Games

In this discussion, we’re concentrating solely on storytelling in video games. Strong writing in games comes from a combination of compelling plots, memorable dialogue, rich background lore, and effective delivery. While many games have demonstrated excellent narratives throughout history, we’ll be looking specifically at titles released in the last ten years – from 2016 onwards – and how their writing stood out. The only exception to this timeframe is Kentucky Route Zero, which finished releasing in 2020. We’ll be ranking these games based on their overall quality, though it’s important to note that they are all exceptional works, so the ranking is somewhat subjective.

Two slides from the presentation were particularly insightful, revealing a consistent trend. They showed which games generate the most revenue on consoles and PCs. Notably, sports games consistently top the charts for console players, year after year.

Games prioritize different things – story, creating a detailed world, or fun gameplay. The truly great ones excel at all three, offering immersive role-playing experiences that players can enjoy for hours. Whether you prefer science fiction or fantasy, there’s a fantastic RPG adventure out there waiting to be discovered.

The Trading Post is an in-game shop that offers different items each month, which players can buy using a special currency called Trader’s Tender. You mainly earn Trader’s Tender by having an active subscription, finishing monthly goals in the Traveler’s Log, buying expansions for World of Warcraft in advance, or through occasional bundles available in the cash shop.

One of the reasons people love Dispatch is its skillful blend of humor and compelling characters. Sometimes, the game’s more suggestive scenes are essential for visual jokes that lose their impact when toned down. Because of this, the censored version of Dispatch ends up feeling strangely comical, as characters react to things players aren’t even able to see because of the censorship.

Millions of gamers watched the reveal of Highguard at The Game Awards 2025, but the game received a somewhat disappointing initial reaction. Many were frustrated that such a prominent spot at a major event was given to a game that relies on ongoing purchases and updates. Concerns grew that Highguard, a team-based shooter focused on player-versus-player raids, might struggle like PlayStation’s Concord. Despite this, Highguard launched on January 26th, and players quickly shared their thoughts online. A frequent complaint was that matches felt sparse because they only supported teams of three players. Luckily, the developers at Wildlight Entertainment listened to the feedback and have made adjustments.

The Steam demo for Moonlight Peaks hits all the expected notes for the genre, but it elevates them with strong writing and quality. The game offers a unique twist: you play as an undead character powered by enchanted food, where farming and building relationships in your supernatural community are key. What makes it really special is the central conflict – a disagreement with your father, Count Dracula, about living a decent life. While there’s real conflict at stake, Moonlight Peaks cleverly uses it to make the cozy gameplay and themes even more engaging.

These games are all incredibly engaging and make you think deeply, but they can be mentally draining. Playing them one after another might be overwhelming, or feel strange if you then switched to a lighthearted game like Astro Bot. You might need to take a break from gaming altogether to fully appreciate them. Don’t worry, this description won’t reveal any plot details.

Many fans of Resident Evil consider Alone in the Dark a classic. The game has a dedicated following, with some players calling it one of the greatest horror games ever made. Though the series has had several sequels, reboots, and remakes, the original three games – currently available for free on GOG – are widely considered the core of the franchise and essential playing for any horror enthusiast.

To use the Stream Your Own Game library, you just need an active Xbox Game Pass subscription – any level will work! It’s best to have a reliable internet connection, too. If you already own the games digitally, or they’re included with your Game Pass tier (Ultimate, Premium, or Essential), you can play them. The library has grown a lot since it started, with 48 new games added in January 2026 and 40 more in February 2026.