3 Legendary Video Game Franchises Began Exactly 20 Years Ago

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As a lifelong gamer, it’s amazing to think about how much the industry changes! Twenty years can feel like forever. New tech comes out, some game types get super popular then fade away, and we all grow up with different games shaping what we love. But every now and then, a few games come along that really start something special. Back in 2005, three new series launched that totally blew me away, and they’ve had a huge impact on everything since – from how music games work, to how stories are told in games, and even how realistic racing simulators are. These weren’t just popular games; they genuinely changed the way we play!

The early 2000s were a remarkably creative period for gaming, with developers freely trying out new and ambitious ideas. This led to the birth of three hugely successful franchises that are still popular and influential today. Each of these games revolutionized its genre, sparked many copycats, and continues to have a major impact on gaming culture even now, twenty years later.

3) Guitar Hero

Released in 2005, Guitar Hero quickly became a massive hit and revolutionized the world of rhythm games. Created by Harmonix and published by RedOctane, it became a cultural sensation almost immediately. The game was easy to understand – players hit notes along with popular rock songs to earn points and feel like a rock star. However, its influence was huge, completely changing how people thought about party games and bringing together players of all ages, musical preferences, and gaming abilities.

Guitar Hero changed how people experienced music with its famous plastic guitar and the scrolling notes on screen. It turned playing a video game into a show, attracting people who didn’t even normally play games. By making living rooms feel like concert venues, Guitar Hero uniquely connected gaming with popular culture. Its success inspired other games, such as Rock Band, to try and replicate its popularity.

Starting with Guitar Hero II and continuing with games like World Tour, the Guitar Hero franchise quickly became incredibly popular. It sparked a wave of similar games, such as Rock Band and DJ Hero, and even led to a surge in sales of real musical instruments. For a time, Guitar Hero wasn’t just a game—it was a major cultural phenomenon. Though its popularity waned in the 2010s, its impact remains. Guitar Hero’s innovative gameplay is largely responsible for bringing rhythm games into the mainstream.

2) Forza Motorsport

When Forza Motorsport first launched in 2005, several racing games were already popular, including Gran Turismo and Need for Speed. However, Forza offered a unique combination of realistic driving, ease of use, and new ideas. Created by Turn 10 Studios for Microsoft, Forza Motorsport aimed to be the ultimate driving simulator for Xbox. It didn’t just challenge Gran Turismo; it changed what people expected from racing games on consoles, eventually leading to the creation of the Forza Horizon series.

At its heart, Forza Motorsport was all about a love for cars. The developers paid incredible attention to every detail – from the sound of the engines to how the tires gripped the road – to make the game feel incredibly realistic. Players had amazing freedom to customize and improve their favorite cars. But what set Forza apart from games like Gran Turismo was how welcoming it was to new players. Helpful driving aids and adjustable difficulty levels meant anyone could pick up and play, and that balance was key to its success.

The Forza series has become incredibly successful with two main types of games: Forza Motorsport, which focuses on realistic driving, and Forza Horizon, which offers a more free-roaming, open-world experience. These games have created a highly-regarded community and are now essential parts of the Xbox brand. Forza has always been known for its advanced technology, incredibly realistic graphics, and incorporating feedback from its players. Even after twenty years, Forza Motorsport remains a landmark achievement for Microsoft and continues to be a popular title.

1) God of War

When the first God of War game came out in 2005, almost no one imagined it would become such a beloved and iconic series. It stood out by combining stories based on mythology with intense, movie-like action, proving that games could be both exciting and emotionally powerful. Developed by Santa Monica Studio, the original game introduced Kratos, a Spartan warrior fueled by anger and loss. Over time, that character has evolved, and is now portrayed as a more thoughtful father figure.

The God of War series brilliantly blends Greek mythology with action-packed gameplay, memorable boss fights, and a stunning soundtrack. What truly made it special wasn’t just how it played, but the ambitious story it told. The game masterfully combined classic myths with tragic themes, creating a cinematic experience. Each new installment built upon this foundation, continually raising the bar.

Santa Monica Studio revitalized the God of War series, transforming it from a fast-paced action game into a story celebrated for its compelling characters. God of War: Ragnarok built on this success, taking the series to new heights. Now, Amazon is creating a TV show based on God of War, and fans are eager to see what Santa Monica Studio does with the franchise in the future.

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2025-11-12 19:18