What are some of the most influential and important games released to the general public within the last few years? Why are they important?

"most influential and important" -- those are opinion words. The point is what YOUR OPINION is.

No one can write this but you.

To determine some of the most influential and important games released in recent years, we can look at various factors such as critical acclaim, commercial success, industry awards, and cultural impact. Here are a few examples:

1. "Fortnite" (2017): This battle royale game quickly became a global phenomenon due to its free-to-play model, cross-platform availability, and vibrant community. It popularized the battle royale genre and introduced innovative features like building mechanics, setting new standards for online multiplayer games and reshaping gaming culture.

2. "Minecraft" (2011): While not recent, "Minecraft" continues to be influential due to its open-world sandbox gameplay and creative freedom. It revolutionized player-driven content creation, inspiring countless games and education initiatives. Its enduring popularity demonstrates the impact of games as a platform for both entertainment and learning.

3. "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild" (2017): This critically acclaimed action-adventure game redefined the open-world genre with its immersive gameplay, vast world, and emphasis on exploration. It received numerous Game of the Year awards, showcasing the importance of innovative game design and captivating storytelling.

4. "Among Us" (2018): Initially released in 2018 but gained massive popularity in 2020, "Among Us" is a multiplayer social deduction game. It became a cultural phenomenon due to its simplicity, accessibility, and its ability to bring people together for engaging social experiences, especially during the pandemic.

5. "PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds" (2017): Often credited with popularizing the battle royale genre, "PUBG" introduced the large-scale last-man-standing gameplay. It had a significant impact on multiplayer shooters and eSports, inspiring many similar games and tournaments worldwide.

These games are considered influential and important due to their impact on gaming culture, industry trends, and player experiences. They often introduce innovative gameplay mechanics, redefine genres, create new communities, and break records in terms of player engagement and revenue.