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Top 100 games of the 21st century ranked and reviewed

Top 100 Games of the 21st Century | Ongoing Debate Fuels Gamer Passion

By

Fatima Al-Nasir

Jul 5, 2025, 02:48 PM

Edited By

Marco Silva

Updated

Jul 5, 2025, 07:49 PM

2 minutes of duration

A vibrant collage of diverse video game characters and scenes from popular games of the 21st century, showcasing various genres and styles
popular

The ranking of the top games of the 21st century sparks continued backlash, with players taking to forums to express discontent and propose alternative favorites. New insights reveal growing concerns over recent omissions and generational bias, intensifying discussions about the list's shortcomings.

Context and Significance

As discussions heat up on user boards, criticisms highlight a notable absence of diverse genres and iconic titles. The lively debates underscore long-standing rivalries in recognizing which games truly define this century.

Key Themes from Player Reactions

  1. Critique of Current Rankings: Several players dismissed certain rankings, specifically mentioning the recent title Expedition 33. One comment called it "a masterpiece but definitely not Top 17 this century," underscoring perceptions of recency bias that are prevalent across discussions.

  2. Call for Genre Inclusion: Discussion revived scrutiny about significant omissions, such as calling for the inclusion of games like Kotor, Bioshock, and even Wii Sports. Users voiced frustrations over the lack of traditional fighting and real-time strategy games: "How is there not a singular Persona 3 when it's had four releases?"

  3. Questionable Interpretations of Iconic Status: The community expressed disbelief that newer titles could be ranked alongside established classics. Comments likened the situation to the BAFTA list from 2024, suggesting a bias based on a gameโ€™s current popularity rather than its overall impact.

"Itโ€™s wild thereโ€™s no Civilization game on there," commented one user, illustrating a shared sentiment among those who feel classics deserve a spot.

Sentiment Patterns

The community sentiment ranges from outright frustration to light-hearted banter about the rankings. While some defend certain titles, the majority seem to demand clearer justification for placements, showing how passionate players are about a more inclusive list.

Highlights from the Discussion

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ Several forum members criticized the "flagrant double dipping" of games in ranks, feeling it misrepresents the gaming landscape.

  • ๐ŸŽฎ Users shared mixed feelings over The Outer Wilds, with one noting, "I wish I could enjoy it, but I just couldn't get into it"โ€”reflecting varied player experiences.

  • ๐Ÿš€ Engaging discussions revealed a consensus that newer titles are often prioritized over the classics, impacting community reactions.

Key Takeaways

  • โšก Community members rally for acknowledgment of overlooked titles like Wii Sports.

  • โœ‹ "Recency bias" raises eyebrows as Expedition 33 grabs headlines but sparks critique.

  • ๐Ÿ•น๏ธ Discussion reveals a demand for broader representation in rankings, balancing indie and major titles.

As players continue to dissect the rankings, it becomes clear that the vibrant gaming community prioritizes not just the games themselves but the rich tapestry of experiences they encapsulate.