There has been a paradigm shift in the world of video games. Video games used to be just a means of getting a few hours of entertainment. But that is no longer the case. Nowadays, gaming companies invest in a lot of research to learn exactly how to keep players hooked for hours and keep them coming back for more. They tailor the games to stimulate different human senses and extract maximum time and money from the players.
These games have features that reward you and are quite literally designed to be addictive. Over the years, some games have stood out for being more addictive than others.
10 Best Famous Addictive Games:
Here’s a look at the top 10 most addictive games that are sure to keep you hooked on for hours. If you don’t want to lose hours of your life in a virtual world, it is best to stay away from these games.
1. Candy Crush Saga
Candy Crush is a mobile puzzle game with simple yet “juicy” gameplay that has become a global phenomenon. The game is about matching three or more candies of the same color to clear them from the board while clearing other obstacles. It has a clever progression system that keeps players coming back for more.
On top of that, there is this element of social competition, and you will be surely tempted to beat your friends’ scores. So it’s no surprise that millions of people have spent hours swiping candies. Its simple mechanics and colorful visuals make it a game that is easy to pick up but hard to put down.
2. The Sims
Released in 2000, The Sims is a life simulation game that lets players control virtual lives, from managing relationships to building dream homes. It gives players the freedom to craft their own stories and experiment with life choices, and that element makes the game addictive.
While playing this game, you will find yourself saying, “Just one more hour.” Developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts, The Sims game is available on PC, consoles, and mobile. It is considered one of the most influential and greatest games of all time and has won many awards. It can be played in multiplayer also.
3. Call Of Duty: Warzone
Released in 2020, Call of Duty is a free-to-play battle royale game that is published by Activision. It is a first-person shooter video game in which players fight for survival on a vast map. Players get to use a variety of weapons and strategies that they can upgrade as they progress through different tiers. The game has fast-paced action with stunning graphics, and the thrill of winning makes the game hard to put down.
You can play on your own or with your friends for the ultimate showdown, as the game has the multiplayer feature. There are different modes of gameplay that you can choose from in the game, like deathmatch, ranked match, dominance, search and destroy, and battle royale.
4. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
Released in 2011, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is an action role-playing game that was developed by Bethesda Game Studios for the PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. It has an enormous map filled with mountains, forests, caves, and cities.
More than a decade has passed since its release, and it is still considered one of the most addictive games in history. If you want to escape from the struggles of your life, Skyrim is the perfect place.
5. Fortnite
Fortnite is a battle royale survival video game that was released in 2017. The children are so addicted to Fortnite that they throw tantrums to keep playing the game. The game has vibrant graphics, building mechanics, and a stream of new content.
Players drop into a map that keeps changing and fight to be the last one standing. The competitive gameplay, social aspect, and continuous updates with new challenges, skins, and events make the game addictive.
6. League Of Legends
League of Legends is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) video game that was released in 2009. It is a team-based game that includes strategy, skill, and intense competition. You might be bad at the game at the start and gradually get better at it. Once you learn the ropes of the game mechanics, after hours of practice, you will start to enjoy it.
Seeing yourself grow and become better gives the addictive nature to the game. In this game, players choose champions with different abilities and team up to destroy the opposite team’s base.
7. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a life simulation game that was released in 2020. Developed and published by Nintendo, this game became a global phenomenon, rising in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic. The game provides a calm diversion from the outside world.
In this game, players build and decorate their own island, interact with charming villagers, and enjoy doing daily chores. It creates a sense of routine and keeps players engaged for a long time.
8. World Of Warcraft (WoW)
Released in 2004, World of Warcraft is a Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) that has had quite an impact on gaming. This game takes the player to a vast fantasy world that is filled with quests, side missions, dungeons, and epic battles. The world is so engaging that players will find themselves returning to it even after years.
9. Minecraft
Minecraft is a sandbox survival game that was released in 2011. It was created by Markus Persson and developed by Mojang Studios. The game offers players a lot of creativity and freedom. The game has an open-ended design, which makes no two games alike. It is a global sensation and one of the best-selling games, with more than 200 million copies sold.
The game is appealing to both older and younger audiences. The multiplayer mode again adds to the fun. This game has helped people unlock their creativity and imagination. The charm of the game is in its simplicity and creativity.
10. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG)
Developed by PUBG Studios, PUBG is a free-to-play battle royale video game that took the world by storm on its release. Its simple concept of being the last player standing made it a pioneer in the genre. In this game, up to one hundred players are dropped onto an island with one goal to remain the last man standing. There is solo, duo, and team play available. Each match will give you a new experience. Players must strategize and loot buildings to get weapons and stay safe as the map keeps shrinking.
Playing PUBG in multiplayer mode with your friends is the ultimate thrill. The game has a ranking and reward system that instills a competitive spirit in players. The game became popular after the release of its version for mobile, PUBG Mobile. PUBG addiction is a thing in Asia that many countries have even banned the game.
Explore more: Top 7 PS1 Games That Defined A Generation
Final Thoughts
These games fulfill many of the basic human needs, such as social connection. The thrill of winning a challenging game floods you with dopamine, and you keep coming back for more. Video games are also the perfect escape on those days when you feel life is not working out for you.
For many, it is a beloved pastime that is filled with fun and connection. But it is important to remember to keep a balance and take a reality check from time to time. Because overuse of these games is dangerous to your mind and body. It might even lead to health problems.
So, is gaming taking over your life?
