The traditional model of a “best game” is a polished, finite object—a masterpiece released into the world complete and unchanging. Yet, a dominant force in modern gaming challenges this definition entirely: the live service title. Games like Destiny 2, Helldivers 2, and Final Fantasy XIV are not dipo4d static products but evolving platforms. Their quality is not judged solely on a launch state, but on their developers’ ability to nurture, expand, and respond to their community over years. This transforms the concept of a “best game” from a finished work of art to an ongoing, ever-changing relationship between player and creator.
The most successful live service games on PlayStation understand that their core gameplay loop must be rock-solid. Helldivers 2’s thrilling, chaotic friendly fire is a masterpiece of emergent comedy and tension. Destiny 2’s gunplay remains some of the most satisfying in the industry. This strong foundation is the essential hook. But it is the metagame—the seasonal storylines, the new raids, the balance patches, and the community events—that provides the long-term reason to stay. A “best” live service game is one that makes players feel heard, constantly offering fresh content and refinements that demonstrate the developers are not just creators but stewards of a living world.
This model creates a unique form of cultural relevance. The “best” game in a given week might be the one with the most exciting new update or the most talked-about community moment. The shared experience of tackling a new Destiny raid on day one, or coordinating a galactic war effort in Helldivers 2, creates stories and bonds that are unique to the live service format. The game is the backdrop for a constantly unfolding player-driven narrative. Its quality is intrinsically linked to the health and engagement of its community.
Therefore, evaluating a live service title requires a different lens. A traditional game can be judged as a complete package. A live service game is judged by its trajectory: Is it growing? Are the developers communicative? Does new content feel meaningful? Is the community thriving? A game can launch roughly but, through years of dedicated support and updates, earn its place as a “best” title (Final Fantasy XIV is the quintexample of this phoenix-like rise). In the live service era, greatness is not a state of being at launch; it is a continuous process of becoming.