A wide survey conducted by Edge magazine gathered insights from nearly 100 figures across the gaming industry. Based on these expert opinions, Edge assembled a list of the 100 best video games released over the last three decades, presenting a benchmark that resonates with players and developers alike. The process involved not just Edge’s editorial team but also a broad circle of contributors who live and breathe games, including industry veterans, designers, and long-time readers. The goal was to create a trustworthy cross-section of titles that defined eras, genres, and moments in gaming history. (Edge Magazine knowledge consolidation)
The panel of voices featured several influential names. Among them were Jeppe Carlsen, known for pioneering titles such as Limbo, Inside, and Cocoon; Ben Brode, who shaped the design philosophy behind Hearthstone; and Casey Hudson, who guided Mass Effect through its seminal trilogy. Their perspectives, along with those of other developers and enthusiasts, helped shape a list that balances mainstream appeal with bold, innovative experiments across platforms and budgets. (Edge Magazine attribution)
At the top of Edge’s ranking, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild is celebrated as the premier adventure released for Nintendo Switch in 2017. The game’s open-world design, exploration mechanics, and reimagined puzzle-solving set a new standard for action-adventure titles, influencing many games that followed. In second place sits FromSoftware’s original Dark Souls, a title noted for its ruthless challenge, intricate world-building, and its enduring impact on the design of modern action RPGs. The trio is completed by a 1996 classic, Super Mario 64, whose groundbreaking 3D platforming set the template for countless successors and inspired an entire generation of developers. (Edge Magazine ranking report)
The top ten also features enduring favorites such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Resident Evil 4, Halo: Combat Evolved, Half-Life 2, Portal, Elden Ring, and Doom. Each entry on this roster embodies a touchstone moment in gaming, be it through revolutionary mechanics, memorable storytelling, or pioneering visuals. The blend of old and new demonstrates how the medium continually evolves while preserving the core thrill of play and discovery. (Edge Magazine overview)
Beyond the top tier, Edge’s comprehensive list spans a broad spectrum of titles, highlighting a significant presence from independent studios over the last 10 to 15 years. The spectrum includes indie powerhouses such as Hades, Hollow Knight, Into the Breach, Inside, and Kentucky Route Zero, among others. These games underscore a shift in the industry toward bold ideas, intimate storytelling, and inventive gameplay that often thrives with smaller budgets and tighter teams. The ranking acknowledges how indie devs have reshaped expectations and expanded what a great game can be. (Edge Magazine indie spotlight)
In related industry news, legal developments in France have touched the gaming community as well. Five Ubisoft game developers faced lawsuits alleging workplace harassment. This situation underscores ongoing conversations about workplace culture, accountability, and industry standards that extend beyond game design and into the environments where games are created. (France legal updates)