In recent years, it is no question that the video game industry has been a booming market. From titles and franchises ranging from "Call of Duty," "Halo" and "Assassin’s Creed" to the "Elder Scrolls" and many more, graphics and technology have accelerated at a rate impossible to video game publishers and gamers 10 years ago. The graphics engines within today’s consoles operate with a power and clarity that exceeds the power of consoles of the prior generation.

There has also been a recent phenomenon with the rise of the consoles, a noticeable decline in computer gaming. In the same span of 10 years, there has been a less visible output of new games for the PC. While certain gaming genres have shrunk in popularity, one genre is making reappearance… with a force.

Yes, space simulators are back.

In the past two years alone, three titles have been announced that have not only restored interest in space sims; they’ve redefined the genre itself.

Part of the reason may be to the massive scope of these games. Imagine you are in the cockpit of a spaceship. There are thousands of planets, solar systems and things to find in the galaxy. You can fight, trade, explore and become involved in galactic politics. How does that not sound amazing?

Here are three titles that have garnered a massive following

1. "Elite: Dangerous"

"Elite: Dangerous" is the first title to be released of the three. This game provides players a 1:1 scale of the Milky Way Galaxy to explore, fight, trade, raid and travel. With incredible graphics and realistic physics, this game is the closest people can get to the sensation of space travel. From a collection of 30 diverse and specialized space ships, players are able to start from a small Sidewinder and through earning credits, completing contracts and exploring distant planets. They can buy massive starships with trading and combat capabilities. Players may also pledge allegiance to factions to earn an income or special perks. "Elite: Dangerous" is also the only game available for purchase at this time.

2. "No Man’s Sky"

Set for released this summer, "No Man’s Sky" incorporates similar elements that of "Elite: Dangerous." Unlike "Elite: Dangerous," "No Man’s Sky" puts a heavy emphasis on exploration. The game incorporates space travel with the ability to land on planets with the flora and fauna and harvest materials. The developers created the idea of an infinite procedurally generated galaxy with over 18 billion planets.

3. "Star Citizen"

By far one of the most ambitious games ever undertaken, "Star Citizen" is one of the most successful crowd funded and developed game to date. With more than $100 million in donations, this game incorporates the elements of a first person shooter with a space sim and a role-playing game… all rolled up into one. Whereas "Elite: Dangerous" is limited to space exploration and combat, "Star Citizen" incorporates both elements in a realistic graphics and effects. From a long list of star ships and individual roles, the player can develop any narrative that the player can choose. The release date has been pushed back several times, but is sure to be one of the most highly anticipated games in gaming history.