Gaming may have started as a diversion for kids, with classics like Super Mario and Donkey Kong, but they have evolved into complex, open-world, rated-M-for-mature playable movies in the last two decades. 2018 was a particularly good year for games, from the highly anticipated, record-breaking release of Red Dead Redemption 2 to the latest installment in the Call of Duty franchise, Black Ops 4. Still, a surprising contender took the number one spot on our list of the best gaming gifts of the year. 

Give the gamer in your life a treat this holiday season with one of the best video games to come out this year. They’ll need something to pass the time when they’re bored on a much-needed, well-deserved rest day.