6 Video Game Franchises Stretched to the Max

Some video game franchises manage to captivate players deeply and keep them hooked for a long time. This deep affection is sometimes exploited by developers, who continually release follow-ups, updates, and related titles, which might seem overwhelming at times.

It’s enticing to prolong a popular game, but overdoing it may exhaust even ardent enthusiasts. Here are six renowned video game series that seem to have reached their maximum potential, often releasing numerous iterations or updates, such as the legendary ‘The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’.

Call of Duty

Originally released in 2003, ‘Call of Duty’ took the world by storm with its thrilling World War II gameplay, eventually becoming a worldwide sensation. By the year 2025, it had produced more than 20 primary titles and additional spin-offs such as ‘Call of Duty: Warzone’, which debuted in 2020. However, some critics argue that its annual updates tend to feature repetitive gameplay mechanics.

In ‘Black Ops 6’ (2024), microtransactions and battle passes contribute significantly to earnings. While I appreciate the game’s quick-tempo multiplayer, the recurring release of similar titles appears excessive to me.

Assassin’s Creed

Since the launch of ‘Assassin’s Creed’ in 2007, Ubisoft has been captivating gamers with an immersive historical adventure series. Currently, there are 13 primary games and side projects such as ‘Assassin’s Creed Chronicles’ from 2015 to 2016, along with a film adaptation titled ‘Assassin’s Creed’ in 2016.

More contemporary game titles such as ‘Valhalla’ (2020), while offering slight modifications to the open-world format, can leave me yearning for freshness in setting. Immersion in different eras is always exciting, however, the frequent launches seem to dilute the depth of the series.

Pokémon

Back in 1996, I found myself embarking on a journey with two games, ‘Red’ and ‘Blue’, introducing me to the world of Pokémon. Since then, my collection has grown exponentially, reaching over 120 games! From the launch of augmented reality sensation, ‘Pokémon Go’ in 2016, to remakes like ‘Brilliant Diamond’ in 2021, my adventure continues across multiple platforms. The story doesn’t end with just games though; it extends into an anime series that spans from 1997 to the present day and movies such as ‘Pokémon: Detective Pikachu’, which hit screens in 2019.

At its heart, the main gameplay cycle often stays consistent, relying heavily on a sense of nostalgia. I appreciate crafting my own squad, yet the continuous matches and abundant merchandise sometimes seem overly repetitive.

Street Fighter

The classic video game ‘Street Fighter’ first appeared in 1987, and its sequel, ‘Street Fighter II’, introduced in 1991, played a significant role in defining the fighting game genre. Since then, over forty different iterations, including remakes like ‘Ultra Street Fighter IV’ (2014), as well as crossovers, have been released. These versions often come with minor updates, such as new characters being added to the roster.

Movies such as “Street Fighter Alpha: The Animation” (2000) and the TV show (1995-1997) serve to broaden the scope of the brand. Watching characters land combos is exhilarating, but the continuous reiterations can lessen the initial excitement.

The Sims

‘In the year 2000, the game ‘The Sims’ was introduced, allowing players to create and manage virtual lives. This innovative idea quickly gained massive appeal. As of 2025, ‘The Sims 4’ (released in 2014) has more than 70 downloadable content packs available, with extensions like ‘Eco Lifestyle’ (introduced in 2020) costing players an additional few hundred dollars.’

Sequels such as ‘The Sims Mobile’ (2018) perpetuate the loop. Although I enjoy creating houses in this game, its expensive extras and scarcity of new concepts give it a feeling of being more of a cash sink than an enjoyable experience.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

In 2011, the game ‘Skyrim’ offered a grand open-world RPG experience filled with dragons and limitless discovery. Since then, it has been made available across all major platforms such as the ‘Special Edition’ (2016) and the recently released ‘Anniversary Edition’ (2021). It has been adapted for various devices ranging from traditional consoles to virtual reality systems.

Even with expansions and additional content such as ‘Dawnguard’ (2012), the game remains vibrant, but the frequent remakes give off a sense of repetitiveness. Despite my love for exploring Tamriel, the numerous iterations make it feel excessively rehashed.

Which tired-out video game series do you like best, or is there one you feel deserves mention that I may have overlooked? Feel free to express your preference in the comment section below!

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2025-07-04 12:15