In the latest iteration of the PC Gamer Top 100, the selection process, while not purely scientific, employs a blend of analytical rigor and editorial passion. With the assistance of an Excel wizard, votes from over 30 editors and contributors are transformed into what can be termed as Objectively Correct Opinions™. This meticulous process evaluates games based on Quality, Importance, Hotness, and Playability, culminating in a curated list that reflects the preferences of PC gamers across the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia.
1. Despite everything, PC gaming has flourished in the 2020s
Amid the chaos of the pandemic, the decline of E3, and various industry upheavals, the PC gaming landscape has thrived. Notable titles like Elden Ring have emerged, showcasing the resilience and creativity of developers during these tumultuous times. The past four years have gifted gamers with some of the most beloved titles, reaffirming the vitality of the medium.
2. Sorry, ’90s kids: Our time is over
This year, only three games from the ’90s made the cut: Doom, Thief: The Dark Project, and Planescape: Torment. If we include the System Shock remake, that number rises to four. As someone approaching 40, there’s a bittersweet nostalgia for the decade that shaped my childhood. However, it’s a positive sign for the health of PC gaming that the list is not dominated by titles from three decades ago, reflecting the mainstream acceptance of the platform.
3. But wait, our favorite developers still hail from the ’90s
Despite the industry’s volatility, many developers from the ’90s continue to shape the gaming landscape. Valve leads the pack with five entries in the Top 100, including classics like Half-Life 2 and Portal. Other notable developers with multiple games on the list include:
- Capcom (1979): Resident Evil 4 Remake, Monster Hunter: World
- FromSoftware (1986): Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Elden Ring, Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon
- Firaxis (1996): Civilization 5, XCOM 2
- Blizzard (1991): StarCraft 2, World of Warcraft, Diablo 2
- Id Software (1991): Doom, Doom: Eternal
- CD Projekt (1994): The Witcher 3, Cyberpunk 2077
- Remedy (1995): Alan Wake 2, Control, Max Payne
- BioWare (1995): Mass Effect Legendary Edition, Dragon Age: Origins
- Larian (1996): Divinity: Original Sin 2, Baldur’s Gate 3
- Rockstar (1998): Grand Theft Auto 5, Red Dead Redemption 2
- Bethesda Game Studios (spun-off in 2001): TES 3: Morrowind, TES 5: Skyrim
- Obsidian (2003): Fallout: New Vegas, Knights of the Old Republic 2, Pentiment
This impressive roster accounts for a third of the list, demonstrating the enduring influence of these developers.
4. PC gaming is heavily siloed
While esports titles dominate viewership and playtime, only Counter-Strike 2 appears on the list at #35, with League of Legends and Dota 2 absent entirely. This discrepancy may stem from a category mismatch; preferences for narrative-driven experiences like Baldur’s Gate 3 differ significantly from competitive titles. The diversity within PC gaming is vast, leading to varied interests that often do not overlap.
5. RPGs are king
The dominance of RPGs is clear, with the top three games all falling within this genre. Titles such as Baldur’s Gate 3, Disco Elysium, and Elden Ring exemplify the depth and complexity that define modern RPGs. The list also features Persona 5 Royal and The Witcher 3, indicating a strong preference for immersive storytelling and character development.
6. We think the CRPG renaissance is just beginning
As we analyze the Top 100, it becomes evident that the CRPG renaissance is poised for further growth. When reordered by Importance alone, both Baldur’s Gate 3 and Disco Elysium rank highly, suggesting a lasting impact on the genre. The next decade may see a continued evolution influenced by these foundational titles, unless the gaming landscape shifts dramatically.
7. Collections are a loophole
Notably, game collections like Mass Effect Legendary Edition and Halo: The Master Chief Collection have made their way onto the list, raising questions about the criteria for inclusion. While these collections may not represent individual historical significance, they evoke nostalgia and recognition for their franchises. This phenomenon invites further discussion on how collections are perceived in the context of gaming history.
