The gaming industry has seen a massive evolution over the last decade, with both hardware advancements and creative leaps taking the medium to new heights. Among the best games of the decade, some titles stand out not only for their gameplay but also for their emotional storytelling, innovation, and ability to push the boundaries of what gaming can achieve. These games are the ones that defined the decade, shaping both how we play and how we experience stories through interactive entertainment. With unforgettable characters, world-building, and mechanics, these games have secured a place in the hearts of gamers worldwide.
One of the most influential games of the last decade is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Released in 2015, The Witcher 3 is a sprawling open-world RPG that follows Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter, on a quest to find his adopted daughter. What makes The Witcher 3 one of the best games of the decade is not just the immersive world but the way it handles player choices. Each decision Geralt makes can have significant consequences, which not only affect the main storyline but also the fate of the people and places in his world. Its depth, mature themes, and ability to deliver a world that feels truly alive set it apart from many other open-world games. The richly detailed environments and dynamic side quests elevate The Witcher 3 to the level of a timeless classic that will continue to be enjoyed for years to come.
Another title that has cemented its place as one of the best of the decade is The Last of Us Part II. A direct sequel to the original, this game picks up the story of Ellie as she embarks on a journey filled with rage, vengeance, and emotional turmoil. Released in 2020, The Last of Us Part II is known for its cinematic quality and complex narrative, pushing the boundaries of what a video game can convey emotionally. The game’s exploration of themes like trauma, loss, and the consequences of violence presents players with complex moral dilemmas that challenge the notion of right and wrong. While the scatter hitam controversial plot twists sparked debates among players, it’s undeniable that The Last of Us Part II is a masterclass in storytelling and game design. Its ability to evoke strong emotions and spark meaningful discussions is what makes it a standout of the decade.
Red Dead Redemption 2, released in 2018, is another title that defines the best games of the decade. Developed by Rockstar Games, this open-world action-adventure game transports players to the American Wild West, where they take on the role of Arthur Morgan, an outlaw struggling to find his place in a rapidly changing world. The game’s world-building is exceptional, with every element—from the wildlife to the weather patterns—designed to immerse players fully in its world. The emotional depth of the story, as well as the complex relationships between the characters, allows Red Dead Redemption 2 to transcend its genre and become an experience that lingers long after the game has ended. Its attention to detail and narrative structure elevate it to a level few games achieve.
Lastly, God of War (2018) stands as one of the best PlayStation games of the decade. It reinvented the franchise by shifting the setting to Norse mythology and focusing on a more mature version of the protagonist, Kratos. The game explored themes of fatherhood, redemption, and the consequences of Kratos’ past actions. The combination of gripping combat, an intricate single-shot camera technique, and a compelling story made God of War a monumental success. The game’s emotional depth and the evolution of Kratos’ character added a new layer to the series, making it accessible to both new players and long-time fans. God of War is one of the most polished action games ever created, showcasing PlayStation’s ability to deliver unmatched experiences for gamers.
These titles—The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, The Last of Us Part II, Red Dead Redemption 2, and God of War—represent the best of what the gaming world had to offer in the last decade. Each one pushed the boundaries of storytelling, design, and innovation, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and proving that video games are capable of being more than just entertainment. They are art, storytelling, and a reflection of our shared humanity.