It’s hard to believe that we’re already more than halfway through the 2020s. Time flies quickly, yet the start of this decade felt like it was standing still, thanks to the global pandemic. However, since that turbulent beginning, the gaming industry has exploded with remarkable titles that have earned their spots in the conversation for greatness.
Many might argue the gaming sector is currently facing challenges. While that’s true in certain areas, the annual release of incredible games from both established franchises and new intellectual properties offers something truly special for all of us to enjoy.
The decade kicked off while many of us were in lockdown, with beloved games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Call of Duty: Warzone keeping us entertained and grounded. Fast forward a few years, and we’ve experienced classic titles like Elden Ring, God of War: Ragnarok, and Baldur’s Gate 3 enriching our gaming lives.
Looking ahead, the first half of 2025 has already brought some serious contenders for game of the year with titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach—and there’s much more to come!
Here’s a look at some standout, critically acclaimed, and crowd-pleasing games released so far in this decade:
| Year | Notable Games |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Animal Crossing: New Horizons, The Last of Us: Part II, Doom Eternal, Hades, Ghost of Tsushima, Call of Duty: Warzone, Cyberpunk 2077, Demon’s Souls Remake, Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout |
| 2021 | Metroid Dread, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, It Takes Two, Resident Evil Village, Forza Horizon 5, Returnal, Kena: Bridge of Spirits |
| 2022 | Elden Ring, God of War: Ragnarok, Xenoblade Chronicles 3, Horizon Forbidden West, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Cult of the Lamb, Neon White, Gran Turismo 7 |
| 2023 | Baldur’s Gate 3, Resident Evil 4 Remake, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Alan Wake 2, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Diablo 4, Starfield, Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon |
| 2024 | Astro Bot, Balatro, Metaphor: ReFantazio, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Helldivers 2, Black Myth: Wukong |
| 2025 (so far) | Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Blue Prince, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Monster Hunter Wilds, Avowed |
Amid these standout titles, I can’t help but ask you: what do you think has been the standout game of the 2020s so far? Drop your thoughts in the comments below or participate in the poll.
What has been the most anticipated game in 2023? As fans eagerly awaited sequels like Baldur’s Gate 3 and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the excitement around these titles grew significantly.
Are there any emerging trends in gaming this decade? One noticeable trend is the focus on storytelling and immersive experiences, with developers putting more effort into narrative depth alongside gameplay.
How has the pandemic impacted the gaming industry? The pandemic initially drove unprecedented growth in gaming, as people sought entertainment and connection during lockdowns, leading to a surge in online multiplayer and social gaming experiences.
What makes a game a classic? A classic game typically leaves a lasting impact through exceptional gameplay, memorable stories, and often, a strong community that champions the title long after its release.
What are you most excited about for the upcoming gaming titles? With the second half of 2025 on the horizon, the anticipation grows for just how these new games will shape the future of gaming.
With the gaming world buzzing with creativity and innovation, now is a great time to dive into the latest releases. For more insights and updates, keep exploring content at Moyens I/O.