Since its inception to the world in October 1958, video games have produced countless iconic characters that became global household names. It is crazy to think that despite the gaming world keeping producing its goods, many gaming personalities have survived wave after wave of challenges and eliminations to continue to stay relevant and timeless among people who are both familiar or distant to video games. These popular permanent characters include:
Pac-Man (Pac-Man)
One of the OGs in the gaming industry must have been Pac-Man. First released back in 1980s, the Japanese-developed, -published and -owned video game is a maze chase game that is loved by generations of people regardless of their age. As one of the longest-running, best-selling, and highest-grossing in the history of video games, Pac-Man always comes to everyone’s mind when they are talking about a solid presence in arcade games. Pac-Man also represents the culture that was surrounding the gaming world as a whole in the 1980s.
Mario (Super Mario)
This list can never be completed without the likes of Mario in Super Mario by Nintendo. Not surprising to many, Super Mario is actually the second most profitable gaming franchise ever, with an estimated revenue of $30,250,000,000. This huge sum of money showed the support Super Mario has received over the years and only trails Pokemon in terms of monetary gains. The presence of Mario not only symbolises the franchise, but also Nintendo itself. Gamers definitely appreciate the gaming provider’s decision to never holistically change the legendary Mario’s appearance in any of its games.
Pikachu (Pokemon)
Needless to say, Ash’s loyal battle buddy and best friend belongs here. Known for its static abilities, Pikachu is the longest-serving mascot in the Pokemon franchise, and not even the new duo of Liko and Roy in the latest series can ever stand a chance of surpassing the formidable partnership formed between Ash and Pikachu. Moreover, Pokemon needs to thank Pikachu for the worldwide popularity achieved in its game, for it has helped the franchise to become the highest-grossing one among all video games in the industry.
Sonic the Hedgehog (Sonic the Hedgehog)
Sonic the Hedgehog may fare poorly against video game juggernauts like the ones we mentioned earlier, or 21st in the all-time grossing ranking, to be exact, but no one can deny the Blue Blur has a special place in our hearts. The franchise came in an era where it was dominated by Super Mario and Pikachu, the 1990s, but the bright red shoes and distinguishing voice are ready to remain forever in everybody’s mind for sure.
Lara Croft (Tomb Raider)
The game came in the late 1990s as an awkward presence since action-adventure games were not a hit at that moment and the then technology did not allow Lara Croft to have the exclusive skins, outfits as well as designs she has today. However, with the advancement of technology, the single-player story rose from the crowd and represented a changing of eras in the gaming world. Being a remarkable sex symbol also established Lara Croft as an idol for women in the old and present day.
Crash Bandicoot (Crash Bandicoot)
It is no secret that The Last of Us franchise has renewed attention and traffic leads after its Netflix series took everyone by storm. The gaming goods, produced by Naughty Dog received a vast and new channel of players, who decided to try the game itself after they were mesmerised by the plot in the series. But The Last of Us is not the only gaming franchise Naughty Dog is famous with; Let us also not forget that Crash Bandicoot, is one of the developer’s earliest productions and the colourful and cartoon bandicoot is still within contention of elevating its status in the gaming industry, with the latest version in Crash Bandicoot: On the Run!
Michael, Franklin, and Trevor (Grand Theft Auto)
You think we would forget this trio, don’t you? Well, it is hard to name a favourite among the three of them, so we ended up having all in this list. The three protagonists are the very reason why GTA is amongst the most-talked about games and the best selling one in the United Kingdom till date. Their story, background, personality keep players entertained during the gameplay, not to mention the trio also shares the same hilarity to ensure there is not a dull moment while spending time playing GTA.
There you have it folks! It is tough to pick only seven iconic characters in the huge gaming world, which is why we want your version of iconic gaming personalities down in the comment section. Feel free to fire away!