10 Video Games That Revolutionized Genres
And how one or two genius innovations paved the way for entire generations of new games.
We all like to bicker about the lack of anything new in our media. Whether that is movies, music, or in our case, video games. In time, every idea becomes boring, old game mechanics stop bringing joy, and we begin thinking there is just nothing that can surprise us. It's not like game developers don't know this, - they try something new almost with every game they make - but not everything works.
While subtle changes in the mechanics, or tweaking the balance may improve on the overall feel of the game, they become boring half an hour in. Introducing new characters, locations, or story elements may help too, but when the gameplay is lacking novelty, it doesn't matter either. When small things don't work anymore, it's time to sit down and create something special.
There are times when game developers fail miserably, introducing something so outrageous it only alienates the players (looking at you, pee mushrooms from Death Stranding). However, sometimes they outdo themselves and come up with something truly unique, not only improving on the old formula but actually creating a new one that affects generations of games after.
It's these special games which we call 'revolutionary'.
10. Simulators - The Sims
Will Wright is a genius, whether you adore his games or despise them. He is the definition of a person thinking outside the box. While everyone tried to come up with an exciting hero or a fantasy land that you can escape to, Will used a more grounded approach, proving time and again that a simulation of every-day life can provide the best source of escapism. Instead of creating a story or memorable characters, Wright decided that the best way to make your game infinitely replayable is to get rid of all those clearly unnecessary elements along with any kind of end game goals. From his popular experiments with SimCity to less successful ones with SimAnt, he was always keen on creating games that can neither be won or lost.
One day, he came up with an idea so brilliant he himself wasn't sure if it would work: an idea of a virtual doll-house that the player would build, decorate, and inhabit with a virtual family. That's it, no orcs or elves, no goals, just some virtual people to watch and take care of. A bold move since it was a make-or-break project for Wright and Maxis Studios that had to let go of 40% of all employees that year. To say that The Sims became a success is to say nothing. The game not only gave the world a whole new type of existential gameplay but also became the most popular PC game in the world.