fan favorite for over ten years now. Players are drawn to its unique blend of cinematic storytelling and absolute freedom. Whether you’re cruising around in a supercar, exploring the virtual city of Los Santos, or making a name for yourself in the online component, GTA V is a never-ending sandbox of opportunities. In summary, these three titles are a snapshot of what makes gaming so special. A mix of freedom, creativity, community, and lasting engagement are just some of the things these games offer.
The Formula
Player agency is essential. Gamers want to be in control, be it how they build a base in Minecraft, which fighter they play as in Smash Bros., or which path to walk down in GTA V. Games that let players feel like their input has an impact, or that give them tools to craft their own experiences, tend to have the longest legs and the most ardent fandoms.
Closely related to agency is replayability and content. In a good game, you want to have an experience you want to repeat. This can be with updates and player-created content, or through a deeper, more robust system for player customization and expression. But the best games are ones where you can play for so long, and it never really feels like the end.
Community is a huge part of gaming. We play to connect with others, share experiences, compete, and even create for one another. Games that facilitate positive social experiences and interactions, whether through multiplayer or options to share and build content with one another, are what generate those aforementioned ardent fandoms.
All of this is wrapped in polish and performance. It’s simple, but a game has to feel good to play. Good performance, responsive controls, and satisfying, immersive design will make a clever idea a lasting classic.
