It hasn’t quite been the year we all hoped it would be, however, there are silver linings to be found. As most people spent more time at home than usual, many subsequently found time to explore new hobbies.
The gaming industry was one of the biggest winners to emerge from the pandemic, with people turning to their computers or gaming consoles to pass the time.
A number of new releases also helped push the industry to new heights, from anticipated titles such as Animal Crossing and Doom Eternal to the overnight success of Among Us and Fall Guys.
Here’s a look at the some of the best video games of 2020.
'Animal Crossing: New Horizons'
Released right at the start of the pandemic, this game proved an ideal distraction for those looking for a stress-free way of dealing with a stressful time.
In New Horizons, the cutesy villagers of Animal Crossing find themselves on a deserted island in this brand-new tale. For those unfamiliar with the series, players assume control of a character, which you can customise to your liking. You then perform tasks, meet new people and buy bigger and better homes. It's basically real life, except you're now an anthropomorphic animal.
There are a bunch of new features, as well. The in-game weather, for example, mirrors that of where you are in the world. And the ability to play with up to eight people simultaneously is enough to make you never want to leave the second life you live online.
'The Last of Us: Part II'
The Last of Us: Part II recently took home Game of the Year at The Game Awards. The highly anticipated sequel to 2013's The Last of Us puts the first game's protagonist, Joel, in the passenger seat as gamers play as young Ellie.
As a disease outbreak continues to pick off humanity one by one, the factions that have sprung up have become more brutal and desperate. Although once innocent, Ellie is fuelled by hate and is out for vengeance.
That intense feeling of having to fashion improvised weapons to overcome the odds is ramped up in this gripping survival-horror.
'Ghost of Tsushima'
Loosely based on the historic first Mongol invasion of Japan, this open-world exploration is all about the last samurai on the island of Tsushima.
It also promises to turn every encounter into an epic cinematic battle. Think sword fights under moonlight or going blade-to-blade with your enemy amongst the swirling grass.
Ghost of Tsushima also has a focus on stealth. So, instead of windmilling your sword into action at every opportunity, you can use the element of surprise to get the jump on your foes.
'Doom Eternal'
The Doom series returned with its latest release, Doom Eternal. Players once again take on the role of Doomguy, and through a first-person perspective must battle demonic creatures who have overtaken Earth, wiping out 60 per cent of the planet's population. The game is more gory and violent than Halo and it's a bit more hectic in its gameplay. However, for those who don't mind a change of pace, it's a good one to try while waiting for the next Halo instalment.
'Fall Guys'
This lighthearted battle royale game tasks players with competing against each other in rounds of obstacle-course-like puzzles. They range in difficulty and more players get eliminated each round until there's only one winner left. Fall Guys takes inspiration from game shows such as Takeshi's Castle and Wipeout, in which players need to use their skills such as jumping, grabbing, climbing and diving to win. Co-ordination and timing also play a pivotal role.
'Among Us'
Technically this game was released in 2018 but it didn't hit its stride until 2020, when the entire world seemed to discover it. Each game in Among Us can host between four to 10 players (the more, the better) and there are three different game maps to choose from, all of which are set in space.
Each player is a crewmate on the spaceship, but two are imposters whose main goal is to kill everyone else before being discovered. The crew can win the game if they finish their tasks or if they figure out who the imposters are and kick them off. The imposters can win if they kill everyone on board or get other players to vote off everyone else.
