When Garry's Mod first appeared on the gaming radar in 2006, no one could have predicted its meteoric rise. Initially met with skepticism—its very creator Garry Newman once doubted the demand—this physics sandbox defied expectations to become a gaming legend. Fast forward to today, and its status as the all-time best-selling PC exclusive attests to its unassuming genius. With over 25.4 million copies sold, Garry's Mod is a testament to the blend of innovation and community-driven fun.

The allure of Garry's Mod lies in its remarkable adaptability and user-generated content. Utilizing Valve's Source engine as its backbone, the game provides a canvas for creativity that few other titles offer. Players have the autonomy to modify, mash up, and creatively exploit models and objects from Valve's catalog. This open-ended gameplay approach has resonated with millions, creating devoted fan bases and sparking a multitude of imaginative game modes, from role-playing servers to the bizarre yet beloved Skibidi Toilet phenomenon.

The game's flexibility extends beyond just fun and modding; it has become a cultural touchstone, even being acknowledged in the Guinness Book of Records for its outstanding sales. Its success has naturally attracted both imitators and legal hurdles. A notable incident involved a DMCA filing tied to Skibidi Toilet, a creation originally birthed in Garry's Mod. While bewildering, these challenges underscore Garry's Mod's influence on digital creatives and content producers alike.

Legal skirmishes aren't new to this digital playground; earlier, Nintendo's content was purged from Garry's Mod's workshop. However, these events have not deterred its passionate community. Instead, they highlight the unique space Garry's Mod occupies—bridging the gap between fan-made content and existing intellectual properties, sometimes not without friction. In an industry dominated by rigid frameworks, Garry's Mod thrives on its fluid and open-ended nature, a quality that continues to captivate players globally.

As Garry's Mod stands tall among gaming’s elite, Garry Newman and Facepunch Studios are not resting on their laurels. They are innovating once more with S&box, a successor that promises to elevate the sandbox experience. Now, as the community anticipates this new chapter, Garry's Mod remains a beacon of creativity and adaptability. It reminds us that sometimes the most wonderful gaming experiences emerge from saying 'yes' to what seems trivial or improbable, and by doing so, Garry's Mod has solidified its place in the pantheon of gaming history.