Gamers, are you ready to explore the amazing history of video games? From the humble beginnings of computer scientists developing simple games to the cutting-edge technology of virtual reality, video games have come a long way in a relatively short time. So sit back, grab your controller, and let’s dive into the fascinating world of video game history!
History of Video Games Timeline
1950s
It all started back in the 1950s when computer scientists began developing simple games as a way to showcase the capabilities of new computing technology. These early games were often based on classic board games like chess and checkers.
1970s
Fast forward to the 1970s and the advent of the first commercially successful video game, Pong. This simple but addictive game of virtual table tennis helped to launch the video game industry as we know it today.
The most popular games of the decade:
- Pong
- Space Invaders
- Asteroids
1980s
In the 1980s, home consoles like the Atari 2600 and Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) brought video games into living rooms across the world. Popular games like Super Mario Bros. and Pac-Man captured the hearts and minds of gamers everywhere and helped to solidify games as a mainstream form of entertainment.
The most popular games of the decade:
- Pac-Man
- Super Mario Bros
- Tetris
- The Legend of Zelda
- Donkey Kong
1990s
The 1990s saw the rise of 3D gaming with the release of consoles like the Sony PlayStation and Nintendo 64. This era also saw the birth of some of the most iconic video game franchises of all time, including The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, and Resident Evil.
The most popular games of the decade:
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Mortal Kombat
- Doom
- Pokemon
- Super Mario 64
- Final Fantasy VII
2000s – 2010s
As technology continued to advance, so too did video games. The 2000s brought us online gaming and massive multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) like World of Warcraft, while the 2010s saw the rise of mobile gaming and the dominance of console giants like Sony and Microsoft.
The most popular games of the decade:
- Grand Theft Auto III
- Halo
- World of Warcraft
- The Sims
- Call of Duty
- Minecraft
- Fortnite
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- League of Legends
- Grand Theft Auto V
- God of War
- Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Overwatch
Latest Consoles and Video Games of 2020 and Beyond
In 2020, a new generation of gaming consoles was released, including the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S. These consoles feature faster load times, improved graphics, and new gameplay experiences that take advantage of their advanced hardware. Along with the new consoles, new video games continue to be released across all platforms, including critically acclaimed titles like The Last of Us Part II and Hades.
The most popular games of the 2020s (so far):
- The Last of Us Part II
- Ghost of Tsushima
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Doom Eternal
- Among Us
- Hades
- It Takes Two
- Elden Ring
- Fall Guys
- Spider-Man: Miles Morales
So there you have it, a brief but exciting history of video games. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a die-hard enthusiast, we can all appreciate the impact that video games have had on our culture and our lives. Let’s keep gaming and making history!
