Introduction
Have you ever wondered about the longest-running video game franchises? Perhaps you have fond memories of playing classic games from the '80s or '90s, or maybe you're curious about the lineage of certain titles. In this article, we will explore some of the games that have stood the test of time, with histories spanning multiple decades.
The Oldest Game Franchises
When it comes to the longest-running video game franchises, there are several contenders. One popular choice is Sid Meier's Civilization games, which have maintained an unbroken lineage over multiple decades. However, there are other franchises that challenge this claim, including Doom, EA Sports, Mario, Zelda, Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, Baldur’s Gate, Fallout, Sonic, and Pokémon. Additionally, some fans argue for the inclusion of Warcraft, StarCraft, Diablo, Command and Conquer, Quake, Half-Life, and Homeworld. There is ongoing debate regarding the eligibility of certain games, with differing opinions on whether recent releases should be considered.
Despite these discussions, we have compiled a list of the most popular and contested game franchises that have been around for more than 30 years. Let's take a closer look:
The Longest-Running Game Franchises
1. Wasteland: Wasteland, released in 1988, is undoubtedly one of the longest-running franchises. Its direct sequel, Wasteland 2, further solidifies its place in gaming history.
2. Doom: While the first Doom game was officially released in 1993, there was an earlier shareware version in 1991. This iconic franchise is often regarded as the pioneer of first-person shooters.
3. Star Wars: With dozens of games and spin-offs dating back to the '80s, the Star Wars franchise has left its mark on the gaming industry. From light gun games to flight simulators and platformers, it continues to captivate fans.
4. Final Fantasy: Since its inception in 1987, Final Fantasy has become one of the most beloved JRPG franchises worldwide. While its status as the longest-running franchise is debated, it remains a strong contender.
5. Space Invaders: First hitting arcades in 1978, Space Invaders is a true classic. Despite a few revivals, the franchise still boasts an active game with regular updates.
6. Elite: Often overlooked, the original Elite predates Final Fantasy by a couple of years. While the later games in the series have had their ups and downs, Frontier Elite 2 and 3 are considered classics.
7. Leisure Suit Larry: This series, which began in 1987, features a few games that predate Final Fantasy. The franchise continues to thrive, with Leisure Suit Larry 8 being a modern-day remake of the original Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of the Lounge Lizards.
8. Wasteland 2: The Kickstarter campaign for Wasteland 2 concluded in December 2012, and the game was released for PC in 2014.
