5 Video Games That Give You Creative Freedom

Looking for a way to find inspiration by playing video games? To me, video games are an amazing way to express creativity. With customizable features becoming more and more common in video games nowadays, players can create their own, unique experiences even if millions play the same exact game as they do.

If you're looking for ideas for creative games to get, I created a list of must-have games that have inspired me in some way:

1. Animal Crossing

Image: venturebeat.com

Starting off this list is Animal Crossing. If you haven't heard of this classic Nintendo franchise, the main premise is that you play as a character in a village full of colorful animal characters to befriend. In the newest game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you can customize your character, decorate your house, and terraform your island to your liking.

2. Minecraft

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While Minecraft is most known for it's Survival Mode, where players collect resources and battle mobs, there is also a Creative Mode, which allows you to use any item in the game, fly, and pretty much do whatever you want. Whether you decide to build entire worlds, or find unique ways to turn objects used for survival into decor, Minecraft can be a fun way to hone those creative skills.

3. Stardew Valley

Image: humblebundle.com

Stardew Valley was made with the intention of being a love letter to the classic farming simulating classic Harvest Moon. It shows throughout the game as it is riddled with details and option to make everyone's experience different. Players are able to create a character, design a farm, and more. You can also meet and develop relationships a handful of memorable characters. I got this game on my Nintendo Switch earlier this year and was shocked when I realized that, for $15, players are given a slew of content with even more customizable options that makes any play through unique.

4. The Sims

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The Sims franchise is a pretty obvious pick for a list of games that are great for being creative. Players can create characters and control their lives. Whether that be living a perfect life or drowning everyone in ladderless pools, players have complete control in what they do. As someone who is terrible at drawing humans and likes creating characters for stories, I often times use The Sims to get some idea of what they would look like.

5. Pokémon

Image: rgi.com

I may be pulling at straws with this one, but I do think Pokémon games are a fun way to get a little creative. With the countless digital monsters that can be obtained, everyone's playthrough is different. You can beat the game with a team of dragons or a team of small rodents. It can be fun to create personalities for your Pokémon based around to add more spice to your gameplay. I know for me this franchise has played a huge role in my creative process, and to be honest I cannot help growing attached to the pixelated creatures that I encounter.

While there are many other games out there that allow their players to be creative in some way or another, these are just a few examples that I thought of.