2000s in video games

The '''2000s''' was the fourth decade in the industry's history. It was a decade that was primarily dominated by Sony, Nintendo, newcomer Microsoft, and their respective systems. Sega, being Nintendo's main rival in the 1980s and 1990s, left the console market in 2001 in favor of returning to third-party development, as they once were. Overall the decade saw the last of the low resolution three-dimensional polygons of the 1990s with the emergence of high definition games, and often focused on developing immersive and interactive environments, implementing realistic physics, and improving artificial intelligence.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nn.cs.utexas.edu/downloads/papers/gold.cig05.pdf|title=Academic AI and video games|year=2005|access-date =26 September 2007| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070824022123/http://nn.cs.utexas.edu/downloads/papers/gold.cig05.pdf| archive-date= 24 August 2007 | url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.valvesoftware.com/sourcelicense/default.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100214074504/http://www.valvesoftware.com/sourcelicense/default.htm |archive-date=February 14, 2010 |title=Source engine|date=n.d.|access-date =26 September 2007}}</ref> The sixth and seventh generation of video game consoles went on sale, including the PlayStation 2, Xbox, GameCube, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable. Notable games released in the 2000s included ''Grand Theft Auto III'', ''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'', ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas'', ''Halo: Combat Evolved'', ''Halo 2'', ''Wii Sports'', ''Half-Life 2'', ''The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion'', ''BioShock'', ''World of Warcraft'', ''The Sims'', ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'', ''Resident Evil 4'', ''The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker'', ''The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess'', ''Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty'', ''Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater'', ''Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare'', ''Portal'', ''Shadow of the Colossus'', ''Gears of War'', ''God of War'', ''Super Mario Galaxy'', ''Uncharted 2: Among Thieves'', and ''League of Legends''. ==Consoles of the 2000s==

===Sixth generation (1998–2006) === {{main|Sixth generation of video game consoles}} thumb|PlayStation 2 (2000) The sixth generation of video games officially began in 1998 with the introduction of the short-lived Dreamcast, which was discontinued in 2001. Sega announced that they would no longer produce video game consoles after two straight underperforming consoles and became a third-party developer. The PlayStation 2 was released in 2000 and became the best-selling video game console of all time. Microsoft entered the home console market with the Xbox. Although initially expected to struggle, it managed to reach second place in sales behind the PS2 on the strength of the launch title ''Halo: Combat Evolved''. The GameCube, launched in 2001 alongside the Xbox, fell into third place, a first for Nintendo.

The sixth generation improved on the 3D graphics of the fifth generation consoles. Some of the new features in the consoles included built-in DVD players and hard drives.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.xbreporter.com/xbox_system_specifications.php|title=The Xbox reporter|date=n.d.|access-date =31 January 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://playstation.about.com/od/hardwareandaccessories/a/NewPS2Details_2.htm|title=About.com – PS2 Specs|date=21 September 2004|access-date=31 January 2008|archive-date=8 March 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308060200/http://playstation.about.com/od/hardwareandaccessories/a/NewPS2Details_2.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> Internet play on consoles, pioneered by the Dreamcast, became commercially viable with the Xbox Live system, which was launched in November 2002, one year after the console's release. It featured a broadband connection and downloadable content and was a success.

===Seventh generation (2005–2012) === {{main|Seventh generation of video game consoles}} thumb|Nintendo Wii (2006) The seventh generation of consoles began with the release of the Xbox 360 in 2005. This was followed by the Wii and the PlayStation 3 in 2006. The seventh-generation featured widespread implementation of HD-ready graphics, media centers, and wireless game controllers, as well as online services for all consoles. The PS3 also has Blu-ray Disc compatibility. The Wii implemented an innovative game controller that features full motion sensitivity and is wielded like a remote, with limited button interaction. In response, the PS3 introduced tilt-sensitive functionality with its controllers. The Wii's motion sensitive controls and focus on family-friendly games, while alienating some hardcore gamers, helped the Wii to become the best-selling console of the seventh-generation. The high price of the PS3 had initially caused slow sales, but numerous price cuts and efforts to bring feature-parity between it and Xbox 360 were made in the years following. It was generally successful as the PlayStation 3 steadily increased in popularity, resulting in lifetime sales to be nearly equal to that of the Xbox 360.

Nintendo continued to dominate the handheld console market with the release of the dual-screen Nintendo DS in 2004. One of the screens is a touchscreen. The PlayStation Portable, released in 2005 by Sony, was the first serious competitor to Nintendo's handheld video game consoles and is by far the best-selling non-Nintendo handheld.

==History==

===An evolving industry=== Early on in the decade, the video games world was shaken up over two major stories that dominated the headlines: Sega was pulling out of the console war and that Microsoft was entering the market. Sega stated that the poor performance of the Sega Dreamcast and Sega Saturn lines contributed to their decision.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/1145936.stm | work=BBC News | title=Sega scraps the Dreamcast | date=31 January 2001}}</ref> The company returned to third party publishing for the remaining consoles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bitmob.com/articles/qaa-former-sega-president-on-dreamcasts-failure-pranks-against-sony-his-ouster|title=Former Sega president on Dreamcast's failure|access-date=2012-04-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120415134444/http://bitmob.com/articles/qaa-former-sega-president-on-dreamcasts-failure-pranks-against-sony-his-ouster|archive-date=2012-04-15|url-status=dead}}</ref> Microsoft officially debuted their Xbox console at the Game Developers Conference in 2000 after much speculation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/features/2000/03-10xbox.aspx|title=Xbox Brings "Future-Generation" Games to Life|website=Microsoft|access-date=2012-04-26|archive-date=2014-03-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140313001634/http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/features/2000/03-10xbox.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>

After the release of the Xbox and PlayStation 2, a noticeable trend was to push video game consoles into media centers and offer more features than just playing games. Nintendo was slow to react and released the GameCube in 2001 without many of the exotic features seen in other consoles.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/1278831|title=Xbox Vs. GameCube Vs. PlayStation 2Torture-testing all the video game consoles--in one room, at one time.|date=7 December 2004|access-date=26 April 2012|archive-date=4 August 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130804101308/http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gadgets/1278831|url-status=live}}</ref> Instead, Nintendo was focusing on improving the gameplay experience, as well as preparing its new innovative controller to be released in 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/127869/nintendo_wii.html%20?tk=rel_news|title=Nintendo Wii|access-date=2012-04-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120629210404/http://www.pcworld.com/article/127869/nintendo_wii.html%20?tk=rel_news|archive-date=2012-06-29|url-status=dead}}</ref> Backward compatibility also became a staple feature to gaming in this decade. The PlayStation 2 was the first major system to allow for backward compatibility to a preceding console.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/427056371.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+12%2C+2000&author=&pub=Toronto+Star&desc=Test+driving+the+PS2&pqatl=google | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130201115121/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/thestar/access/427056371.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+12,+2000&author=&pub=Toronto+Star&desc=Test+driving+the+PS2&pqatl=google | url-status=dead | archive-date=February 1, 2013 | title=Test driving the PS2 | date=12 October 2000 | work=Toronto Star}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://edition.cnn.com/2000/TECH/computing/10/26/ps2.main.story/ | work=CNN | title=PlayStation 2 makes its North American debut | date=26 October 2000}}</ref>

Copyright infringement became a big concern to game developers and many companies tried experimenting with ways to combat the growing problem, especially among PC games. Some companies required registration through the use of a product key.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pcsupport.about.com/b/2007/06/30/what-is-a-product-key.htm|title=What is a Product Key?|access-date=2012-04-26|archive-date=2012-08-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120801124120/http://pcsupport.about.com/b/2007/06/30/what-is-a-product-key.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> In one of the more notable events of the decade, Valve was hit particularly hard by a hacker and subsequently had much of their work on ''Half-Life 2'' leaked onto the internet.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.technewsworld.com/story/31783.html|title=Half Life 2 Source-Code Leak Delays Debut|date=7 October 2003|access-date=26 April 2012|archive-date=12 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061112045317/http://www.technewsworld.com/story/31783.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Sony and Microsoft released their PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles in the mid-decade. As the decade progressed, more and more features were added to consoles. Internet connectivity became ubiquitous and some games integrated the use of webcam accessories. In the mid-decade, the industry was caught in the crossfire of the HD DVD and Blu-ray format war. Ultimately, the Blu-ray format won out, but that didn't help Microsoft after they have already made HD DVD compatibility a feature.<ref>{{cite magazine| url=https://www.wired.com/underwire/2012/04/alt-text-gaming-consoles/ | magazine=Wired | first=Lore | last=Sjöberg | title=Alt Text: Gaming Consoles Will Soon Be for Nerds Only | date=2 April 2012}}</ref> Nintendo had still yet to release a system compatible for viewing films. Instead, Nintendo unveiled the Wii and revolutionized the industry with the interactive gameplay that its brand new controller provided.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/articles/which-console-to-buy/2007/11/21/1195321840790.html | work=The Age | title=Which console to buy? | date=10 December 2007 | location=Melbourne}}</ref> It would not be until the next decade that Sony or Microsoft would release a similar motion controller to the Wii as an accessory (''See: Kinect and PlayStation Move'').

===Graphic innovation=== The 1990s decade oversaw the transition from 2D-based video games to fully immersive three-dimensional environments and gameplay. The 2000s continued on this trend by polishing many of the flaws of creating a new dimension for games such as rigid polygon characters and animations. By the decades end, Microsoft and Sony had already been releasing games in high definition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/features/10-ways-xbox-360-changed|title=10 Ways Xbox 360 Changed Gaming|access-date=2012-04-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531035958/http://www.1up.com/features/10-ways-xbox-360-changed|archive-date=2013-05-31|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.giantbomb.com/news/dont-panic-ps3-hardware-will-still-play-hd-games-via-component/3479/|title=Don't Panic: PS3 Hardware Will Still Play HD Games Via Component|date=13 July 2011 }}</ref>

===Status of PC video games=== [[File:Xbox-Debug-Console-Set.jpg|thumb|An Xbox Debug Kit, intended for game developers on porting PC games to the Xbox.]] PC video games remained popular throughout the decade, but was in an overall decline as consoles became more and more popular. Publishers also liked the standardization that consoles provided, whereas PC game performance was dependent on the graphic capabilities of a player's hardware. Nevertheless, the PC remained the device of choice for many popular strategy, simulation, and online games.

Blizzard was a company in the spotlight on numerous occasions throughout the 2000s and loyal to the PC. In 2000, it released the hack and slash game ''Diablo II'' which is frequently listed as one of the best games ever made.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://seekingalpha.com/article/440511-the-time-is-right-for-activision-blizzard-calls-and-gamestop-shares|title=The Time Is Right For Activision Blizzard Calls And Gamestop Shares}}</ref> The game continues to have a wide following many years after its release and was listed on NPD Group's top ten PC games sales list as recently as 2010.<ref name="vg247_diablo2npd">{{cite web |author=Stephany Nunneley |url=http://www.vg247.com/2010/08/05/activision-blizzard-q2-financials-net-revenue-comes-in-at-967-million/ |title=Blog Archive » Activision Blizzard Q2 financials: Net revenue comes in at $967 million |website=VG247 |date=2010-08-05 |access-date=2010-09-15 |archive-date=2010-10-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101004040715/http://www.vg247.com/2010/08/05/activision-blizzard-q2-financials-net-revenue-comes-in-at-967-million/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Then in 2004, Blizzard wowed gamers with the release of ''World of Warcraft'', which was the world's most-subscribed MMORPG at the time with over 10 million subscribers.

''The Sims'', a spin-off project of the popular ''Sim City'' franchise, also became a popular game of the era. Combining all of its sequels and expansions, ''The Sims'' easily becomes one of the best-selling PC game in history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/the-sims-overtakes-myst-2857556|title=The Sims overtakes Myst|access-date=2012-04-26|archive-date=2012-04-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401185642/http://www.gamespot.com/news/the-sims-overtakes-myst-2857556|url-status=live}}</ref> ''The Sims'' also had an important role in bringing female and casual gamers into the often male-dominated and hardcore video game market.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2010/feb/11/games2 | work=The Guardian | first=Greg | last=Howson | title=10 years on and The Sims is still going strong | date=15 February 2010 | location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/ea-sims-3-best-selling-pc-game-worldwide-in-2009-161323.phtml|title=EA: Sims 3 best-selling PC game worldwide in 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.nydailynews.com/2008-04-16/entertainment/17895368_1_expansion-packs-sims-label-division-of-electronic-arts |work=Daily News |title=Women really click with The Sims |date=16 April 2008 |location=New York |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110815081727/http://articles.nydailynews.com/2008-04-16/entertainment/17895368_1_expansion-packs-sims-label-division-of-electronic-arts |archive-date=August 15, 2011 }}</ref>

===Rhythm game fad=== [[File:Victoria Justice and Aria Wallace smilingpose.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Aria Wallace and Victoria Justice playing ''Guitar Hero'']] Rhythm games were primarily centered in the arcade with popular games such as ''Dance Dance Revolution'' and ''Beatmania''. Many of these franchises had been popular since the late-nineties, but it wasn't until ''Guitar Hero''{{'}}s release in 2005 that the genre really impacted on popular culture.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mancouch.com/727186220/is-the-guitar-herorock-band-craze-over/|title=Is The Guitar Hero/Rock Band Craze Over?|access-date=2012-04-26|archive-date=2011-07-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726064918/http://www.mancouch.com/727186220/is-the-guitar-herorock-band-craze-over/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Most games in this category will feature a set list of songs that a player can choose to perform. They also generally come with a unique controller, usually shaped like a musical instrument.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamestop.com/ps3/accessories/ps3-guitar-hero-controller-wireless-used/67480|title=PS3 Guitar Hero Controller Wireless - Used by GameStop|access-date=2012-04-26|archive-date=2012-04-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120422013037/http://www.gamestop.com/ps3/accessories/ps3-guitar-hero-controller-wireless-used/67480|url-status=dead}}</ref> The success of Guitar Hero lead to the creation of other similar game franchises such as ''Rock Band'' and ''DJ Hero''. These games have also been cited as inspiration for people seeking to actually play instruments, and leading to a revival of interest in classic rock nostalgia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/5103724/guitar-hero-inspiring-british-kids-to-take-up-real-music|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210050347/http://kotaku.com/5103724/guitar-hero-inspiring-british-kids-to-take-up-real-music|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 10, 2008|title=Guitar Hero Inspiring British Kids to Take Up Real Music|date=7 December 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.csmonitor.com/Innovation/Horizons/2008/0603/rock-revival-via-video-games|title=Rock revival, via video games|work=Christian Science Monitor }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/closed-frontier-487-v17n8/|title=Closed Frontier: Is Rock Over?|first=Sam|last=McPheeters|date=August 2010 }}</ref>

In retrospect, rhythm games appear to have been a fad.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vg247.com/2011/02/18/activision-abused-guitar-hero-theres-no-reason-why-it-cant-continue-says-summer/|title=Activision "abused" Guitar Hero, there's "no reason why" it can't continue, says Summer|date=18 February 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vg247.com/2011/02/15/analysts-guitar-hero-was-a-fad-activision-wont-approach-call-of-duty-that-way/|title=Guitar Hero was a "fad," Acti won't "strip-mine" CoD|date=15 February 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/article/937671--success-in-our-times-from-hero-to-zero | work=The Star |title=Success in our times: From Hero to zero | date=12 February 2011 | location=Toronto}}</ref> In late 2011, due to low sale figures, Activision closed its ''Guitar Hero'' division.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mashable.com/2011/02/09/guitar-hero-dead/|title=Guitar Hero Gone: What Went Wrong?|website=Mashable |date=10 February 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine| url=https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2011/02/guitar-hero-canceled/ | magazine=Wired | first=Chris | last=Kohler | title=Activision Bails Out of Guitar Hero, Cancels Games | date=9 February 2011}}</ref>

===Video games in Africa=== Since 2007, the fast growing mobile market in African countries such as Nigeria and Kenya has resulted in a growth in mobile game development. Local developers have taken advantage of the recent increase in mobile internet connection in countries where broadband is rarely available and console games are expensive, though locally developed applications have difficulty competing against millions of western applications available on the Google Play Store. This growth has continued through the 2010s as video games are becoming a more viable business on the continent.<ref name="Aljazeera">{{cite web|url=http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/12/28/nigeria-gaming.html|title=Video game culture takes hold across Nigeria|website=Aljazeera America|last=Vourlias|first=Christopher|date=2014-12-28|access-date=2015-08-18|archive-date=2016-10-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010082432/http://america.aljazeera.com/articles/2014/12/28/nigeria-gaming.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="The Guardian Africa">{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/sep/26/african-videogames-nigeria|work=The Guardian|title=African videogames level up|last=Mark|first=Monica|date=2013-09-26|access-date=2016-12-13|archive-date=2021-08-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827042803/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2013/sep/26/african-videogames-nigeria|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Polygon">{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/features/2013/7/3/4483276/kenya-games-industry|title=Big Game: The Birth of Kenya's Game Industry|website=Polygon |last=Moss|first=Richard|date=2013-07-03}}</ref>

===A decade of controversy=== {{main|Video game controversy}} As video games approached greater realism in their graphic capabilities, it was inevitable that controversy would result. The evidence was inconclusive, but debates continued throughout the decade about the level of profanity, violence, pornography, and whether or not video games had an addictive effect.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/aggression-and-games-link-inconclusive-oconnor-6284706|title=Aggression and games link "inconclusive": O'Connor}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine| url=https://techland.time.com/2012/02/28/good-news-oklahoma-violent-video-games-bill-tossed/ | magazine=Time | date=28 February 2012|title=Good News: Oklahoma 'Violent' Video Games Bill Tossed}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/278756/aussie-gov-violence-and-video-game-links-are-inconclusive/|title=Aussie gov: Violence and video game links are 'inconclusive'}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/id/24245196|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130209153627/http://www.nbcnews.com/id/24245196/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 9, 2013|title=What makes video games 'addictive'?|first=Kristin|last=Kalning|website=NBC News |date=22 April 2008 }} </ref> One game series in particular that was no stranger to controversy in the 2000s was ''Grand Theft Auto''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/id/43295087/Sex_and_Violence_The_10_Most_Controversial_Games?slide=2|title=Sex and Violence: The 10 Most Controversial Games|website=CNBC }}{{dead link|date=November 2024|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/digital/gaming/the-outlaw-history-of-grand-theft-auto-7795480|title=The Outlaw History of Grand Theft Auto|date=2 April 2012 }}</ref> In the 2004 ''San Andreas'' installment of the series, the game received widespread criticism revolving around the Hot Coffee mod, a normally disabled mini-game that could be enabled.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20090902/1836396087.shtml|title=Hot Coffee Finally History? Take-Two Pays $20 Million To Investors|first=Mike|last=Masnick|date=2 September 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/184246/the_geekiest_moments_in_video_game_history.html|title=The Geekiest Moments in Video Game History|first=Chris|last=Jager|access-date=2012-04-26|archive-date=2012-04-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419183807/http://www.pcworld.com/article/184246/the_geekiest_moments_in_video_game_history.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The drama and pressure forced the ESRB to re-rate the game as an AO (Adults Only) and to have it pulled from store shelves.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/grand-theft-auto-rerated-for-porn-scene-499699.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215172004/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/grand-theft-auto-rerated-for-porn-scene-499699.html | url-status=dead | archive-date=February 15, 2009 | work=The Independent | first=David | last=Usborne | date=22 July 2005|title='Grand Theft Auto' re-rated for porn scene | location=London}}</ref> The game was also criticized for being excessively violent.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/grand-theft-auto-under-fire/ | work=CBS News | title=Grand Theft Auto Under Fire}}</ref> Another game that struck a nerve with many analysts and the general public was a game released in 2005 entitled ''Super Columbine Massacre RPG!'' in which a player actually carries out the events of the 1999 Columbine high school shooting.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/issues/issue_86/484-Be-Men-Not-Destroyers|title=Be Men, Not Destroyers|first=Kieron|last= Gillen}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2006/jun/01/games.guardianweeklytechnologysection1 | work=The Guardian | first=Aleks | last=Krotoski | title=Aleks Krotoski: Should gamers get to grips with Columbine? | date=1 June 2006 | location=London}}</ref> The game and its creator, Danny Ledonne, was both praised for the bold statement on free speech and criticized for being distasteful.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/super-columbine-massacre-rpg-part-2-article|title=Super Columbine Massacre RPG - Part 2|website=Eurogamer |date=23 January 2007 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/gamesblog/2006/jun/01/comebacksandc | work=The Guardian | first=Greg | last=Howson | title=Comebacks and controversy | date=1 June 2006 | location=London}}</ref> It became the first finalist to ever be rejected at the 2007 Slamdance Film Festival's Guerrilla Games Competition. In protest of the rejection, many of the finalists withdrew from the competition and in the end no awards were handed out that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gamepolitics.com/2007/01/07/developer-pulls-out-of-festival-competition-in-protest-over-super-columbine-decision|title=Developer Pulls Out of Festival Competition in Protest over Super Columbine Decision|access-date=2012-04-26|archive-date=2012-02-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216230507/http://www.gamepolitics.com/2007/01/07/developer-pulls-out-of-festival-competition-in-protest-over-super-columbine-decision|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bogost.com/watercoolergames/archives/slamdance_game.shtml|title=Slamdance Game Competition Ends in Dissolution|first=Ian|last=Bogost}}</ref> The competition has not been held since the 2007 incident.

===Expanded influence=== [[File:Vgltoronto.jpg|thumb|250px|right|An orchestra performing a Video Games Live event]] As video games diversified and became an ever-present part of pop culture, its influence began integrating with other media. The film industry in particular took notice and capitalized on how they could integrate video games into their storytelling. The Wachowskis, known for their Matrix series of films, developed ''Enter the Matrix'' to tie together the events of ''The Matrix Reloaded'' and ''The Matrix Revolutions'' motion pictures.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.giantbomb.com/enter-the-matrix/61-7570/|title=Enter the Matrix}}</ref> Making films from video games is nothing new to Hollywood, but the transition from video game to film doesn't always succeed.<ref name="redbull.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.redbull.com/cs/Satellite/en_INT/Article/Game-feature-Best-and-worst-videogame-movies-021243152880070|title= Best & worst videogame movies|first=Glen|last=Ferris|website= Red Bull}}</ref> The 2000s however began to show promise in the profitability and success of making video game-based films. Opening in 2001, ''Lara Croft: Tomb Raider'' became the highest-grossing video game adaptation with over a US$274 million box office performance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.empireonline.com/promotions/game-to-film-adaptations/|title=Game-To-Film Adaptions: Fortunes And Flops}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/7037574/Lara-Croft-picks-up-six-Guinness-world-records.html | work=The Daily Telegraph | title=Lara Croft picks up six Guinness world records | date=21 January 2010 | location=London | archive-date=29 September 2015 | access-date=3 April 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929070446/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/video-games/7037574/Lara-Croft-picks-up-six-Guinness-world-records.html | url-status=live }}</ref> ''Tomb Raider'' held that title for nearly a decade.<ref name="redbull.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tgdaily.com/games-and-entertainment-brief/50385-prince-of-persia-becomes-highest-grossing-video-game-movie-ever|title=Prince of Persia: highest-grossing "video game movie" ever|first=Mike|last=Luttrell|access-date=2012-04-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100701083025/http://www.tgdaily.com/games-and-entertainment-brief/50385-prince-of-persia-becomes-highest-grossing-video-game-movie-ever|archive-date=2010-07-01|url-status=dead}}</ref> Other adaptations in the 2000s included the popular ''Resident Evil'' saga, ''Silent Hill'', ''Max Payne'', ''Hitman'', ''Alone in the Dark'', ''DOOM'', ''House of the Dead'', and ''Dungeon Siege''.

The 2000s was also the first decade that the medium has significantly affected classical music. Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall had a vision that a concert would be a way to show "how culturally significant video games and video game music is in the world today."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deseretnews.com/article/695265797/Symphony-help-breathe-life-into-video-games.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322011152/http://www.deseretnews.com/article/695265797/Symphony-help-breathe-life-into-video-games.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 22, 2012|title=Concert review: Symphony help breathe life into video games|website=Deseret News }}</ref> The first Video Games Live concert was held at the Hollywood Bowl on July 6, 2005, to an audience of 11,000 people.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/sectionfront/life/pso-presents-video-games-live-to-turn-on-new-generation-348458/ | work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette | title=PSO presents 'Video Games Live' to turn on new generation | date=7 July 2009}}</ref> Many of the events feature a live orchestra, synchronized lighting and effects, and gameplay projected onto a screen.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.videogameslive.com/index.php?s=info|title=What is Video Games Live?|access-date=2012-04-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224122623/http://videogameslive.com/index.php?s=info|archive-date=2015-02-24|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Notable video-game franchises established in the 2000s ==     {{columns-list|colwidth=15em|

* ''Ace Attorney'' (2001) * ''Akinator'' (2007) * ''Angry Birds'' (2009) {{sup|1}} * ''Animal Crossing'' (2001) * ''ARMA'' (2006) * ''Army of Two'' (2008) * ''Art Academy'' (2009) * ''Assassin's Creed'' (2007) * ''ATV Offroad Fury'' (2001) * ''Batman: Arkham'' (2009){{sup|1}} * ''Battlefield'' (2002) * ''Bayonetta'' (2009) * ''Bejeweled'' (2001) * ''Big Brain Academy'' (2005) * ''BioShock'' (2007) * ''Bit.Trip'' (2009) * ''Black & White'' (2001) * ''Bloons'' (2007) * ''Borderlands'' (2009) * ''Brothers in Arms'' (2005) * ''Burnout'' (2001) * ''Buzz!'' (2005) {{sup|2}} * ''Call of Duty'' (2003) * ''Call of Juarez'' (2006) * ''Chibi-Robo!'' (2005) * ''Cities XL'' (2009) * ''Club Penguin'' (2005) * ''Company of Heroes'' (2006) * ''Cooking Mama'' (2006) {{sup|2}} * ''Counter-Strike'' (2000){{sup|2}} * ''Crackdown'' (2007) * ''Crysis'' (2007) * ''De Blob'' (2008) {{sup|2}} * ''Dead Rising'' (2006) * ''Dead Space'' (2008) * ''Def Jam'' (2003) * ''Deus Ex'' (2000) * ''Devil May Cry'' (2001) * ''Divinity'' (2002) * ''Dinosaur King'' (2005) * ''Doodle Jump'' (2009) * ''Dragon Age'' (2009) * ''Drawn to Life'' (2007) * ''Dungeon Siege'' (2002) * ''Empire Earth'' (2001) * ''Etrian Odyssey'' (2007) * ''EyeToy'' (2003) * ''Fable'' (2004) * ''Family Guy'' (2006) {{sup|1}} * ''Far Cry'' (2004) * ''FarmVille'' (2009) * ''F.E.A.R.'' (2005) * ''FIFA Street'' (2005) {{sup|2}} * ''Fight Night'' (2004) * ''Football Manager'' (2005){{sup|2}} * ''Forza Motorsport'' (2005) * ''Gears of War'' (2006) * ''Geometry Wars'' (2003) * ''God of War'' (2005) * ''Gothic'' (2001) * ''Grid'' (2008) * ''Guild Wars'' (2005) * ''Guitar Hero'' (2005) * ''Halo'' (2001) * ''Hitman'' (2000) * ''Inazuma Eleven'' (2008) * ''Infamous'' (2009) * ''Imagine'' (2007) * ''Jak and Daxter'' (2001) * ''Jet Set Radio'' (2000) * ''Jubeat'' (2008) * ''Just Cause'' (2006) * ''Just Dance'' (2009) {{sup|2}} * ''Katamari Damacy'' (2004) * ''Killzone'' (2004) * ''Kingdom Hearts'' (2002) * ''League of Legends'' (2009) * ''Left 4 Dead'' (2008) * ''LittleBigPlanet'' (2008) * ''LocoRoco'' (2006) * ''Lord of the Rings'' (2002){{sup|1}} * ''Lost Planet'' (2006) * ''Luigi's Mansion'' (2001){{sup|2}} * ''Lumines'' (2004) * ''Mafia'' (2002) * ''Manhunt'' (2003) * ''Mario vs. Donkey Kong'' (2004){{sup|2}} * ''Mario & Luigi'' (2003){{sup|2}} * ''Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games'' (2007){{sup|2}} * ''Mass Effect'' (2007) * ''Max Payne'' (2001) * ''Messiah'' (2000) * ''Minecraft'' (2009) * ''Mirror's Edge'' (2008) * ''MLB: The Show'' (2006) * ''Monster Hunter'' (2004) * ''Moshi Monsters'' (2008) * ''MotorStorm'' (2006) * ''MVP Baseball'' (2003) * ''MX vs. ATV'' (2005) * ''Naruto'' (2003) {{sup|1}} * ''NBA Street'' (2001) {{sup|2}} * ''NFL Street'' (2004) {{sup|2}} * ''Nintendogs'' (2005) * ''Ōkami'' (2006) * ''Operation Flashpoint'' (2001) * ''Overlord'' (2007) * ''Paper Mario'' (2000){{sup|2}} * ''Peggle'' (2007) * ''Perfect Dark'' (2000) * ''Pikmin'' (2001) * ''Plants vs. Zombies'' (2009) * ''Poptropica'' (2007) * ''Portal'' (2007){{sup|2}} * ''Pro Yakyū Spirits'' (2004) {{sup|2}} * ''Professor Layton'' (2007) {{sup|2}} * ''Prototype'' (2009) * ''Psychonauts'' (2005) * ''Ratchet & Clank'' (2002) * ''Raving Rabbids'' (2006) {{sup|1}} {{sup|2}} * ''Red Dead'' (2004) * ''Red Faction'' (2001) * ''Resistance'' (2006) * ''Rhythm Tengoku'' (2006) {{sup|2}} * ''Rise of Nations'' (2003) * ''Risen'' (2009) * ''Roblox'' (2006) * ''Rock Band'' (2007) * ''RuneScape'' (2001) * ''Saints Row'' (2006) * ''Scene It? Lights, Camera, Action'' (2007) * ''Scribblenauts'' (2009) * ''Shantae'' (2002) * ''SingStar'' (2004) {{sup|2}} * ''Skate'' (2007) * ''Sly Cooper'' (2002) {{sup|2}} * ''SOCOM'' (2002) * ''Splosion Man'' (2009) * ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' (2001) * ''Spore'' (2008) * ''SSX'' (2000) * ''Star Wars: Battlefront'' (2004) * ''Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic'' (2003) {{sup|1}} {{sup|2}} * ''Super Brawl'' (2009) {{sup|2}} * ''Super Monkey Ball'' (2001) * ''Taiko no Tatsujin'' (2001) * ''Tak and the Power of Juju'' (2003) {{sup|1}} * ''The Political Machine'' (2004) * ''The Sims'' (2000){{sup|2}} * ''The Witcher'' (2007) * ''TimeSplitters'' (2000) * ''Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon'' (2001) * ''Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell'' (2002) * ''Tomodachi'' (2009) * ''Total War'' (2000) * ''Trails'' (2004){{sup|2}} * ''Trials'' (2000) * ''Tropico'' (2001) * ''Ty the Tasmanian Tiger'' (2002) * ''Uncharted'' (2007) {{sup|1}} * ''Viewtiful Joe'' (2003) * ''Viva Piñata'' (2006) * ''Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War'' (2004) * ''Wii'' (2006) * ''Wizard101'' (2008) * ''World of Warcraft'' (2004){{sup|2}} * ''WWF SmackDown!'' (2000) {{sup|2}} * ''Xenosaga'' (2002) * ''Yakuza'' (2005) }} '''Notes:''' * {{sup|1}}Game franchises that also accompany major film or television franchises. * {{sup|2}}Game franchises that are considered spin-offs of previously established franchises.

== Best-selling video games of the decade == The following table lists video games of the 2000s that have sold at least 10 million copies. Downloaded content may not be included into figures.

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable" style="margin:auto; margin:auto;" |+ Best-selling video games of the 2000s (as of January 2020) |- ! scope="col" | {{abbr|No.|Number}} ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | Units sold ! scope="col" | Initial release date ! scope="col" | Platform(s) ! scope="col" | Genre(s) ! scope="col" | Developer(s) ! scope="col" | Publisher(s) ! class="unsortable" | {{abbr|Ref|Reference}} |- ! align="center" | 1 | ''Wii Sports'' | 82.88 million | {{dts|2006|11|19}} | rowspan="4" | Wii | Sports | Nintendo EAD (Group 2) | Nintendo | align="center"|<ref name="NintendoWii">{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/wii.html |title=Sales Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units - Wii Software |website=Nintendo |date=September 30, 2019 |access-date=October 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171219181140/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/wii.html |archive-date=December 19, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref> |- ! align="center" | 2 | ''Wii Fit'' and ''Wii Fit Plus'' | 43.80 million | {{dts|2007|12|01}} | Exergaming | Nintendo EAD (Group 5) | Nintendo | align="center"|<ref name="NintendoWii" /> |- ! align="center" | 3 | ''Mario Kart Wii'' | 37.24 million | {{dts|2008|04|10}} | Kart racing | Nintendo EAD (Group 1) | Nintendo | align="center"|<ref name="NintendoWii" /> |- ! align="center" | 4 | ''Wii Sports Resort'' | 33.11 million | {{dts|2009|06|25}} | Sports | Nintendo EAD (Group 2) | Nintendo | align="center"|<ref name="NintendoWii" /> |- ! align="center" | 5 | ''New Super Mario Bros.'' | 30.80 million | {{dts|2006|05|15}} | Nintendo DS | Platformer | Nintendo EAD (Group 4) | Nintendo | align="center"|<ref name="NintendoDS">{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/ds.html |title=Sales Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units - Nintendo DS Software |website=Nintendo |date=September 30, 2017 |access-date=October 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425225159/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/ds.html |archive-date=April 25, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! align="center" | 6 | ''New Super Mario Bros. Wii'' | 30.28 million | {{dts|2009|11|11}} | rowspan="2" | Wii | Platformer | Nintendo EAD (Group 4) | Nintendo | align="center"|<ref name="NintendoWii" /> |- ! align="center" | 7 | ''Wii Play'' | 28.02 million | {{dts|2006|12|02}} | Party | Nintendo EAD (Group 2) | Nintendo | align="center"|<ref name="NintendoWii" /> |- ! align="center" | 8 | ''Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas'' | 27.5 million | {{dts|2004|10|26}} | rowspan="2" | Multi-platform | Action-adventure | Rockstar North | Rockstar Games | align="center"|<ref name="sanandreas">{{cite web |url=http://www.itv.com/news/2013-09-13/a-brief-history-of-the-grand-theft-auto-series/ |title=From 1997- 2013: How the Grand Theft Auto series has evolved |website=ITV |date=September 13, 2013 |access-date=April 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150213204138/http://www.itv.com/news/2013-09-13/a-brief-history-of-the-grand-theft-auto-series/ |archive-date=February 13, 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! align="center" | 9 | ''Grand Theft Auto IV'' | 25.00 million | {{dts|2008|04|29}} | Action-adventure | Rockstar North | Rockstar Games | align="center"|<ref name="gtaiv">{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/gta-5-has-already-beaten-gta-4s-lifetime-sales-8863784.html |title=GTA 5 has already beaten GTA 4's lifetime sales |last=Vincent |first=James |website=The Independent |date=October 7, 2013 |access-date=April 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426152753/http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/gaming/gta-5-has-already-beaten-gta-4s-lifetime-sales-8863784.html |archive-date=April 26, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! align="center" | 10 | ''Nintendogs'' | 23.96 million | {{dts|2005|04|21}} | rowspan="2" | Nintendo DS | Pet-raising simulation | Nintendo EAD (Group 1) | Nintendo | align="center"|<ref name="NintendoDS" /> |- ! align="center" | 11 | ''Mario Kart DS'' | 23.60 million | {{dts|2005|11|14}} | Kart racing | Nintendo EAD (Group 1) | Nintendo | align="center"|<ref name="NintendoDS" /> |- ! align="center" | 12 | ''Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2'' | 22.70 million | {{dts|2009|11|10}} | rowspan="2" | Multi-platform | First-person shooter | Infinity Ward | Activision | align="center"|<ref name="callofduty">{{cite web |url=http://microsites.ign.com/call-of-duty-a-short-history/ |title=Call of Duty: A Short History |website=IGN |access-date=April 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303172825/http://microsites.ign.com/call-of-duty-a-short-history/ |archive-date=March 3, 2016 |url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! align="center" | 13 | ''Grand Theft Auto: Vice City'' | 20.00 million | {{dts|2002|10|29}} | Action-adventure | Rockstar North | Rockstar Games | align="center"|<ref name="vice city">{{cite web |url=https://www.marketwatch.com/story/this-violent-videogame-has-made-more-money-than-any-movie-ever-2018-04-06 |title=This violent videogame has made more money than any movie ever |website=MarketWatch |date=April 9, 2018 |access-date=April 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180407133735/https://www.marketwatch.com/story/this-violent-videogame-has-made-more-money-than-any-movie-ever-2018-04-06 |archive-date=April 7, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! align="center" | 14 | ''Brain Age'' | 19.01 million | {{dts|2005|05|19}} | rowspan="2" | Nintendo DS | Puzzle, educational | Nintendo SPD | Nintendo | align="center"|<ref name="NintendoDS" /> |- ! align="center" | 15 | ''Pokémon Diamond'' and ''Pearl'' | 17.67 million | {{dts|2006|09|28}} | Role-playing | Game Freak | The Pokémon Company, Nintendo | align="center"|<ref name="NintendoDS" /> |- ! align="center" | 16 | ''Grand Theft Auto III'' | 17.50 million | {{dts|2001|10|22}} | Multi-platform | Action-adventure | DMA Design | Rockstar Games | align="center"|<ref name="vice city"/> |- ! align="center" | 17 | ''Pokémon Ruby'' and ''Sapphire'' | 16.22 million | {{dts|2002|11|21}} | Game Boy Advance | Role-playing | Game Freak | The Pokémon Company, Nintendo | align="center"|<ref name="Pokemon1">{{cite news |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-x-y-sells-4-million-in-two-days/1100-6415582/ |title=Pokemon X/Y sells 4 million in two days |last=Makuch |first=Eddie |work=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |date=October 15, 2013 |access-date=April 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426063508/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-x-y-sells-4-million-in-two-days/1100-6415582/ |archive-date=April 26, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref> |- ! align="center" | 18 | ''The Sims'' | 16.00 million | {{dts|2000|01|31}} | rowspan="2" | Multi-platform | Life simulation | Maxis | Electronic Arts | align="center"|<ref name="thesims">{{cite news |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20050207005389/en/Sims-Franchise-Celebrates-Anniversary-Continues-Break-Records |title=The Sims Franchise Celebrates Its Fifth Anniversary and Continues to Break Records |website=Business Wire |date=February 7, 2005 |access-date=April 26, 2017 |archive-date=May 31, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531152554/https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20050207005389/en/Sims-Franchise-Celebrates-Anniversary-Continues-Break-Records |url-status=live }}</ref> |- ! align="center" | 19 | ''Need for Speed: Most Wanted'' | 16.00 million | {{dts|2005|11|11}} | Racing | EA Canada, EA Black Box | Electronic Arts | align="center"|<ref name="mostwanted">{{cite news |url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/100-million-Need-for-Speed-Games-Have-Been-Sold-to-This-Day-125015.shtml |title=100 million Need for Speed Games Have Been Sold to This Day |last=Totu |first=Florian |website=Softpedia |date=October 22, 2009 |access-date=April 26, 2017 |archive-date=April 2, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402024311/http://news.softpedia.com/news/100-million-Need-for-Speed-Games-Have-Been-Sold-to-This-Day-125015.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> |- ! align="center" | 20 | ''Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec'' | 14.89 million | {{dts|2001|04|28}} | PlayStation 2 | Sim racing | Polyphony Digital | Sony Computer Entertainment | align="center"|<ref name="gtsales">{{cite web |url=http://www.polyphony.co.jp/english/list.html |title=Polyphony Digital Inc. - Software Title List - |access-date=August 30, 2009 |publisher=Polyphony Digital |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070206025009/http://www.polyphony.co.jp/english/list.html |archive-date=February 6, 2007}}</ref> |- ! align="center" | 21 | ''Brain Age 2'' | 14.88 million | {{dts|2005|12|29}} | Nintendo DS | Puzzle, educational | Nintendo SDD | Nintendo | align="center"|<ref name="NintendoDS" /> |- ! align="center" | 22 | ''Halo 3'' | 14.50 million | {{dts|2007|09|25}} | Xbox 360 | First-person shooter | Bungie | Microsoft Game Studios | align="center"|<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halo3 |title=Halo 3 <nowiki>|</nowiki> Games <nowiki>|</nowiki> Halo - Official Site |website=Halo Waypoint |access-date=January 6, 2020 |archive-date=October 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014015330/https://www.halowaypoint.com/en-us/games/halo3 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |- ! align="center" | 23 | ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'' | 13.30 million | {{dts|2008|01|31}} | rowspan="2" | Wii | Fighting | Game Arts, HAL Laboratory, Sora Ltd. | Nintendo | align="center"|<ref name="NintendoWii" /> |- ! align="center" | 24 | ''Super Mario Galaxy'' | 12.79 million | {{dts|2007|11|01}} | Platformer | Nintendo EAD (Group 1) | Nintendo | align="center"|<ref name="NintendoWii" /> |- ! align="center" | 25 | ''Pokémon HeartGold'' and ''SoulSilver'' | 12.72 million | {{dts|2009|09|12}} | Nintendo DS | Role-playing | Game Freak | The Pokémon Company, Nintendo | align="center"|<ref name="NintendoDS" /> |- ! align="center" | 26 | ''Pokémon FireRed'' and ''LeafGreen'' | 12.00 million | {{dts|2004|01|29}} | Game Boy Advance | Role-playing | Game Freak | The Pokémon Company, Nintendo | align="center"|<ref name="Pokemon1" /> |- ! align="center" | 27 | ''Gran Turismo 4'' | 11.76 million | {{dts|2004|12|28}} | PlayStation 2 | Sim racing | Polyphony Digital | Sony Computer Entertainment | align="center"|<ref name="gtsales" /> |- ! align="center" | 28 | ''Animal Crossing: Wild World'' | 11.75 million | {{dts|2005|11|23}} | rowspan="2" | Nintendo DS | Social simulation | Nintendo EAD (Group 2) | Nintendo | align="center"|<ref name="NintendoDS" /> |- ! align="center" | 29 | ''Super Mario 64 DS'' | 11.06 million | {{dts|2004|11|21}} | Platformer | Nintendo EAD Comprehensive Group | Nintendo | align="center"|<ref name="NintendoDS" /> |}

== Hardware timeline == The following gallery highlights hardware used to predominantly play games throughout the 2000s. <gallery> File:PS2-Versions.jpg|PlayStation 2 (2000) File:European_Nokia_3310.jpg|''Snake II'' on a Nokia 3310 (2000) File:WonderSwan-Color-Blue-Left.png|WonderSwan Color (2000) File:Nuon-N2000-wController-L.jpg|Nuon (2000) File:Xbox-Classic-Console-wBoth.jpg|Xbox (2001) File:GameCube-Set.jpg|GameCube (2001) File:Nintendo-Game-Boy-Advance-Purple-FL.jpg|Game Boy Advance (2001) File:Game-Boy-Advance-SP-Mk1-Blue.jpg|Game Boy Advance SP (2003) File:EyeToy.png|EyeToy (2003) Nokia-NGage-LL.jpg|N-Gage (2003) File:Nintendo-DS-Fat-Blue.png|Nintendo DS (2004) File:PSP-1000.png|PlayStation Portable (2004) File:Xbox-360-Pro-wController.jpg|Xbox 360 (2005) File:Buzz Buzzer.jpg|''Buzz!'' controller (2005) File:Guitar-hero-controller.png|''Guitar Hero'' controller (2005) File:Nintendo-DS-Lite-Black-Open.jpg|Nintendo DS Lite (2006) File:Wii-console.jpg|Wii (2006) File:Sony-PlayStation-3-CECHA01-wController-L.jpg|PlayStation 3 (2006) File:Nintendo-DSi-Bl-Open.jpg|Nintendo DSi (2008) File:Nintendo-DSi-XL-Burg.jpg|Nintendo DSi XL (2009) File:PSP-Go-FL.jpg|PSP Go (2009) </gallery>

==References== {{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2000s in video games}} Category:2000s in video gaming Category:2000s video games video games Category:Video games by decade