The Top 100 Video Games of all Time
Originally created by IGN, this video breaks down the Top 100 Video Games of All Time, highlighting the titles that continue to stand out as the very best gaming has to offer. Spanning decades of releases across consoles, PC, and handheld platforms, the list reflects IGN’s most recent update and reassessment of gaming’s greatest experiences.
What Is IGN’s Top 100 Games of All Time?
IGN’s Top 100 Games of All Time is a carefully curated ranking of games that excel not just historically, but right now. Rather than focusing heavily on legacy or influence alone, this list emphasizes how well each game holds up today and how effectively it represents the best version of its genre.
How IGN Ranked the Games
According to IGN, each game included in the Top 100 is evaluated using key criteria:
How great the game was at launch
How fun and engaging it remains today
How well it represents the best of its class or genre
Unlike previous versions of the list, overall industry impact and influence were intentionally deemphasized. Games that inspired future titles but no longer feel enjoyable or relevant were reconsidered, allowing newer or previously overlooked masterpieces to earn their place.
Highlights From the List
The video showcases standout entries from IGN’s Top 10, including critically acclaimed titles such as:
Disco Elysium for its unparalleled narrative depth and player-driven role-playing
Half-Life 2 for redefining first-person shooters through world design and player agency
Red Dead Redemption 2 for its unmatched open-world detail and storytelling
Super Mario 64 for revolutionizing 3D platforming
Mass Effect 2 for its character-driven storytelling and meaningful player choice
Portal 2 for perfecting puzzle design, humor, and first-person storytelling
Super Metroid for its masterclass in environmental storytelling and exploration
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past for defining adventure game structure
Super Mario World for refining 2D platforming to near perfection
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, ranked #1 for redefining open-world exploration and player freedom
Why These Games Stand Out
Each title on IGN’s list demonstrates excellence in game design, storytelling, exploration, and player agency. Together, they chart the evolution of video games from tightly structured experiences to expansive, open-ended worlds that reward curiosity, experimentation, and creativity.
This ranking offers both a celebration of timeless classics and a reflection of modern design philosophies, making it a valuable reference for longtime gamers and newcomers alike.
Video credit: IGN
Explore the full Top 100 list on IGN and decide which games deserve a place among the greatest of all time.