20 Games With The Most Memorable Game Shows And Contests

Games are becoming more interactive with in-game shows and contests that can transform a solo experience into something exciting and social. These events offer challenges to learn, levels to complete, and worthwhile rewards. Some feel like watching a TV show within the game, while others are ongoing festivals or competitive ladders you can join whenever you like. Often, these events happen weekly or seasonally, giving you fresh content and prizes to look forward to. Here are some of the best games that fully embrace the atmosphere of a live show, complete with announcers, competition brackets, and the chance to earn bragging rights.

‘The Finals’ (2023)

This game feels like a live sports broadcast, with commentators, a studio environment, and enthusiastic crowds. Players compete in arenas that can be destroyed, trying to collect and deposit cash while the game highlights top performers and exciting moments. Matches are designed like TV shows, changing up the goals and rules to keep things interesting. As you play, you unlock cosmetic items that fit the broadcast theme, like celebratory emotes designed to be shown off to the ‘camera’.

‘Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout’ (2020)

Each episode throws a bunch of players into wacky obstacle courses and survival challenges, reminiscent of classic TV game shows. The challenges change constantly, ranging from races and memory tests to a final showdown for a single prize. To keep things fresh, the game regularly adds new limited-time events and collaborative stages. You can also earn in-game currency and complete challenges to customize your character with fun outfits.

‘Splatoon 3’ (2022)

Splatfests are weekend-long events that transform the entire game into a competition. Players join teams based on a fun theme and compete in special battles. These events feel like a live broadcast with hosts, in-game concerts, and updates during the competition. The way matches are played changes during a Splatfest, including exciting new three-team battles that affect how players fight for control of the map. You earn rewards based on how well you play and how your team performs overall, which is revealed in a final results show.

‘Street Fighter 6’ (2023)

Okay, so the Battle Hub is basically a virtual arcade – you sit down at these stations and jump into instant tournaments. There are boards showing the brackets and any special rules for each event, and if you win, you get titles and in-game cash. Besides the main World Tour, there are also these cool side challenges, like minigame trials, that really test your skills under pressure. And the best part? They’re constantly updating things – rotating the hubs, adding new cosmetics, and changing up the event themes – so it never gets stale. It keeps the competition fresh and exciting!

‘Tekken 8’ (2024)

The game features organized online competitions with clear rankings and final matches. You can easily watch these matches with tools designed for spectators, just like a live broadcast. Plus, there are regular in-game missions and challenges that quickly get you into matches with specific prizes. As you improve your skills and rank, you’ll unlock new abilities and titles, encouraging you to keep playing and competing.

‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ (2020)

The Fishing Tourney and Bug-Off are timed competitions where you try to catch as many fish or bugs as possible. You earn points for what you catch, which unlock special prizes like trophies and furniture. Fun announcer characters keep track of your score, give out rewards, and make the events feel lively. Plus, with seasonal updates and the ability to play with friends, it’s easy to enjoy these contests with others.

‘Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’ (2022)

After you finish the main story, the Academy Ace Tournament challenges you with a series of battles against skilled trainers. It’s structured like a traditional tournament with brackets that start over each time you play. The Gym tests are shorter challenges that test your Pokémon knowledge and battling skills. You can earn good money and useful items by playing repeatedly, which is helpful for building strong teams.

‘Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’ (2020)

Towns hold competitions called ‘flytings’ where participants exchange witty, rhyming insults following specific rhythm and timing guidelines. Quick challenges like drinking games and archery contests offer rewards for reaching certain scores. Festivals introduce temporary tournaments with unique cosmetic items as prizes. Exploring different towns and their structures unlocks new challenges, encouraging you to visit them all and learn their individual rules.

‘Star Wars Jedi: Survivor’ (2023)

Holotactics is a fun, strategic minigame where you build a team and battle through challenging waves while playing to a lively crowd. As you win against tougher opponents, you climb a ranked ladder and earn cool rewards like cosmetic items and helpful bonuses. An energetic announcer adds to the excitement, making each victory feel like a show! You can also collect data from defeated enemies to unlock even more units, creating a rewarding cycle of exploration and competition.

‘Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’ (2024)

The Gold Saucer is packed with different kinds of competitions, like card games and exciting arcade challenges. Each area of the park holds events with its own way of scoring, testing everything from skillful control to clever strategy. Winning earns you special park money and unique items to show off to others. These competitions aren’t just side activities – the story makes them feel like important parts of the experience.

‘Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth’ (2024)

Okay, so this game doesn’t just throw you into battles – it’s got a whole competitive scene! There are official Sujimon tournaments with leagues, and you can actually climb the ranks to fight for titles. Plus, they track everything – wins, payouts, the works – on leaderboards, which makes it feel like you’re part of a real local battling community. It’s cool because there’s even an announcer who commentates on big moments and special events. And the best part? You get actual rewards for doing well – stuff like better equipment or perks that help you manage your team and carry over into the main game. It’s a really nice system!

‘Forza Horizon 5’ (2021)

Horizon Arcade events appear on the map as public competitions where players work together to complete a series of challenges. These challenges change regularly, focusing on things like drifting, speed, and causing wrecks, with the team’s total score adding up. Seasonal Series organize these events into a calendar with different themes and rewards, including new cars. The way the festival is presented makes every victory feel like a major performance.

‘Mario Party Superstars’ (2021)

The game feels like a lively variety show, with simple rules and fun characters introducing each board and minigame. Beyond the main game, you can play freely or try survival modes to beat your high scores. It’s easy to compete with up to four players locally or online, and there’s even a matchmaking system for quick minigame tournaments. As you win, you’ll unlock rewards and track your progress, creating a personalized collection of your best moments.

‘F-Zero 99’ (2023)

In a high-stakes race featuring 99 competitors, players battle to survive as racers are continually eliminated. The competition is spiced up with unique events that introduce fresh tracks and change how players approach racing and pit stops. Consistent performance is rewarded with collectible badges and customizable vehicle options. The entire experience is designed to feel like a classic, never-ending TV broadcast.

‘Returnal’ (2021)

The Tower of Sisyphus is a constantly repeating challenge, like an endless game show, where every attempt is tracked and ranked. Leaderboards reset regularly, encouraging players to improve after updates. The game features a scoring system with commentary and short breaks, creating a feeling of constant evaluation. Reaching certain milestones unlocks story details and cosmetic items to showcase your progress.

‘Destiny 2’ (2017)

Guardian Games is an annual competition where players team up based on their character class. For a limited time each year, you earn medals by completing activities and special challenges. Leaderboards track each class’s progress in real-time. The best way to earn points changes daily, so players need to adapt their strategies. At the end, the winning class is celebrated with a special reward displayed in the social area.

‘Apex Legends’ (2019)

Apex Legends matches are designed like broadcasts of a competitive sporting event, complete with commentators, visual banners, and an exciting arena atmosphere. Special, temporary game modes offer unique challenges with different rules and rewards. Arenas and curated playlists create structured, competitive experiences similar to segments you’d see on a sports show. Your best performances – wins and high placements – are recorded with badges and tracked throughout each season.

‘Sea of Stars’ (2023)

The Arena of Trials features wave-based combat with pre-selected challenges. Successfully completing tiers rewards you with items and titles that demonstrate your progress. Engaging commentary and spectator reactions create an exciting show-like atmosphere as you tackle increasingly difficult fights. The system is designed to encourage repeat visits, allowing you to refine your strategies and builds as you acquire new gear.

‘Monster Hunter Rise’ (2021)

Arena quests pit hunters against the clock in one-on-one matches, using pre-set gear and a straightforward scoring system. Leaderboards highlight the quickest completions, pushing players to optimize their routes and play with precision. Limited-time event quests introduce new monsters and challenges, offering a unique gameplay experience. Completing these quests earns special tickets and parts used to craft powerful, specialized equipment.

‘Rocket League’ (2015)

As a fan, I love that the game has these awesome built-in tournaments happening all the time! You can join on your own or with friends, and it’s so cool watching the bracket fill up before the matches start. The best part? You get rewarded with special titles and cosmetic items based on how well you do, so everyone knows you’re a skilled player. Plus, the developers and community are always adding fun, themed events that make it feel like you’re watching a real broadcast – it’s a really engaging experience!

‘Party Animals’ (2023)

Brawler arenas transform into TV-style sets where teams battle it out in fun, organized challenges. Matches are fast-paced with timers and sudden-death rules to keep things exciting and easy to follow. The game frequently updates with new playlists, offering fresh objectives and maps to play. As you win, you’ll unlock cool costumes and celebratory animations to show off your victories.

Tell us about your favorite in-game event or competition in the comments! What’s the one you always make sure to participate in when it’s available?

2025-11-18 09:19