For a compression format? I’d say it’s still relevant. Compression ratio and speed are the only meaningful metrics. And I’m not saying winrars still the best, clearly 7z has taken over in that regard. But for it’s own niche use case from years back it was clearly the better product.
Winrar definitely compresses better than zip. At least based on my experience.
I actually really like winrar. Is it my format of choice? No, there’s open free alternatives. But it was a legit better product developed by like one guy that they then proceeded to give free access to with a license that incentivises paying them for their work and has probably raked in insane sums from corporations over the years. It’s what happens when you have a Microsoft like idea without the endless greed to sprawl into a billion dollar company.
The game was developed by crytek, also behind cryengine. That’s the reason for the name.