The past decade has been an incredible era for video games. From emotional narratives to groundbreaking technological innovations, the best games of the decade have redefined what it means to be an interactive medium. In particular, games like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Red Dead Redemption 2, and The Last of Us Part II have set new standards for storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and world-building. These titles are not only technical achievements but also deeply impactful experiences that have resonated with players across the globe.

One game that stands at the forefront of this transformation is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, released in 2015. Known for its sprawling open world, rich lore, and morally complex narrative, The Witcher 3 set a new bar for role-playing games (RPGs). The game’s protagonist, Geralt of Rivia, navigates a war-torn world filled with monsters, politics, and sorcery. What makes The Witcher 3 stand out is its emphasis on player choice; every decision can alter the fate of characters and the world, making each playthrough unique. The depth of the world, from its cultures to its side stories, kept players engaged for hundreds of hours, making it one of the best RPGs of all time.

Similarly, Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018) took open-world gaming to a whole malukutoto new level. Rockstar Games’ portrayal of the American frontier is not just visually stunning, but it also offers one of the most emotionally complex narratives in modern gaming. Players step into the boots of Arthur Morgan, a member of the Van der Linde gang, who struggles with his own morality as he navigates a changing world. The game’s attention to detail is unparalleled, from the realistic wildlife behavior to the way characters interact with each other. It’s a game that makes players think deeply about loyalty, survival, and the cost of living a life of crime.

Another standout is The Last of Us Part II (2020), which took everything that made its predecessor great and pushed it to new emotional extremes. The narrative, told through the eyes of Ellie and Abby, explores the destructive nature of revenge and the consequences of violence. The game’s emotional depth, combined with its brutal combat and haunting atmosphere, created an unforgettable experience that left a lasting impact on players. While it divided opinions due to its bold narrative choices, the game’s execution and storytelling were indisputable, solidifying its place as one of the best games of the decade.

These games, along with others such as Spider-Man (2018), God of War (2018), and Hades (2020), are a testament to how video games have evolved over the years. They offer more than just entertainment—they provide experiences that evoke real emotions, challenge the player, and tell stories that resonate long after the controller is put down. As we move into the next decade, it will be exciting to see how these games influence the future of the medium.