Games That Surprised Everyone With Their Success

Key Takeaways

Undertale
shocked fans with its non-violent gameplay, a unique approach that captured the hearts of players worldwide.
Stardew Valley’s
success is thanks to its developer’s dedication, consistent updates, and appeal to new audiences through streamers.
Helldivers 2’s
unexpected rise was propelled by its cooperative gameplay, pure luck in timing, and addictive core loop for players.

As someone who has spent countless hours immersed in the world of gaming, I must say that each one of these games holds a special place in my heart. However, if I were to pick my favorite unexpected success story, it would have to be Baldur’s Gate 3.

From surprising AAA adventures to undiscovered indie treasures, the world of gaming has been graced with numerous unforeseen victories throughout its history, fueled by sensations like Minecraft and Terraria that soared to new heights beyond initial expectations. These unparalleled triumphs have consistently brought forth a plethora of fresh games, seemingly emerging unexpectedly from the shadows, boasting legions of devoted fans in their wake.

Looking back at their origins and the journey that led them to the fame they enjoy now, let’s revisit the stories of how certain popular games managed to gain a foothold, overcoming the odds to remain among the most memorable gaming adventures available today.

8 Undertale

An RPG With No Reason To Kill

As a gamer, I can’t help but feel humbled when I think about the impact Undertale has had on the gaming world since its debut in 2015. Even its creator, Toby Fox, couldn’t have foreseen such an extraordinary success. This game, a smash hit in the indie scene, has significantly transformed the RPG genre, leaving an indelible mark on games that followed.

Regardless of initial expectations, the indie game ‘Undertale’ has become a legendary figure in the gaming world. Its unique gameplay, which enables players to avoid killing enemies during boss battles, and its multiple endings have left an impression on gamers, streamers, and YouTubers. Additionally, Toby Fox’s existing fanbase, drawn from his popular gaming soundtracks, played a significant role in propelling the success of ‘Undertale’.

7 Stardew Valley

The Cozy Life-Sim

Stardew Valley, the farming simulator that has sold more than 30 million copies, is still going strong since its launch in 2016 and continues to attract new fans today. Developed by one-man studio ConcernedApe, this game inspired by Harvest Moon offers a rich experience within the life simulation genre, boasting countless hours of content for single or multiplayer enjoyment.

The significant achievement of Stardew Valley could be attributed to several factors. For one, it gained numerous new players by being showcased on streaming platforms and YouTube channels where gamers played it. Furthermore, the creator’s unwavering dedication and affection for the game, evident in the continuous updates, have also contributed to its success. One such update added an entire new island with fresh characters, demonstrating that this project is a labor of love. Players can sense this heartfelt effort as they engage with the game.

6 Helldivers 2

Fight On Behalf Of Super-Earth

In contrast to the initial release of Helldivers in 2015, Arrowhead Game Studio’s sequel, Helldivers 2, surpassed expectations with its remarkable success. The original game had a substantial fanbase but only saw a few thousand players at any given time over the course of seven years. In contrast, Helldivers 2 amassed millions of players in its first week, overwhelming servers and dominating online conversations with memes and commentary about the battle for super democracy.

In a collaborative third-person shooting style, Helldivers 2 gained its popularity not just through sheer luck but also by providing timely access to online multiplayer options, either with existing friends or new acquaintances. The game’s core mechanics remain as engaging as ever, offering players missions of varying sizes that can be easilyfit into even the busiest schedules.

5 Vampire Survivors

An Addictive Gameplay Loop Amid Roguelite Chaos

Simplistically designed graphics and irresistibly straightforward game mechanics make Vampire Survivors an unexpected hit among gamers. Developed single-handedly by poncle, this roguelike endeavor started with a limited number of levels and recycled resources, a small array of skills, and escalating waves of enemies. The objective is simple: survive for half an hour, yet the gameplay proves to be remarkably replayable, offering a concept that might seem sparse initially but delivers one of the most engaging experiences in its genre.

A significant portion of the game’s Vampire Survivors‘ popularity can be attributed to the streaming community. Streamers have been instrumental in spreading the word about the game, reaching diverse audiences, and encouraging viewers to try it out for themselves by starting their own gaming sessions. Additionally, the game’s affordable price point has played a crucial role in attracting a large number of viewers who quickly became players, as the low cost made it easy for them to become hooked on Vampire Survivors.

4 Outer Wilds

A Vast Open-World Space Adventure

Developed by the modest team at Mobius Digital, the game titled Outer Wilds achieved a level of success that surpassed all expectations when it was released in 2019. Today, it’s being hailed as one of the best indie games ever made by an increasingly enthusiastic fan base. Notably, Mobius Digital had only produced two other projects prior to this: a mobile exploration game called Beacon 38 and a puzzle RPG named Terra Chroma. The extraordinary acclaim received by Outer Wilds should not be undervalued.

In terms of unique, captivating storytelling and an expansive open-world ripe for exploration in any sequence, Outer Wilds provides a nearly flawless gaming experience. By engaging players with puzzle-solving, secret discovery, world creation, and intriguing characters, it’s no wonder that this lesser-known gem swiftly caught the attention of millions. Achieving such massive popularity as a small studio with minimal resources is truly an astonishing testament to the remarkable success story of Outer Wilds.

3 Deep Rock Galactic

Epic Combat Mining Missions With A Dwarven Twist

Over time, Deep Rock Galactic has emerged from Early Access as an unexpected hit among multiplayer games, fulfilling desires of gamers even before its release. Its distinctive character – dwarven designs and memorable phrases such as “‘Rock and Stone!’” – sets it apart, captivating players with a bizarre yet appealing concept created by the Ghost Ship Games team.

Beyond that, what sets this game apart is its frequent battles, collaborative play, and randomly generated caverns and missions. These elements give the game a fresh feel each time players come back. In spite of its limited reach and compact development team, Deep Rock Galactic has gained significant recognition due to these subtle yet impactful features, eventually exiting Early Access as one of the most acclaimed titles in its genre.

2 Fortnite

The Game That Made Battle Royale Essential

Initially, Fortnite’s current fame might appear inevitable, but its debut tells a contrasting tale. Drawing from PUBG’s Battle Royale mode, which despite being popular, remained confined to a specific fanbase, Fortnite brought a unique twist to the genre that significantly expanded its own player base.

Swiftly rising to fame, Fortnite soon captured the attention of countless individuals, from streamers and YouTubers to casual gamers worldwide. Suitable for players across age groups, this eccentric game distinguished itself as a more lively, enjoyable, and distinctive option compared to previous offerings. Featuring unique elements such as buildable environments, captivating visuals, and humorous character designs, it breathed new life into an already popular genre, transforming it into the thriving phenomenon we know today.

1 Baldur’s Gate 3

A Magical Role-Playing Adventure

It’s hardly shocking that Baldur’s Gate 3 turned out to be a hit game; however, the extent of its success surpassed all predictions. With it winning the Game Of The Year accolade at every major awards ceremony, and selling more than 15 million copies, this Early Access gem has touched a much larger audience than initially anticipated.

The widespread popularity of Baldur’s Gate 3 seems undeniably linked to its easy sharing across social media platforms, influencer promotions, and more. This has broadened its appeal from dedicated Dungeons & Dragons enthusiasts or role-playing gamers to audiences who might not have previously played video games at all. The game’s enchanting narrative, stunning visuals, cherished characters, and frequent surprising moments that highlight remarkable narrative choices have set a new standard for gaming, something Larian Studios may not have foreseen when the game initially released.

2024-08-27 08:05