Online gaming has taken over the world. It’s become the biggest entertainment sector, earning more global revenue than movies and music combined. Billions of people play online video games, and several older games have been key to the industry’s success.
Whether you play bingo online, consider yourself a gaming enthusiast, or merely take a partial interest in gaming, most of the games featured below are sure to ring a bell. Take a look at 10 of the most popular games from the past five years.
10. Runescape
With over 280 million players in 2022, Runescape has been one of the most consistently successful online games, especially if you consider the fact that it was first released all the way back in 2001.
Runescape is a fantasy MMORPG that offers players complete freedom to explore the world at their own pace. It can be played on any gaming platform, offers a true sandbox for roleplaying, and has withstood the test of time far better than any other online game.
9. Fortnite Battle Royale
Fortnite Battle Royale currently has over 350 million active players. It was released in 2017 and, thanks to consistent and significant updates, it has maintained its status as a pioneering example of the battle royale genre.
With multiple pop culture tie-ins and dramatic seasonal changes, Fortnite Battle Royale manages to keep its gameplay fresh and exciting. The latest update, Chapter 3 Season 2, removes the player’s ability to build structures, significantly altering the game’s meta.
8. Crazyracing Kartrider
Developed by Nexon Games and released in 2004, Crazyracing Kartrider has approximately 380 million players. Despite its high player count, the game is only available in Taiwan, Korea, and China.
It’s a pity that Western audiences can’t experience this gem. However, the good news is that the updated global version, named Kartrider: Drift, has been scheduled for a 2022 release, with the third successful beta test held in December 2021.
7. Mini World
Mini World is a free-to-play, sandbox adventure game with 400 million players from over 30 countries. Its main drawcard is that it gives players all the tools they need to have fun right from the get-go. There are no grinds to go through and no pay-to-win mechanics.
There are three game modes available in Mini World: survival mode, creative mode, and community mode. In community mode, user-generated content such as mini-games and custom levels can be shared between players.
6. Among Us
The rise of Youtubers and Twitch streamers has led to several party games becoming incredibly popular. Among Us, with over 500 million players, is by far the most successful viral hit of the lot.
Among Us puts 4-15 players on a spaceship, and each player is assigned maintenance tasks onboard the ship. However, one or more players can be Impostors, whose sole aim is to eliminate their crewmates. It’s a riveting formula that has hooked millions of players.
5. Minecraft
With 600 million players Minecraft is the fifth most played game in the last five years. Due to its innovative gameplay mechanics, Minecraft received critical acclaim and won multiple awards after its release in 2011.
More than ten years later, despite a simplistic art style and pixelated graphics, Minecraft is still at the top of concurrent player charts. The game’s success has led to several additional games, such as Minecraft Dungeons and Minecraft Earth.
4. QQ SPEED
QQ SPEED, otherwise known as GKART, is an MMO online kart racer that has 700 million players worldwide. It’s a fairly simple game and, unlike other kart racing games, QQ SPEED has little to no simulation-style elements or challenging gameplay mechanics.
The simplicity of QQ SPEED’s gameplay allows players to focus on having fun, without having to worry about bombs and traps or optimal racing lines. It’s a game where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy, which is a rare treat in this day and age.
3. Dungeon Fighter Online
With an active user base just shy of 710 million players, Dungeon Fighter Online is one of the biggest video games of all time. In fact, with over $15 billion in lifetime revenue, it’s also one of the highest-grossing entertainment media products ever made.
Dungeon Fighter Online is a multiplayer beat ‘em up with action RPG elements. Players fight monsters in a classic 2D style, complete with side-scrolling visuals, theatrical boss fights, and skill-based character development.
2. Crossfire
A billion people have played Crossfire, which makes it the most successful game you’ve probably ever heard of. It’s an online tactical FPS that gained a massive following in Asia, especially in China and South Korea.
Crossfire is so popular that it spawned an entire media franchise, including several spin-off games, a film adaptation, and a television drama series. Since October of 2020, the Chinese TV series has been watched over 1.7 billion times.
1. PUBG: Battlegrounds
PUBG: Battlegrounds has been downloaded by 1.3 billion unique players. It’s the most played game in the world, which is astonishing if you consider the fact that the first version was made by one person – Brendan Greene.
Inspired by a Japanese film named Battle Royale, Greene’s creative direction led to the birth of the battle royale genre in video games. Considering the immense influence of PUBG: Battlegrounds, it’s only fitting that it’s the final game to close off our list.
