The State of Gaming in 2019
The year 2019 marked the end of a monumental decade for the video game industry. Major shifts were afoot with the dominance of free-to-play titles, the explosive growth of mobile gaming, and new consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S right around the corner.
Video game revenue hit $120.1 billion globally in 2019, a 4% increase over the previous year. Mobile gaming continued its meteoric rise, raking in $64.4 billion to cement its position as the driving force of industry growth. Console gaming brought in a very healthy $15.4 billion. Overall the industry was thriving thanks to gripped by battle royale fever from hits like Fortnite and Apex Legends.
Against this backdrop, 2019 saw the release of countless incredible games across platforms. While critical darlings like Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Outer Wilds took home the most Game of the Year awards, this list focuses on the top 10 games from 2019 that still have players hooked years later thanks to theirreplay value.
#10: Super Mario Maker 2
Image Attribution: BenSpark under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0
Super Mario Maker 2 built upon its predecessor by giving players the tools to create challenging, absurd, and downright diabolical Mario levels. Between the visual styles and mechanics from throughout Mario history to toy with, this creation platform retains the engaging freedom that makes user-generated content endlessly replayable years later.
Key Info:
- Publisher: Nintendo
- Platforms: Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Nintendo
- Genre: Platform level editor
- Release date: June 28, 2019
#9: Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Image Attribution: Stefans02 under CC BY 2.0
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order delivered the immersive lightsaber and Force combat experience fans had long awaited. Between challenging boss battles and an expansive world brimming with secrets, this action-packed adventure continues to draw players back to a galaxy far, far away.
Key Info:
- Publisher: Electronic Arts
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Developer: Respawn Entertainment
- Genre: Action-adventure
- Release date: November 15, 2019
#8 Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled
Image Attribution: The Cover Project under fair use
While no Mario Kart, Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled nonetheless captures kart racing lightning in a bottle. As a remaster stuffed with content from Crash Bandicoot classics, this adrenaline-fueled ride provides endless multiplayer thrills years after its 2019 release.
Key Info:
- Publisher: Activision
- Platforms: Switch, PS4, Xbox One
- Developer: Beenox
- Genre: Kart racing
- Release date: June 21, 2019
#7 Borderlands 3
Image Attribution: PseudoGil under CC BY 2.0
Borderlands 3 cranks up the mayhem with loot-shooting mechanics polished to a crazy sheen. Exploring this off-the-wall sci-fi world solo or with friends uncovers wild characters and stories that keep players coming back.
Key Info:
- Publisher: 2K
- Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Developer: Gearbox Software
- Genre: Looter shooter RPG
- Release date: September 13, 2019
#6 The Outer Worlds
The Outer Worlds tantalizes players with its darkly satirical spacefaring setting. The branching narratives and combat options encourage revisiting this sci-fi realm to further explore player agency in directing the story’s outcome.
Key Info:
- Publisher: Private Division
- Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One, Switch
- Developer: Obsidian Entertainment
- Genre: Action RPG
- Release date: October 25, 2019
#5 Death Stranding
Image Attribution: Stefans02 under CC BY 2.0
As Hideo Kojima‘s first independent project, Death Stranding realized his signature weirdness through engrossing gameplay and multimedia storytelling. The mystery woven into its fabric compels repeat visits to unlock narrative secrets.
Key Info:
- Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Platforms: PS4, PS5, PC
- Developer: Kojima Productions
- Genre: Action
- Release date: November 8, 2019
#4 Mortal Kombat 11
Image Attribution: LoveToys II under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Mortal Kombat 11 doubles down on the series‘ famously visceral combat and outrageous finishing moves. Hiding behind its gore, however, lies plenty of gameplay depth that begs players to master its intricacies against human opponents.
Key Info:
- Publisher: Warner Bros. Interactive
- Platforms: PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
- Developer: NetherRealm Studios
- Genre: Fighting
- Release date: April 23, 2019
#3 Kingdom Hearts III
Image Attribution: The Cover Project under fair use
Over a decade in the making, Kingdom Hearts III delivered a heartwarming and epic climax to the Xehanort saga. Despite polarizing reactions to its convoluted story, few can resist returning to experience more Disney x Final Fantasy whimsy.
Key Info:
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC
- Developer: Square Enix
- Genre: Action RPG
- Release date: January 29, 2019
#2 Pokémon Sword & Shield
Image Attribution: MobyGames under fair use
Pokémon Sword & Shield realized the Pokémon fantasy on Nintendo Switch through stunning visuals and streamlined mechanics. These entries drive the classic monster collector gameplay loop of catching ever more Pokémon.
Key Info:
- Publisher: Nintendo, The Pokémon Company
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Game Freak
- Genre: RPG
- Release date: November 15, 2019
#1 Apex Legends
Image Attribution: Marco Verch under CC BY 2.0
Apex Legends stands tall as battle royale royalty three years after launch. Fluid gameplay and diverse Legend abilities intertwine with ping communication systems and respawns to deliver outstanding squad-based action. New content updates and battle passes ensure countless hours more entertainment.
Key Info:
- Publisher: Electronic Arts
- Platforms: PC, Mobile, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch
- Developer: Respawn Entertainment
- Genre: Battle royale
- Release date: February 4, 2019
While 2019 hosted no shortage of phenomenal video games, these 10 titles led the charge with enduring replay value years later. Their vibrant gameplay and communities keep players engaged across genres from platformers to shooters and RPGs to battle royales. Revisit these hits and relive the best gaming had to offer at the end of an unforgettable decade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the highest grossing games of 2019?
Fortnite dominated with $3.7 billion revenue. PUBG: Battlegrounds took second at $1.78 billion, followed by Dungeon Fighter Online with $1.6 billion. All three are free-to-play titles.
What were the highest rated games of 2019?
The four top-rated with a score of 93/100 were Divinity: Original Sin II on console, Red Dead Redemption 2 on PC, Beat Saber, and Resident Evil 2.
What won Game of the Year in 2019?
Major picks were Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice at The Game Awards and Untitled Goose Game at the D.I.C.E. Awards and Game Developers Choice Awards. Outer Wilds also got lots of love.
Did any new consoles come out in 2019?
Yes, we saw the Xbox One S digital edition, Oculus Rift S & Quest VR headsets, Valve Index VR headset, and Nintendo Switch Lite handheld.
How much money was spent on video games in 2019?
The video game industry raked in over $120 billion globally during 2019, representing 4% YoY growth.
