Summary
2015 introduced games that forever reshaped the industry’s scenery, and the sports genre didn’t disappoint, bringing titles that still resonate ten years later, in 2025. Racing, football, basketball, and other famous sports were more realistic than before, thanks to the breakthrough in video game mechanics, graphics, and user experience.
Despite a lack of competition for some subgenres (such as hockey, American football, and baseball), the constant strive to integrate new modes and enhance gameplay mechanics made up for the lack of variety.These are the best sports games turning 10 years old in 2025, celebrating the innovation and fun they brought to sports and video game fans alike.
10NHL 16
What might surprise some players is that the hockey game NHL 16 still holds its own against much younger and more advanced successors from the same series. With a wide array of game modes, such as ‘Be GM’ where you lead your hockey team towards success, or ‘Be a Pro,’ where you focus on a single player and career progression, NHL 16 offered hours of fun at the time.
Compared to its predecessors, NHL 16 introduced much more advanced artificial intelligence for computer-controlled teams and players, which offered a heightened challenge. Introducing less complex modes, such as ‘On-Ice Trainer,’ increased replayability.
9MLB 15: The Show
MLB 15: The Show followed the success of previous titles and sought to expand with baseball innovations that would entertain loyal fans. The game introduced licensed equipment such as batting gloves, fielding gloves, bats, and cleats for the first time.
Depending on the region, MLB 15: The Show had different cover athletes: Yasiel Puig on the American cover, Russell Martin on the Canadian cover, and Wei-Yin Chen on the Taiwanese cover.
8Football Manager 2016
In what is considered one of the most realistic football manager games, Football Manager 2016 builds upon the progress from the previous installments while offering certain innovations that weren’t available before. The most notable is ‘ProZone Match Analysis,’ which analyzes played matches based on real-life ProZone data analysis suggestions.
Furthermore, ‘Fantasy Draft’ and ‘Create-A-Club’ modes were introduced, while board requests, financial modules, competition rules, and player movement received significant improvement. Additionally, Set Piece Creator and Match Tactics experienced a complete overhaul aimed at increasing user interface and accessibility.
7Madden NFL 16
One of the raresports gamesthat received a noticeable improvement in-game mechanics ten years ago is Madden NFL 16, which followed the improvement made in the previous title, Madden NFL 15. Building on the complete defensive revamp in-game mechanics, Madden NFL 16 introduced an overhaul of the passing system, allowing you to opt for different solutions based on various situations on-field.
Seattle Seahawks are the best overall team in Madden NFL 16, scoring 91.
Introducing the ‘Draft Champions’ mode allowed fans to draft up to three football players for required positions and then engage in a quick tournament against the computer or other players in online mode.
Aiming to usurp theracing video gamesbranch and deliver an experience different from leaders such as Gran Turismo and Forza Motorsport, Project Cars opted for an innovative approach to racing. Using a sandbox approach, the game allows you to choose from 74 cars and 30 driving locations immediately.
Using an approach from real-life racing, the game implements a series of qualifying events that precede the primary race, allowing you to fight for the best starting position. Furthermore, realistic weather conditions, track layouts, and game modes enhanced the user’s overall experience.
5FIFA 16
Caught between introducing new features and breaking away from the old system, FIFA 16 offered a few novelties compared to previous titles. However, one that proved instrumental for representation and equality was the inclusion of women’s teams and players in this release.
The Career training mode indirectly improved team players you are not directly managing, which was a welcome addition. On the other hand, the online FIFA Ultimate Team brought changes to pack management, transfer market, chemistry, and interface, setting the groundwork for the Ultimate Team we know today.
A truly innovative approach immediately recognized by the public and critics alike was football played by vehicles in the Rocket League. This game introduces teams of up to four players with a single goal: to put a ball into the opponent’s net.
The popularity and enjoyment it brought players were ultimately rewarded, as Rocket League continues to go on strong, with 17 seasons as of the time of writing. Each season brings something new,increasing player retentionand building on the innovations that seem set to continue for ten years straight.
Marking a step in the right direction, NBA 2K16 remains one of the most critically acclaimed parts of the years-long series. Using AI to improve gameplay, the experience was completely different from previous titles, as it constantly adapted to your playstyle and utilized new ways to improve the defense aspect.
Additionally, the full-body scans of real-life players and Spike Lee’s involvement in MyCareer mode offered a new, more immersive in-game experience, which allowed players to follow their path throughout the game and achieve their dream of becoming an NBA star.
2Pro Evolution Soccer 2016
Arguably one of the best installments in the series, Pro Evolution Soccer 2016 delivered a completely new feel to football video games. Improved physicality, fluidity, and computer tactics made it a joy for millions of players worldwide. The emphasis on game tactics doesn’t stop here, as formation tweaks and well-timed substitutes can make a world of difference against opponents.
The game rewards a well-thought-out approach, which doesn’t rely purely on the player’s skill and characteristics. Still, it considers team chemistry, the quality, and the game style of opposition, among other factors. As for those who value a single-player experience, the progress you achieve with your player or team is much more tangible.
1Forza Motorsport 6
Taking multiple game awards in 2015 made Forza Motorsport 6 one of the best, if not the best, sports game a decade ago. Ultra-realistic graphics and an intrinsic feel to various on-track conditions delivered one of the most realistic driving experiences in race games. Coupled with a great handling, the overall effect becomes even more intense.
What made Forza Motorsport 6 even better is its wide array of tracks, conditions, and 460 car models, which offer a unique approach to races both online and in single-player modes. It turned out that this sequel laid down the groundwork for the subsequent releases in the years to follow.
