Video Game Memes That Took Over the Internet

9 November 2025

Let’s be honest—gaming isn't just a hobby; it’s a culture. And in this culture, memes have become the glue that bonds gamers worldwide. Whether you're a casual Mario Kart racer or a hardcore Elden Ring explorer, there's one thing we can all agree on: video game memes are an endless source of hilarity and nostalgia.

What is it about these memes that captivate us? Maybe it's their ability to perfectly capture our shared frustrations (hello, Dark Souls difficulty!). Or perhaps it's the way they blend humor with niche references only gamers would understand. Whatever the reason, video game memes have managed to dominate timelines, forums, and Reddit threads like no other medium. So, grab your controller—or mouse and keyboard—and let’s dive into some of the most iconic video game memes that truly took over the internet.

The Rise of Video Game Memes

Gaming memes didn’t just appear overnight. They were born from the growing accessibility of the internet and the rise of platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and Reddit. Think about it: back in the early 2000s, gaming jokes were mostly shared among small friend groups. Fast forward to today, and memes are breaking the fourth wall of gaming culture, uniting millions of players with humor as their universal language.

From poking fun at mechanics to exaggerating game experiences, video game memes have become an integral part of how we talk about games. They’re not just “funny pictures with text.” They’re tiny windows into the collective gamer psyche.

Now, let’s look at some of the most legendary video game memes that have taken over the internet. If you’ve encountered any of these, you’re officially part of the meme-verse.

1. "The Cake Is A Lie" (Portal)

Ah, the cake. Probably one of the most memorable lines in gaming history, this cheeky phrase from Portal (2007) became a viral meme in no time. In the game, players are promised cake by the sinister AI, GLaDOS, as they progress through test chambers. But spoiler alert: the cake doesn’t exist.

"The cake is a lie" quickly transcended the game itself, becoming a metaphor for unfulfilled promises in real life. Got ghosted by your squad in a multiplayer lobby? The cake is a lie. Fake hype about a game’s release? The cake is a lie. Honestly, this meme is still alive and well because, let’s face it, life’s full of metaphorical cake lies.

2. "FUS RO DAH!" (Skyrim)

If you've played The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, you’ve undoubtedly sent someone or something flying with the iconic "FUS RO DAH!" shout. This Dragonborn ability allows players to send enemies flying like ragdolls, leading to hilarious in-game moments.

Naturally, the internet took this and ran with it—hard. Memes of NPCs flying off cliffs, videos of dragons glitching into the stratosphere, or mashups of "FUS RO DAH!" over random viral clips? It’s peak meme content that’s been making us laugh since 2011. Admit it, you’ve probably used this shout IRL to jokingly "push" a friend—or at least thought about it.

3. "Do You Get To The Cloud District Often?" (Skyrim, Again)

Skyrim gave us a lot of meme-worthy moments, huh? This line, spoken by the most condescending NPC in Whiterun, Nazeem, became a meme for its sheer arrogance. When Nazeem casually asks you, “Do you get to the Cloud District often? Oh, what am I saying, of course you don’t,” you can’t help but roll your eyes.

Of course, the internet turned this line into a universal phrase to mock anyone acting like a know-it-all. Got a coworker who brags about their GPA from years ago? "Do you get to the Cloud District often?" It’s timeless.

4. "Press F to Pay Respects" (Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare)

Nothing screams internet culture more than turning a serious moment into a meme. In Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, there's a funeral scene where players are prompted to "Press F to Pay Respects." Instead of crying over the tragedy, gamers found the mechanic hilariously awkward—and boom, a meme was born.

It didn’t take long for “Press F” to become a universal way of expressing sarcastic sympathy online. Anytime something bad happens—like your ranked match teammates disconnecting mid-game—just type “F” in the chat. Simple, yet effective.

5. "But Can It Run Crysis?"

When Crysis launched back in 2007, it was the benchmark for PC performance. If your rig could run Crysis, then congratulations—you were living the dream. But the meme lives on, even today.

"Can it run Crysis?" became a phrase to measure any hardware’s capability, no matter how absurd. Got a new toaster? But can it run Crysis? Upgraded your phone? Yeah, but can it run Crysis? This meme might be ancient in internet years, but it’s never really left the gaming scene.

6. "It’s Dangerous to Go Alone! Take This." (The Legend of Zelda)

This iconic phrase from The Legend of Zelda has become a universal expression of encouragement mixed with humor. In the game, an old man gives Link a sword and warns him about the dangers ahead. The internet? It turned this into a meme for just about any scenario.

Whether someone’s about to endure a tough workday or go into battle with final exams, the meme shifted to include humorous variations like handing someone a broomstick or a slice of pizza instead of a sword. Because, honestly, pizza does make everything less dangerous.

7. "Arrow to the Knee" (Skyrim, Yet Again)

Okay, Skyrim officially holds the title as one of the most meme-able games ever made. This time, it’s all about that infamous guard dialogue: "I used to be an adventurer like you. Then I took an arrow to the knee."

This quirky line spawned thousands of memes, but it also symbolized giving up on big dreams. Got someone who ditched their gym routine after one hard workout? “Arrow to the knee.” Friend who bailed on grind sessions to focus on sleep? Yep, “Arrow to the knee.” It’s the perfect excuse for abandoning anything ambitious.

8. Sonic’s “Gotta Go Fast”

Any discussion of gaming memes isn’t complete without mentioning the blue blur himself, Sonic the Hedgehog. The phrase “Gotta Go Fast” originated from the Sonic X TV series' theme song but became a meme thanks to fan art and parodies.

From Sonic memes with hilariously bad animations to captioning someone rushing through tasks, “Gotta Go Fast” became an instant classic. It’s chaotic, it’s funny, and it’s just as fast-paced as Sonic himself.

9. Mr. X and “Stompy Boy” (Resident Evil 2 Remake)

When Capcom released the Resident Evil 2 Remake, they inadvertently gifted the internet with Mr. X, the relentless, trenchcoat-wearing tyrant who pursues players throughout the game.

The internet nicknamed him "Stompy Boy" for the terrifying sound of his footsteps. Not only did gamers create remix videos of Mr. X bursting onto the scene, but they also turned him into a lovable menace. Who knew a bioengineered killing machine could have meme-worthy charm?

10. "Among Us Sus" (Among Us)

Unless you've been living under a rock, you’ve probably heard the phrase “sus” at least a million times since Among Us exploded in popularity. The game’s simple premise—find the Impostor—led to endless memes about accusing friends and questioning everything.

Now, “sus” has become shorthand for suspicion in nearly every context. Did a coworker steal your last slice of pizza? Very sus behavior. And if you’ve ever been called “sus” in casual conversation, congratulations, you’re officially part of the meme culture.

Why Video Game Memes Matter

Video game memes are more than just random jokes—they're a reflection of the gaming community. They bring players together, spark creativity, and even help us poke fun at the very games we love. Heck, sometimes the memes outlast the games themselves!

They remind us that gaming isn’t just about grinding levels or chasing achievements. It’s about the joy, the shared experiences, and, of course, the laughs. So the next time you see a meme that perfectly describes your gaming struggles, take a moment to appreciate the thought and wit behind it.

Conclusion

Video game memes aren’t just fleeting trends; they’re a cornerstone of gaming culture. From iconic lines like "The cake is a lie" to modern sensations like “sus,” these memes have shaped how we interact with games and each other.

And let’s admit it—gaming wouldn’t be half as fun without the memes. So, whether you're reminiscing about Skyrim guards or laughing at the latest Elden Ring glitch meme, remember: memes are the universal "extra life" we didn’t know we needed.