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20 Greatest Video Games of the 20th Century
Collider has published a ranking of the 20 greatest video games of the 20th century, judged on gameplay, design, visuals, narrative, influence and lasting appeal, spanning the medium's earliest decades from the 1970s through to the year 2000.
– Games are ranked by their historical importance and influence on the medium, not just nostalgia – No. 20: Castlevania: Symphony of the Night (1997), praised as one of the most polished Metroidvania titles – No. 19: The Sims (2000), credited with broadening video games' appeal beyond traditional gamers – No. 18: Resident Evil (1996), which helped establish the survival horror genre – No. 17 onward continues with further influential 1990s titles including Super Mario 64
In short
- Collider ranks the 20 greatest video games from the 20th century
- List spans early 1970s titles through to the year 2000
- Early entries include Castlevania, The Sims and Resident Evil
Explained simply
Video games have been a developing medium for more than three decades, starting with simple arcade games in the 1970s and growing into a significant worldwide industry. Collider has published a ranking of what it considers the most important and influential games from this early period, covering releases from the 1970s through to the year 2000.
The ranking assesses each game using several criteria, including gameplay quality, design, visuals, storytelling and lasting appeal, aiming to identify which titles genuinely shaped how the medium evolved rather than simply celebrating games people remember most fondly. This prioritises historical importance and influence over nostalgia.
Understanding which games had the most significant impact can help explain modern gaming, since today's titles build on foundations laid decades earlier. The selection captures the formative period when video games transformed from an experimental technology into a major form of entertainment.