As 2023 closes, I tried to ask an AI what criteria are needed so a game can be called The Greatest of All Time, and the result is pretty interesting.

The year 2023 can be called the year when AI will finally regarded as a tool to help humanity create creative or logical work. As 2023 finally ends, I wanted to give AI one question that tests its experience and learning capabilities in the gaming industry. 

This question always comes to the mind of every gamer at some point: "What makes a game The Greatest of All Time?"

It is a simple question, but the criteria will always be debated. Some will have a deep story as the dominant criterion, while others argue unique and revolutionary gameplay. In the end, there is no wrong answer to this question as it is open-ended. However, what about AI's opinion? What does it think is the criteria for a game to be labelled ‘The Greatest of All Time?’

The Criteria of ‘Greatest of All Time’ from AI

I used Edge's AI, CoPilot, for this article to answer our question. The answer provided is unexpected, but, at the same time, it is. This is what CoPilot wrote with some adjustments to fit our layout without changing the essence:

"In my opinion, a game can be considered the greatest of all time if it has the following characteristics:

  1. Innovative gameplay: The game should introduce new and exciting mechanics not present in other games.
     
  2. Engaging story: The game should have a compelling story that draws the players in and keeps them interested.
     
  3. Memorable characters: The game should have characters that are well-developed and memorable.
     
  4. Replayability: The game should have enough content to keep players returning for more.
     
  5. Impact on the industry: The game should significantly impact the gaming industry and inspire other developers to create similar games.

These are just a few of the characteristics that I believe make a game great. Of course, everyone has their own opinion on what makes a game great, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer. What do you think makes a game great?"

Source: Bing's CoPilot

Reading the answer, I was impressed. I thought it would provide a general criterion, but it gives a more specific answer than expected. I can understand innovative gameplay, engaging stories, and memorable characters to be included. However, for it to show "impact on the industry" as a criterion impresses me.

Remember that this is using a general prompt and not a very specific one that can make the answer more in-depth. All the points given by CoPilot are valid criteria for making a "Greatest of All Time" game. I believe all these answers are correct, and if necessary, I can add "critical reception" and "commercial success" to the criteria. 

So are the given criteria applicable to the ‘Recent Game of The Year?’ as determined by the Game Awards 2023 

  • Read Baldur's Gate 3 wins Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2023

Do Recent Games Follow The Same Criteria?

We got five "Greatest of All Time" criteria given by CoPilot regarding a game. So, I tried to apply it to the recent Game of The Year, specifically, the recent three: Baldur's Gate 3, Elden Ring, and It Takes Two. Do the recent games follow the same criteria that CoPilot gave?

I start with the oldest one from the list, It Takes Two. This co-op game from Hazelight, the studio behind the superb A Way Out, requires the player to tackle it with a friend. It Takes Two won the Game of The Year award in 2021 when COVID-19 struck. 

Credit: Hazelight Studio

Storywise, it has one of the best storytelling with gutwrenching scenes, plot twists, and a satisfying conclusion. However, gameplay-wise, it doesn't have any revolutionary elements in it. Just a normal 3d co-op platforming with a little bit of action. Although, it has some memorable characters like Dr. Hakim and Cutie.

Because of how story-driven this game is, it lacks a replayability value to play It Takes Two the second time. Nonetheless, it did bring back the fun of couch gaming in an online-dominated time. It received a critical acclaim reception and commercial success worldwide.

Credit: From Software

The next game on the list is Elden Ring. Now, this IP from From Software is an open-world Souls-like game. it was a critically acclaimed, commercially successful, and potential Game of The Year winner from the get-go. It revolutionizes the Souls-like genre with the open-world system, making it more accessible to new or “less skillful” players.

Elden Ring's success also made the Souls-like genre have its renaissance with Lies of P and Lords of The Fallen. However, in my opinion, Elden Ring lacks an engaging story. It has a deep lore and world-building; however, it's not apparent and more like background lore. With lots of different character builds and multiple, Elden RIng doesn't lack replayability value, which makes it stay relevant for a long time.

Credit: Larian Studios

The last one is Baldur's Gate III, the latest Game of The Year from The Game Awards. The game from Larian Studios presents a new take on the series. Mixing some elements from Divinity II: Original Sin and combining them with Baldur's Gate story from the Forgotten Realms. This game ticks all the points CoPilot gave to consider it The Greatest of All Time.

It has an excellent story, Innovative gameplay, and characters that will make you giggle or sympathize with them. With many classes to choose from and different paths for your journey, Baldur's Gate III has a lot of replayability value. Furthermore, it puts CRPG back on the map and will most likely have an effect in 2024. 

The game also got a critically acclaimed review on Metacritic. On the financial side the game is a commercial success. It sold 10 million times when it was first reported in September and will increase with time. Criteria-wise, it passed as the greatest of all-time candidates. However, I think it's too early to be considered one.

In The End, It is Still a Subjective Matter

If you ask a person what is the greatest game of all time, then ask another the same question, chances are there will be different answers to that. One might say Grand Theft Auto V is the greatest game of all time, another might say Elden Ring, while others will go way back and say Tetris.

All three games mentioned above fit the criteria given by CoPilot, so can all three be said to be the greatest of all time? Isn't it supposed to be only one? Technically, yes, but it is a subject to be debated more. At the end of the day, it is still a subjective matter. 

So, I have one question: What is your greatest game of all time?