The biggest games released since 2010

When it comes to video games, there are certain eras that mark big points in history. For example, before the console market, the arcade era ruled with an iron thumb that weaved its way into simple consoles like the Atari 2600. Then there was the NES era, which brought video games to prominence. Then came the rise of HD and the online console market that changed everything, like around 2010, which were deep into the PS3 and Xbox 360 generations.

Some big games before 2010 include The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Pokemon red and Pokemon blueand Half-Life 2. These are examples of popular games that also sold well. The following games from 2010 aren't guaranteed to be the best games since 2010, but they were some of the ones that changed the most.

Kicking Things Off

The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim is one of the first games to kick off a new generation and cement itself as open world royalty. The Elder Scrolls games before were open, but never quite, between the different locations, quests, and progression system.

It has hit almost every console known to man since 2011 and somehow always sells despite looking a little dated. It just goes to show that when the gameplay is as fun as it is The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimare gamers willing to look the other way when it comes to graphics.

Grand Theft Auto 5

Three characters are better than one

Grand Theft Auto 5 was big even though it was launched right before the new consoles were launched: PS4 and Xbox One. Thanks to its online component, the game is still relevant as it continues to be sold and played.

At the time, it was an innovative open-world game that gave players three switchable characters and an incredibly engaging story. Heists were definitely the highlight of the campaign as well as the online section as they offered multiple ways to get through them.

Dead By Daylight

Reborn horror games

When multiplayer games break out, it's usually high-octane shooters Call of Duty. Therefore Dead by Daylight it's such an outlier because it's a horror game at its core, and it's not easy to win. It has become a platform for all things horror, from original creations to collaborative efforts such as Halloween, Stranger Things, Resident Evil, Silent Hilland much more.

It even added Nicolas Cage for crying out loud, and that's one heck of an achievement for any development team. Each multiplayer match brought something new to the table and fans were rarely disappointed.

Stardew Valley

The Life-Sim that ends it all

Stardew Valley is another game that proves that graphics aren't everything, as the simple pixel art was an eye-catching enough design to attract players to this life simulation. Since its launch in 2016, the game has opened up with different types of customization options, such as new farmland.

Without any real goal in mind, players were free to set up their farm as they saw fit, along with whatever data they wanted in the city. Stardew Valley was the kind of experience that could be played casually for long periods of time, serving as a relaxing escape from reality even without the exciting set pieces.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath Of The Wild

Go outdoors

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild it may launch on two consoles, the Wii U and the Switch, but it's mainly intended as a Switch launch game. Without such a killer app, no one knows where the Switch would have ended up.

The open nature of the game was truly remarkable and gave players plenty of tools to play with physics like frozen water to reach higher surfaces. The ability to climb and the paraglider also made exploration much more rewarding, and the combat, while challenging, made each counter more engaging.

Fate 2

Check back

Fate 2 has been on the rise since its debut in 2017, and is definitely on track between updates, expansions, and following the free-to-play model. There is a drop in player count between major updates, but Fate 2 is the kind of game that's great to have installed when needed.

It has become convenience food for shooters who can go back and collect some event items and then put them away. There's something compelling about the character progression, world list, and weaponry that make this one of the best shooters, certainly of the last decade, that showcases Bungie's talent and commitment.

Fortnite

A platform, not a game

Fortnite was announced in 2011 as a game about defending their base from a zombie apocalypse, so it finally launched in 2017. After the Battle Royale expansion was released months after its initial launch, Fortnite simply didn't become a game; has become a platform.

The number of properties that have partnered with Epic Games since then is staggering, from getting characters from Marvel, Star Wars, DC, and more to completely revamping the map like the Springfield update for The Simpsons cooperation. Among all the Battle Royale games released during 2010, Fortnite is one that has survived on a global level and is still growing.

Red Dead Redemption 2

Feed the horse, ride the cowboy

Grand Theft Auto 5 catered to a wider audience because it was set in a modern society, while another massive Rockstar game, Red Dead Redemption 2was created for a different kind of enthusiast. Driving cars and robbing banks using the latest technology is all well and good, but there is simply no other type of gangster that is as cool as the old west bandits.

Driving up to the trains and robbing them is much more exciting, but the game was more than just a thief simulator as it was all about the dying age of the old west. Players could see off the anti-hero, Arthur Morgan, on a righteous path of redemption, or stay the course because he's dirty. Either way, it was one of Rockstar's most compelling stories, with plenty of action, heart, and melancholy.

Elden Ring

Freedom Challenges

FromSoftware slowly grew into a household name with each new Soulslike game that followed Soul of Demons in 2009, but Elden Ring took to a new level. The same basic structure existed between character and class customization that didn't lock the player into anything, but the open world environment was new.

Players were free to tackle bosses and areas out of sequence, leaning into or away from harder difficulty curves. It wasn't easy by any means, but Elden Ring it has certainly become one of FromSoftware's most accessible titles thanks to its open map structure and the ability to create diverse builds.

Baldur's Gate 3

You do you

Baldur's Gate 3 brought back a classic series that had been dead for decades. There are many reasons why it has become so popular so quickly, and most of them have to do with customization options. The game gave players a freedom never before experienced in a game between character options, classes, and dynamic dialogue structure.

Every situation in the game had multiple solutions that took alignment, race, and actions into account. Tactical combat was also a good challenge outside of making grander story decisions, plus co-op was an option.