Video games have evolved drastically since the days of simple 8-bit graphics and rudimentary gameplay. Over the decades, the medium has blossomed into a multi-billion-dollar industry with increasingly sophisticated storytelling, graphics, and gameplay mechanics. Amid this evolution, certain game franchises have become iconic, not just for their innovation at the time but for their enduring appeal across generations. These classic franchises have shaped the landscape of gaming, influenced entire genres, and garnered a loyal following that continues to thrive even decades after their inception.
In this blog post, we explore the legacy of classic game franchises, examining how they shaped the gaming industry, why they remain relevant today, and how their influence continues to inspire both developers and players alike.
Defining Classic Game Franchises
A classic game franchise is one that has endured the test of time, leaving a significant impact on the gaming culture and industry. These franchises are typically defined by their iconic characters, innovative gameplay, and consistent release of sequels or spinoffs that expand upon the original concept. Classic games often feature timeless mechanics that remain enjoyable across generations, while also offering a sense of nostalgia for players who grew up with them.
Some franchises have changed the way games are made or how stories are told. Others have set trends in gameplay mechanics, multiplayer experiences, or technological advancements. Regardless of the specific genre or platform, classic game franchises have one thing in common: they’ve become cultural touchstones that transcend the gaming world and influence other forms of media, from movies to TV shows and beyond.
The Birth of Icons: Early Game Franchises
The origins of classic game franchises can often be traced back to the early days of video gaming. In the 1980s, the industry was still finding its footing, and game developers were experimenting with new ideas. During this time, some of the most iconic franchises began to emerge, laying the foundation for the gaming industry as we know it today.
Super Mario Bros. is perhaps the most iconic early example of a franchise that transcended gaming. Released by Nintendo in 1985, the Super Mario series redefined platform gaming with its simple yet engaging mechanics, memorable characters, and colorful world. Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Bowser became household names, and the series went on to influence nearly every platformer that followed. Mario’s appeal was its accessibility to players of all ages, making it an entry point for millions of gamers.
Another franchise that laid the groundwork for modern gaming was The Legend of Zelda. Debuting in 1986, Zelda revolutionized the action-adventure genre by blending exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. Its open-world design, nonlinear gameplay, and deep storytelling set it apart from other games of the time. Link, the hero of the series, became a symbol of adventure, courage, and heroism.
Both franchises are still active today, with new entries continuing to be developed for modern consoles, proving their lasting influence on both the industry and the gaming community.
The Rise of Multiplayer: The Legacy of Fighting and Sports Games
As gaming technology advanced in the late 1980s and 1990s, there was a marked shift towards multiplayer experiences. The growth of arcade gaming, along with the rise of home consoles, paved the way for fighting games and sports simulations to dominate the gaming landscape. Classic franchises like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat in the fighting game genre, along with FIFA and Madden NFL in sports games, helped establish multiplayer as a key component of gaming culture.
Street Fighter II, released in 1991, was a game-changer in the fighting genre, introducing a roster of unique characters, each with their own fighting style, as well as special moves that could be executed with specific button inputs. The competitive nature of the game, combined with its balance and depth, made it a staple in arcades worldwide. Its impact is still felt today, with multiple sequels, spin-offs, and a dedicated esports community.
Similarly, Mortal Kombat, which debuted in 1992, pushed the boundaries of violence and gore in gaming, introducing “fatalities” and other brutal finishing moves. Mortal Kombat’s impact on the fighting genre is undeniable, and it paved the way for future games to explore more mature themes while also sparking debates about video game violence.
On the sports front, FIFA and Madden NFL became annual staples for sports fans. These franchises redefined sports simulation gaming by providing realistic representations of real-life sports. The ability to play as your favorite teams, manage rosters, and compete in digital versions of actual tournaments made these games incredibly popular, especially with multiplayer modes. As technology improved, the gameplay became more immersive, with detailed player models, realistic physics, and enhanced AI that mimicked the tactics of real-world teams.
Expanding Storytelling: RPGs and Adventure Games
The 1990s also saw a rise in role-playing games (RPGs) and adventure games, many of which became legendary franchises that are still revered today. These games offered immersive worlds, intricate narratives, and deep character development—elements that were groundbreaking at the time.
Final Fantasy, one of the most successful RPG franchises in history, first appeared in 1987, but it was with Final Fantasy VII in 1997 that the series truly became a cultural phenomenon. With its rich storylines, unforgettable characters, and a sprawling world, Final Fantasy VII set the standard for how RPGs should be constructed. The game’s emotional depth, especially the infamous death of Aerith, helped elevate it beyond traditional gaming to a piece of popular culture. Final Fantasy continues to be a major player in the RPG genre, with new installments and remakes continuing to attract fans old and new.
Another legendary RPG franchise, The Elder Scrolls, gained prominence in the late 1990s with titles like Morrowind and Oblivion. The open-world design and freedom to explore a vast, detailed world with few restrictions set The Elder Scrolls series apart from other RPGs. Its sprawling worlds, deep lore, and the freedom to choose your path resonated with a generation of gamers, and it remains a key influence on open-world RPGs today.
The Legend of Zelda is also a prime example of how adventure games influenced the way we think about game design and narrative. The franchise has remained relevant for over three decades, constantly evolving with each new release. The highly praised Breath of the Wild (2017) redefined open-world gaming, offering an expansive, immersive world with unparalleled freedom.
The Evolution of 3D and Immersive Worlds
As technology continued to improve, game developers began to explore the possibilities of 3D graphics and more immersive worlds. The late 1990s and early 2000s saw the rise of 3D adventure games, which pushed the limits of hardware and showcased the growing capabilities of video game consoles.
Super Mario 64 (1996) is often cited as one of the most important video games ever made, introducing 3D platforming mechanics that would go on to shape the future of the genre. Its free-roaming world, multiple camera angles, and open-ended gameplay set a new standard for what 3D games could achieve. Mario’s transition to 3D was so revolutionary that it remains one of the most influential platformers in gaming history.
Grand Theft Auto (GTA) is another franchise that revolutionized gaming with its open-world design and mature themes. The introduction of Grand Theft Auto III in 2001 marked a new era in video games, where players could freely roam a massive, detailed city and engage in a variety of activities beyond just completing missions. GTA set the stage for other open-world games, with its immersive narrative and the ability to make choices that impact the world around you.
The Shift to Online and E-Sports: New Frontiers for Classic Games
As the internet became more widely accessible in the 2000s, online multiplayer gaming became a central focus for many classic franchises. The ability to play with friends or compete against strangers in real-time opened up new frontiers for game developers, and many franchises adapted to this new mode of play.
Halo, which began as a first-person shooter exclusive to the Xbox in 2001, helped define the early days of online console gaming. Its robust multiplayer modes, featuring both cooperative and competitive gameplay, made it a favorite among gamers and helped establish the Xbox as a dominant console in the early 2000s.
Another game that capitalized on online play is World of Warcraft (WoW), which became one of the most successful MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games) ever made. WoW created an entirely new subculture of gamers who spent countless hours exploring its expansive world, engaging in quests, and participating in large-scale player-versus-player (PvP) and player-versus-environment (PvE) activities. WoW’s influence on the MMO genre is immense, and it has kept players engaged for over 15 years.
Additionally, League of Legends, Counter-Strike, and Dota 2 are just a few of the franchises that have helped popularize esports and professional gaming. These games have created dedicated competitive scenes, with tournaments and leagues that attract millions of viewers worldwide. The rise of esports has allowed classic games to evolve into global phenomena, with some titles being played in professional circuits for large cash prizes.
The Impact on Modern Gaming
The legacy of classic game franchises is evident in the gaming landscape of today. New titles and franchises continue to draw inspiration from the classics, whether it’s the platforming mechanics of Mario, the open-world design of Zelda, or the competitive gameplay of Street Fighter. These franchises set the standards for what games could achieve in terms of gameplay, storytelling, and innovation.
Even with the rise of new technologies like virtual reality and cloud gaming, classic game franchises are not being left behind. Many have seen modern remakes or sequels that stay true to the spirit of their original counterparts while utilizing modern advancements in graphics, sound, and gameplay. For example, The Last of Us, Final Fantasy VII Remake, and Resident Evil 2 Remake have brought old favorites into the present while retaining the elements that made these games iconic in the first place.
Conclusion: A Legacy That Continues
The legacy of classic game franchises is not just defined by the games themselves but by the influence they’ve had on generations of players and developers. They have shaped the gaming industry, inspired new genres, and created communities of fans who share a deep connection to these titles.
As we look to the future, the influence of these iconic franchises will continue to be felt, with new generations of gamers discovering the magic of these games and building upon the foundation they’ve created. Whether it’s the platforming adventure of Mario, the deep storytelling of Final Fantasy, or the open-world freedom of Grand Theft Auto, these classic franchises are more than just games—they are pieces of gaming history that continue to define what it means to be a part of this ever-evolving medium.
