Best Games That Took Risks and Reaped Big Rewards
Some of the greatest video games are those that took bold risks toto macau in their development, pushing the boundaries of what was possible at the time. Whether through untested gameplay mechanics, unconventional narratives, or revolutionary visuals, these games risked it all—and reaped the rewards, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
One such game is Dark Souls (2011), developed by FromSoftware. Known for its brutal difficulty, intricate world design, and lack of hand-holding, Dark Souls defied conventional game design trends. Its challenge-focused gameplay and cryptic storytelling were a significant departure from more accessible, linear action games. Yet, the risk paid off, as Dark Souls quickly became a cult classic and spawned an entire subgenre of “Soulslike” games that embraced tough but fair difficulty, methodical combat, and environmental storytelling. The game’s impact on the industry can still be felt, with developers constantly revisiting its formula for inspiration.
Similarly, No Man’s Sky (2016) is another example of a game that took significant risks. Upon release, it faced backlash due to unmet expectations—primarily because of missing features that were promised during marketing. However, the game’s developers at Hello Games didn’t give up. They kept pushing forward with free updates that added massive improvements, including multiplayer functionality, space exploration, base-building, and a much deeper procedural generation system. Over time, No Man’s Sky transformed from a controversial launch into a celebrated success story of redemption and ongoing development. The game remains a testament to how a developer can turn a risky vision into a long-term, thriving experience.
Another title that took a significant risk was Journey (2012), developed by Thatgamecompany. An emotionally driven, wordless adventure, Journey aimed to create an experience that emphasized exploration and emotion over traditional gameplay. The game’s minimalist design, focus on cooperative multiplayer (without direct interaction), and a unique art style were a sharp departure from what many expected in an action-adventure title. Despite its unconventional design, Journey received widespread acclaim for its emotional impact, gorgeous art direction, and its ability to convey a deeply personal journey without a single word being spoken.
Bioshock Infinite (2013) is another example of a game that took risks, particularly in its narrative structure. Set in a floating city with a unique steampunk aesthetic, Bioshock Infinite blended a compelling narrative about American exceptionalism, political ideologies, and alternate realities. The game’s controversial ending, which heavily involved time travel and multiple universes, challenged players’ expectations of storytelling in video games. While divisive, the game’s bold narrative decisions elevated it above many of its contemporaries, and it’s considered a modern classic in the first-person shooter genre.