Top Video Games of All Time (according to us)

You’d think that, as a Library, talking about video games wouldn’t be an obvious choice, but here at Edinburgh Napier we are a university at the forefront of video game design. Not to mention Scotland is the home of Rockstar North (formerly Rockstar Games), the iconic maker of Grand Theft Auto.

Video games have transformed from simple arcade experiences into one of the world’s biggest entertainment industries. Today, gaming reaches billions of people. It influences technology, storytelling, education, and even scientific research. Some games have shaped entire generations. Others have redefined what is possible in digital entertainment. Most of us have grown up with video games in some form, and gaming is no longer a niche hobby. Your nana is now much more likely to be gaming on her mobile phone alongside her grandson on his PlayStation.

There’s a Stat for that

Video games used to be traditionally thought of as something boys did, but the latest data shows that gaming has become far more universal.

  • Around 3.6 billion people worldwide play video games. That’s almost 45% of the world’s population!
  • The global games industry generates around $200 billion annually, making it larger than the film and recorded music industries combined.
  • More than 3 billion people play games on smartphones or tablets, making mobile the world’s largest gaming platform.
  • 92.5% of people aged 16–24 play video games, and over half of people over 65 play video games (mostly on their phones). My mum loves her Candy Crush!
  • Gaming is actually pretty evenly split between genders, with approx. 51% men and 48% women.

Want more stats? Try using Librarysearch.napier.ac.uk to learn more!

What Makes a Video Game Great?

Like anything creative, what makes something great can be considered subjective, but there are some clear winners that seem beloved the world over. The greatest video games do more than sell millions of copies. They introduce new ideas, inspire future developers and build loyal communities that last for decades.

A truly great game usually offers:

  • Memorable gameplay
  • Strong storytelling
  • Technical innovation
  • Replay value
  • Cultural impact

Below I’ve listed some of the top games that appear on almost all the “greatest” lists, and one I consider great too (It’s my list after all!)

Grand Theft Auto V

I mean, we are Scottish so this is an easy choice. Released in 2013 by Rockstar Games, GTA V continues to attract millions of players more than a decade later. Its enormous open world lets players explore Los Santos as they follow three interconnected protagonists. Meanwhile, GTA Online has evolved into one of the most successful online gaming platforms ever created.

The series has strong Scottish roots. The original Grand Theft Auto was developed by DMA Design in Dundee in 1997. The studio later became Rockstar North, now based in Edinburgh. Today, Rockstar North remains one of Scotland’s largest and most influential game developers. The new game is due to be released soon… well, soonish.

This success demonstrates how Scotland continues to shape the global games industry and highlights the opportunities available within the country’s thriving technology sector.

Minecraft

This one is big in my house, alongside Roblox.

Minecraft was a game changer, pun intended. It changed gaming by giving players complete creative freedom. Instead of following a fixed storyline, players build worlds from blocks, design machines using Redstone, and even learn programming concepts through modifications and educational editions.

Teachers now use Minecraft in classrooms across the world. Architects have recreated famous landmarks inside the game. Scientists have even used it to visualise complex environments.

The game’s simple appearance hides remarkable technical depth. It proves that creativity often matters more than photorealistic graphics.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild

Nintendo redefined open-world design with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

Unlike many open-world games, players receive very little direction. They can climb almost every mountain, solve puzzles in different ways, and experiment with physics-based gameplay.

This freedom encouraged exploration rather than checklist gaming. As a result, many modern developers have borrowed ideas from its design philosophy.

Tetris

Sometimes the simplest ideas become the most successful. I remember having a Game Boy as a kid and playing this for hours.

Tetris first appeared in 1984, yet it remains one of the most recognisable games ever created. Its falling blocks are easy to understand but incredibly difficult to master.

Researchers have studied Tetris for decades because of its effects on spatial reasoning and cognitive processing. Some studies even suggest playing the game may improve certain aspects of visual thinking.

Its timeless gameplay shows that innovation does not always require advanced graphics.

Super Mario Bros.

Without Super Mario Bros., the gaming industry might look very different today. Released in 1985, Nintendo’s platform classic helped revive the video game market after the industry crash of the early 1980s. Its smooth controls, clever level design, and memorable characters established standards that developers still follow today. New generations are still coming to the game today, with spin-offs and merchandise finding new, young audiences even now.

Shout-out to one of my best friends, Suzi, for being the one who mastered all the levels first so she could beat her brothers and guide us through.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Admittedly, I’ve never played this one, but it tops the lists. It is one of the best games that encourages exploration.

Players can become warriors, thieves, mages, or simply wander across mountains and villages while discovering hidden quests. The game’s active modding community has also extended its lifespan far beyond its original release.

Importantly, Skyrim demonstrates the value of player choice. Modern developers increasingly design games that allow players to create their own stories rather than simply follow scripted paths.

Stardew Valley

So this one is my choice. I love a cosy game, and also there’s something special about a game created by one developer with a passion. Not every great video game is created by a huge studio with hundreds of developers, and Stardew is a great example of how a single creator can build a worldwide success story.

Released in 2016, Stardew Valley was created almost entirely by Eric Barone, who developed the game over several years while working on the project alone. The game combines farming, exploration, fishing, crafting, and relationship-building in a relaxing pixel-art world. Its simple design helped it reach millions of players across different generations and platforms.

I think that so much of the success of this game is the easy-going simplicity and the wholesome gameplay that it encapsulates. The characters are everything, and the mini quests scattered throughout the game give it such a rich depth that the simple design might not suggest. Stardew Valley encourages cooperation, exploration, and personal storytelling. Players can restore a neglected farm, build relationships with characters in the town, discover secrets, and create their own version of success. It speaks to a desire so many of us have to escape the rat race and run off to the country for a simple life. With 41 million copies sold, clearly there are a lot of us out there who love it.

Edinburgh Napier University and the Future of Gaming

For aspiring game developers, universities now play a major role in preparing students for industry careers.

Edinburgh Napier University offer a course in games development perfect for any budding game designer. We also offer several courses that develop the technical and creative skills needed across the gaming sector. Students studying Computer Science, Software Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Digital Design gain knowledge that applies directly to modern game development.

The Library can support you in any area of game design from theory to practice. Check out our library resources, including articles, books, databases, and so much more. We have a useful guide here.

By Juliet Kinsey

Image by Lorenzo Herrera on Unsplash