When the final credits rolled on 2017, the gaming landscape felt different. It was a year where blockbuster ambition collided with intimate indie spirit, where long-awaited sequels delivered and surprise phenomena rewrote the rulebook. Defining the game of the year 2017 isn't just about chart performance; it is about identifying the title that resonated most deeply, that pushed boundaries, and that defined the cultural conversation surrounding interactive entertainment.
The Year of Resurgence and Revelation
2017 did not just offer great games; it offered a spectrum of them, from the meticulously crafted return of a legendary franchise to the raw, unfiltered creativity of a small studio. The conversation surrounding the year's best often centers on a few titans, each representing a different facet of the medium's power. Were we looking for narrative mastery, technical perfection, or the ability to capture the zeitgeist of the moment? The answer that emerged was multifaceted, reflecting a year where excellence was abundant and the definition of a masterpiece was tested like never before.
Contenders for the Crown
The discussion for the game of the year 2017 quickly narrows to a handful of transformative experiences. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild presented a vision of pure, unadulterated freedom, redefining open-world design with its systemic playground. PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds ignited a global phenomenon, turning a niche mode into a cultural obsession that reshaped the industry overnight. Meanwhile, Cuphead captivated with its hand-drawn, old-school aesthetic and punishing precision, while Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice delivered a harrowing, deeply personal journey into psychosis that few games have matched for emotional impact.
Why Breath of the Wild Defined an Era
While PUBG dominated viewership and Cuphead won numerous accolades, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild emerged as the most complete and influential title of the year. It was more than a game; it was a masterclass in game design. By removing tutorials, quest markers, and even a traditional map, it instilled a sense of curiosity and agency that is rare in the medium. The game of the year 2017 is frequently crowned Breath of the Wild because it didn't just set a new standard—it erased the rulebook entirely, influencing countless developers and redefining player expectations for exploration.
Its impact was immediate and widespread. The game’s physics-driven approach allowed for multiple solutions to any problem, encouraging experimentation in a way no other open world had before. A storm could bewept by climbing a mountain, seeking shelter under a tree, or simply equipping better armor. This systemic depth created emergent stories unique to every player, making the experience feel personal and unforgettable. The freedom it offered was not just geographic but mechanical, solidifying its status as the defining game of a pivotal year.
