2017 Nintendo Hit Voted the Best Video Game of All Time by Game Developers and Directors

May 3, 2026 - 03:15

A panel of game developers and directors has voted a landmark 2017 Nintendo title as the best video game of all time, praising its groundbreaking design and enduring influence on the industry. The game, which redefined open-world exploration, was selected from a list of hundreds of contenders in a recent poll conducted among industry professionals.

The winning title was lauded for its innovative approach to player freedom and environmental storytelling. Developers highlighted how the game broke away from traditional conventions, allowing players to solve challenges in countless ways without being forced down a linear path. Its seamless integration of physics, chemistry, and weather systems into gameplay was cited as a major achievement that inspired a generation of designers.

Directors noted that the game's visual style, which blends cel-shaded art with a vast, living world, has aged gracefully and continues to influence modern titles. The soundtrack, composed with subtle piano melodies and ambient sounds, was also praised for enhancing the sense of discovery and solitude.

While the exact voting results were not disclosed, the consensus among the panel was clear: this Nintendo release set a new standard for what a video game can achieve. Its ability to appeal to both casual players and hardcore enthusiasts, along with its emphasis on curiosity and experimentation, secured its place at the top of the list. The game remains a benchmark for creativity and technical polish, proving that even years after its launch, its magic has not faded.