Wednesday, June 1, 2011

What Makes a Video Game Successful?

This week's GBE2 topic is success. So I kept going over it, trying link video games and success. What kept coming up is the Legend of Zelda. (Yes, I am obsessed) Without a doubt, it's one of the most successful video game series ever. And it's still going strong with the 3DS remake of Ocarina of Time and the new Wii game, Skyward Sword, releasing soon.

What makes this series so successful? First, it's been 25 years since LoZ was released in Japan. In fact, right now, I'm wearing a shirt that says "Legend of Zelda Land of Hyrule 1986"

Second, the original game was full of innovation. From being non-linear to having its own battery in the cartridge for saving, LoZ did lots of things first. 

In 2009, Gameinformer magazine listed the original LoZ as the greatest game ever. Seven other LoZ titles also made it into the top 200 games of all time. More recently, the series won big in the voting for which games would make it into the Smithsonian's Art of Video Games Exhibit, happening next year.

The series has won countless awards in its history and it truly deserves them all.  Few other gaming series can boast this type of success. I am so proud to have been with the series since the beginning.

12 comments:

  1. You know, I played Zelda games, way back in the day, and.... they were ok. I've never understood the fuss. I've tried them all over the years, and none of them really grabbed me. I guess I must be missing something. Give me Final Fantasy, Lost Odyssey, Blue Dragon or Toejam and Earl any day over Zelda ;) But each to their own! My kids all love the Zelda games *shrug*

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  2. I'll have to take your word for it when it comes to The Legend of Zelda. I'm lucky to play any games,ever and I've never been extremely good at those games anyway...

    Sounds fun though!

    Cheers, Jenn

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  3. I loved the Legend of Zelda! The series is definitely the best of all time. I have played and conquered several of them. I have also been playing the series since the beginning, and have to admit I am still hooked!! Great blog about success!!

    Kathy
    http://www.thetruckerswife.com/

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  4. I was absolutely Zelda-obsessed in the 80's and often gave up much needed sleep in favor of playing it. :O)

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  5. Would you be interested in blogging on my site:

    www.slyparadox.org let me know

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  6. wow..so not in this land ever..BUT someone shared with me ANGRY BIRDS..i LOVE the smashing glass and timber noises and gosh..LOVED IT..tackled it and championed myself WOOT WOOT..and now reading this tempted to peak into your world : )

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  7. Congrats on your video game success. How about a game where someone has to successfully walk a path in heels? ;)

    Thanks for stopping by.

    Joyce
    http://joycelansky.blogspot.com/2011/05/acrostic-success_31.html

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  8. I am not into video games, my sons do. But my sister is a real fan of Zelda, and probably she can have an interesting conversation with you :)

    Great blog!

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  9. You continue to find a way to work the word (or letter) into this niche blog. Great going!

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  10. I admire your dedication and research to something you're passionate about. Great job!

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