25 essential video games every gamer should know

NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 13: In this photo provided by Nintendo of America, A guest enjoys playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild on the groundbreaking new Nintendo Switch at a special preview event in New York on Jan. 13, 2017. Launching in March 3, 2017, Nintendo Switch combines the power of a home console with the mobility of a handheld. It’s a new era in gaming that delivers entirely new ways to play wherever and whenever people want. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Nintendo of America)

Calling yourself a gamer is as simple as just saying that you’re a gamer. But knowledge of these 25 games will help you back that statement up.

How often do you play video games? Did you just start a year or so ago, or have you been pressing buttons for as long as you remember? Whatever your gaming experience, you count as a gamer for sure. No gatekeeping here, thank you!

But there are some classic games that every gamer, from old to young, from newbie to seasoned veteran, should just know the names of. Appreciating games becomes that much easier when you know a little history behind each of them.

That’s why we have this list for you. We’ve rounded up 25 of the most influential games out there — whether they’re big names or small — and given some information on each, including what console or consoles you’ll be able to find it on. This isn’t a definitive list, just by nature of the limitations of 25 games only.

But that’s okay too. There’s always room for debate, so long as it’s meant in the spirit of discussion and fandom.

How many have you played? Which ones are you adding to your to-play list?