Pop culture once was about blockbuster movies, chart topping music and celebrity gossip. Fast forward to today, the game is not part of pop culture – it teeth Pop culture. From fashion collaborations and Hollywood adaptations to esports tournaments that fill the entire stadium, the game has evolved from a niche hobby into a cultural powerhouse. Whether you’re doing button mashing in a fighting game or picking skins for your next battle royale drop, it’s contributing to a global phenomenon that affects everything around us.
The impact of the game on everything (yes, everything)
The impact of games on pop culture is impossible to ignore. The Streetwear brand is working with video game developers to turn in-game skins into actual fashion statements. The streamer is a new A-list celebrities, and the film studio is rushing to adapt its beloved franchise to a smash hit.
Even currency is digital. Look at the popularity of in-game purchases. Purchase a Fortnite gift card and get access to exclusive costumes, emotts and more. The line between virtual and reality is so blurry that online avatars may have a more stylish wardrobe than IRL.
Music and games
Remember when the soundtrack in a video game was a simple 8-bit loop? Currently, the game is a launchpad of some of the biggest names in music. From the heart-bending Fortnite concerts of Travis Scott and the entire radio station of Grand Theft Auto featuring Real World Artists, Gaming has now come from Doom, which creates an entire metal genre, to concert venues, music discovery platforms and DJ booths.
Some artists even debut new tracks in video games before they hit Spotify. It’s safe to say that games don’t only affect music, they also redefine how you experience it.
eSports: The New Super Bowl
eSports has transformed the game from a hobby to a full-fledged, competitive sport with a multi-million-dollar prize pool, a celebrity investor and an arena packed with thousands of fans. Games like League of Legends, Valorant, Counter-Strike have transformed professional players into famous, and sponsorship deals rival those of traditional athletes. And get real – esports commentary can be thrilling (if not, more) More than your average soccer match. Energy, rivals, clutch plays it – it’s all.
The game is the new Hollywood
Video game adaptation was once… bad. But times have changed. Thank you for such a hit Our LastSonic, Mario, Mysteriousand Cyberpunk: Edger RunnerHollywood has finally cracked the cord.
The video game story is rich, immersive and filled with intricate characters. This is perfect for bold TV and blockbuster movies. And don’t forget that the game itself is cinematic now.
With storytelling on par with Oscar-winning films, some games feel like they’re directing their own films.
Virtual Hangouts and Digital Identity
The game is no longer about competition. It’s a social hub. Platforms like Roblox and Fortnite have been transformed into digital gathering spots where people hang out, create and take part in virtual weddings (yes).
Your digital persona is becoming as important as your actual persona, with players curating avatars, skins and online presence as much as your Instagram feed. Who needs a selfie when your game character is locked in the latest game?
More games
The game is shaping pop culture in ways we never imagined, and it’s just getting bigger. Whether through music, fashion, film, or competitive sports, video games are at the heart of it.
And if you want to go ahead of the curve, digital markets like Eneba are the go-to spots for the latest games, gift cards and in-game currency.
Last updated: April 7, 2025
