In the video game industry, longevity alone isn’t enough. Some series keep going out of habit, while others—despite spanning decades and multiple hardware generations—continue to win over both critics and players. The difference lies in their ability to evolve without losing identity: technologies change, audiences shift, and design trends come and go, yet a few names remain synonymous with quality.
Below is a look at some of the longest-running franchises (in terms of years active and cultural impact) that still receive strong critical and audience reception, and that keep releasing entries or reinterpretations capable of speaking to the present.
Nintendo: When tradition fuels innovation
Super Mario is one of the clearest examples. Debuting in the 1980s, it has successfully navigated both 2D and 3D eras, constantly experimenting while preserving clarity and rhythm. A recent proof of its staying power is Super Mario Bros. Wonder, widely praised by critics and players alike for its creativity and polish.
The Legend of Zelda is another pillar. Its longevity is matched by its willingness to reinvent itself. Tears of the Kingdom demonstrated how a historic franchise can still set industry standards through systemic design, player freedom, and a strong sense of discovery. When a series this old continues to shape design conversations, it’s not nostalgia—it’s leadership.
Square Enix: Final Fantasy and the art of reinvention
Final Fantasy has endured precisely because it refuses to stand still. Each mainline entry (and many spin-offs) reinterprets what a JRPG can be. A recent standout is Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, praised for balancing cinematic ambition with engaging combat systems and meaningful storytelling.
What makes the series remarkable isn’t just review scores—it’s its ability to remain culturally relevant. Few franchises can overhaul mechanics, tone, and structure so dramatically while still feeling unmistakably themselves.
Capcom: Survival horror and fighting games that age well
Resident Evil, born in the 1990s, has shifted between pure horror and action-oriented gameplay, but in recent years it has found a highly effective balance through new entries and carefully crafted remakes. The remake of Resident Evil 4 stands out because it doesn’t simply polish the past—it thoughtfully rebuilds it for modern audiences.
Capcom is also home to Street Fighter, another legacy franchise that proves long-running series can innovate without alienating veterans. Street Fighter 6 was celebrated for its accessibility, depth, and content breadth, becoming a benchmark for modern fighting games.
Then there’s Monster Hunter, not the oldest franchise on this list but certainly a modern long-runner. Its strength lies in a gameplay loop that supports long-term engagement through community interaction, evolving strategies, and regular updates. Even when debates arise around balancing or technical aspects, the core formula remains compelling.
Bandai Namco: Tekken and the power of consistency
Tekken offers an interesting case study. Fighting games often risk becoming niche, but the series continues to strike a balance between spectacle and technical depth. Tekken 8 demonstrated that a legacy brand can still feel like a major event, delivering high production values and a clear design vision while adapting to modern expectations.
Longevity here comes from consistency: each instalment builds on a recognizable foundation while refining mechanics and presentation.
Strategy on PC: Civilization as a cultural marathon
Among PC-born franchises, Civilization stands out as one of the most enduring. Its secret is simple yet powerful: every instalment reimagines the “one more turn” compulsion with new systems and strategic layers while preserving the core fantasy of guiding a society through history.
The latest entries show how even a decades-old strategy series can spark fresh debate about design choices, proving that longevity often correlates with a franchise’s ability to function as a living platform rather than a static formula.
And what about browser and portal games?
When discussing alternatives to console and PC gaming, it’s worth acknowledging the ecosystem of browser-based and portal games. These experiences are typically designed for immediacy and short sessions, spanning genres from puzzles to light management titles and broader catalogues, in some cases including offerings like Megaways online slots or other regulated gambling-style games. Unlike traditional gaming, these titles often fall under a hybrid space where entertainment intersects with monetized mechanics—ranging from free-to-play entries supported by ads to real‑money online casino games that operate within strict licensing frameworks in many regions.
This wider category is shaped by different expectations and motivations. For example, online gambling products focus on fast feedback loops, chance-driven outcomes, and highly accessible session structures, while more casual browser games aim for simple onboarding, minimal friction, and instant playability. As a result, it’s more accurate to view this space not as a direct comparison to “core” gaming, but as a parallel landscape—one defined by accessibility, session length, regulatory context, and distinct user intents, whether that’s quick entertainment, relaxation, or, in the case of online slots and similar products, participation in tightly governed gambling experiences.
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