What is a AAA game? Most gamers have heard this term, but might not know what it means. A AAA game is simply a video game that is of high quality and usually has a large budget.
This type of game usually has cutting-edge graphics, an engaging storyline, and hours of gameplay. Some popular AAA games include Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt, and Halo 5: Guardians.
With that being said, let’s dive into what AAA games are, why they are called triple A, and examples AAA games.
Table of Contents
What is a AAA Game?
A AAA game is a video game that is published by a major publisher, has a large development budget, and is designed to appeal to a mass audience.
In the past, AAA games were only available on console platforms like PlayStation and Xbox. However, in recent years, the PC gaming market has grown to the point where there are now numerous AAA titles available on PC as well.
The term “AAA” is often used to distinguish big-budget games from smaller independent titles. While AAA games are usually high quality, they can also be criticized for being too similar to one another and for relying too heavily on marketing and hype rather than actual game content.
Nonetheless, AAA games are typically some of the most popular titles on any platform and often set the standard for graphics, gameplay, and overall quality.
Features of a AAA Game
As mentioned before, AAA games are known for having high-quality graphics, engaging storylines, and hours of gameplay. In addition, AAA games often have a large number of side quests and other content to keep players busy for dozens or even hundreds of hours. Many AAA games also feature online multiplayer modes that can add even more replay value. Finally, AAA games tend to be well-supported by their developers with regular updates and DLC releases.
1. High-Quality Graphics
One of the most immediately noticeable features of a AAA game is its graphics.
Thanks to their large budgets, AAA developers can afford to create games with incredibly detailed visuals. This attention to detail extends to all aspects of the game’s presentation, from the character models and environments to the special effects and lighting.
Many AAA games are able to push the limits of what current technology can offer, resulting in some of the most visually stunning games ever made.
For example, the 2016 game “Deus Ex: Mankind Divided” features graphics that are so realistic that it’s sometimes hard to tell screenshots from actual photos.
2. Engaging Storylines
While graphics are important, they are not the only thing that makes a AAA game great. In order to stand out from the crowd, AAA games also need to have well-written storylines with interesting characters. A good story can make even the most simplistic gameplay enjoyable, and it can also keep players hooked for hours on end.
Many AAA games are based on pre-existing franchises with a large built-in fan base. For instance, the “Assassin’s Creed” series has been one of the most popular AAA franchises for years, thanks in part to its intriguing setting and characters.
3. Hours of Gameplay
In addition to having good graphics and an engaging story, AAA games also need to offer a significant amount of gameplay.
Players should feel like they are getting their money’s worth when they purchase a AAA game, and that means offering at least 20-30 hours of content. For some gamers, the appeal of a AAA game is that it can provide hundreds of hours of entertainment.
The “Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt,” for example, is a massive open-world game with dozens of hours of main quest content and even more side quests and other activities to keep players busy.
One caveat to having a game that has hours of gameplay is that some can seem very repetitive and cookie-cutter with having the player complete the same type of mission over and over.
Many AAA games are criticized for having this breadth and not depth.
4. Multiplayer
Another common feature of AAA games is multiplayer support. While not all AAA games have multiplayer modes, many of them do, and these modes can add a great deal of replay value.
Competitive multiplayer is particularly popular, as it allows players to go head-to-head with one another in thrilling battles. Team-based multiplayer is also common, and it can be just as exciting as competitive multiplayer.
The Call of Duty franchise, for example, are popular AAA games that feature both competitive and team-based multiplayer modes.
5. Updates and DLC
Finally, AAA games tend to be well-supported by their developers. After a game is released, the developer will often release regular updates that add new features and fix any bugs.
In addition, DLC (downloadable content) is also often released for AAA games. This DLC can range from simple cosmetic items to entire expansion packs that add hours of new gameplay.
“Destiny 2,” for example, has received multiple updates and expansions since its initial release, and more are planned for the future.
On the other hand, many gamers criticize the constant DLC push as a money grab since the game was not completed to begin with and was released in an unfinished state.
Purchasing a AAA game often means getting a game that will be supported for months or even years after its initial release.
Why Are They Called Triple A?
The term “triple-A” is used to describe the highest budget and most anticipated games. These are the big-budget blockbusters that everyone is talking about. While there are many great games that don’t fall into this category, AAA games are usually the ones with the largest marketing budgets and the most mainstream appeal.
Some people believe that the term “triple-A” originated from the movie industry, where the biggest budget films are often referred to as “blockbusters.”
Others claim the term was borrowed from the credit industry where a “AAA” bond would be one of high quality that is the safest opportunity.
Examples of AAA Games
As mentioned before, AAA games are usually big-budget titles with mass appeal. Some popular examples of AAA games include:
- Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
- Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt
- Halo 5: Guardians
- Call of Duty Franchise
- Batman: Arkham Knight
What Are AA Games?
AA games are video games that are of high quality but have a smaller budget than AAA games. These games usually have good graphics and gameplay, but they might not be as polished as AAA titles. AA games are often released by smaller publishers or indie developers. Some popular examples of AA games include:
- Ori and the Blind Forest
- Kerbal Space Program
- Hollow Knight
- Stardew Valley
AA games are usually high quality but can be less polished than AAA titles. These games are often released by smaller publishers or indie developers.
What Are A Games?
A games are video games that are lower budget and may not have the same level of polish as AAA or AA games. These games can be released by anyone, from small independent developers to major publishers. A games are often experimental or niche titles. Some popular examples of A games include:
- Undertale
- Super Meat Boy
- Spelunky
- Dust: An Elysian Tale
A games are usually lower budget and may not have the same level of polish as AAA or AA games. These games can be released by anyone, from small independent developers to major publishers. A games are often experimental or niche titles.
Indie Games vs. AAA Games
There is a lot of debate in the gaming community about the merits of AAA games vs. indie games. Some people believe that AAA games are too polished and lack originality, while others believe that indie games are too experimental and niche.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. There are great games in both categories, so it’s up to the individual player to decide what they want to play.
In conclusion, AAA games are big-budget blockbusters with mass appeal.
FAQ
Is GTA 5 a AAA Game?
GTA 5 is a AAA game. It was developed by Rockstar Games, a large development studio with a history of making high-quality games. GTA 5 has sold over 95 million copies and is one of the best-selling games of all time. The game has also been supported with regular DLC updates and expansions since its initial release, and it continues to be popular with gamers around the world.
Is Fortnite a AAA Game?
Fortnite is not a AAA game. It was developed by Epic Games, a smaller development studio. The game has been successful, but it does not have the same level of polish or mainstream appeal as a AAA title. Fortnite is also a free-to-play game, which means that it does not generate the same level of revenue as a AAA game would.
