The Biggest Franchises in Gaming

Welcome to the world of the biggest franchises in gaming! These are the games that have stood the test of time and continue to capture the hearts and minds of players young and old. Let's take a look at some of the most iconic franchises in gaming history.

• The Legend of Zelda - Created by Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka, the first game in this series was released in 1986 for the Nintendo Entertainment System. The most iconic game in the series is Ocarina of Time, which was released in 1998 for the Nintendo 64.
• Final Fantasy - Created by Hironobu Sakaguchi, the first game in this series was released in 1987 for the Nintendo Entertainment System. The most iconic game in the series is Final Fantasy VII, which was released in 1997 for the PlayStation.
• Pokémon - Created by Satoshi Tajiri, the first game in this series was released in 1996 for the Game Boy. The most iconic game in the series is HeartGold/SoulSilver, which was released in 2009 for the Nintendo DS.
• Mario - Created by Shigeru Miyamoto, the first game in this series was released in 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System. The most iconic game in the series is Super Mario 64, which was released in 1996 for the Nintendo 64.
• Pokemon - Created by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori in 1996, Pokemon is a role-playing game series that has players catching, training, and battling fictional creatures called "Pokemon". The iconic game in the series is HeartGold/SoulSilver, which was released for the Nintendo DS in 2009.
• Mega Man - Created by Keiji Inafune in 1987, Mega Man is a platformer game series that follows the adventures of a blue robot named Mega Man who battles against evil robots. The series is known for its challenging gameplay and iconic boss battles. The most popular game in the series is Mega Man 2, which was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1988.
• Resident Evil - Created by Shinji Mikami in 1996, Resident Evil is a survival horror game series that has players battling against zombies and other monsters in order to survive. The series is known for its tense atmosphere and puzzle-solving gameplay. The most popular game in the series is Resident Evil 4, which was released for multiple platforms in 2005.
• Street Fighter - Created by Takashi Nishiyama and Hiroshi Matsumoto in 1987, Street Fighter is a fighting game series that has players battling against each other using various martial arts techniques. The series is known for its iconic characters, fast-paced gameplay, and intricate combo systems. The most popular game in the series is Street Fighter II, which was released for the arcade in 1991.
• Castlevania - Created by Hitoshi Akamatsu and Koji Igarashi in 1986, Castlevania is a platformer game series that has players exploring Dracula's castle and battling against supernatural creatures. The series is known for its gothic atmosphere, challenging gameplay, and memorable music. The most popular game in the series is Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, which was released for the PlayStation in 1997.
• Metroid - Created by Gunpei Yokoi and Yoshio Sakamoto in 1986, Metroid is a platformer game series that has players exploring alien planets and battling against hostile creatures. The series is known for its exploration-based gameplay, nonlinear levels, and iconic protagonist, Samus Aran. The most popular game in the series is Super Metroid, which was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1994.
• Dragon Quest - Created by Yuji Horii in 1986, Dragon Quest is a role-playing game series that has players embarking on epic quests, battling monsters, and saving the world. The series is known for its charming characters, traditional turn-based combat system, and gorgeous visuals. The most popular game in the series is Dragon Quest VIII: Journey of the Cursed King, which was released for the PlayStation 2 in 2004.
• Metal Gear - Created by Hideo Kojima, Metal Gear is a stealth-action franchise that debuted in 1987. The most iconic game in the series is Metal Gear Solid, which was released for the PlayStation in 1998. The first game in the series, simply titled Metal Gear, was released for the MSX2 in 1987.
• Contra - Developed and published by Konami, Contra is a run-and-gun action franchise that first appeared in arcades in 1987. The most iconic game in the series is Contra III: The Alien Wars, which was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1992. The first game in the series, simply titled Contra, was also released in 1987.
• Fire Emblem - Developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo, Fire Emblem is a tactical role-playing game series that began in 1990. The most iconic game in the series is Fire Emblem: Awakening, which was released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2012. The first game in the series, Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light, was released for the Famicom in 1990.
• Syphon Filter - Developed by SCE Bend Studio (formerly Eidetic) and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, Syphon Filter is a third-person shooter series that debuted in 1999. The most iconic game in the series is Syphon Filter 2, which was released for the PlayStation in 2000. The first game in the series, simply titled Syphon Filter, was released in 1999.
• Tetris - Created by Alexey Pajitnov and originally published by the Soviet government, Tetris is a tile-matching puzzle game that was first released in 1984. The most iconic version of the game is the Game Boy version, which was released in 1989. The first commercial version of the game was released by Nintendo for the Game Boy in 1989.

These franchises have not only produced some of the most beloved games of all time, but have also had a significant impact on the gaming industry as a whole. Whether you're a long-time fan or just discovering these franchises for the first time, there's no denying the influence they've had on the world of gaming.