History of video games
Early History
The history of video games spans a period of time from the invention of the first electronic games to the present day, with many innovations and changes along the way. The first electronic game was created by Thomas T. Goldsmith Jr. and Estle Ray Mann in 1947. This game, known as the "Cathode Ray Tube Amusement Device," was a simple game that involved controlling a dot on a screen. This invention marked the beginning of the electronic gaming era.
The 1970s: The Birth of the Arcade
The 1970s saw the birth of the arcade game industry, with companies such as Atari and Taito leading the way. The first commercially successful arcade game, Pong, was released by Atari in 1972. This simple tennis-like game marked the beginning of a new era in the video game industry. The success of Pong led to the creation of many other arcade games, including Space Invaders and Pac-Man, which are still popular today.
The 1980s: The Rise of Home Consoles
The 1980s marked the rise of home consoles, with the release of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1985. The NES was a major success, selling over 60 million units worldwide. This success led to the creation of many classic games, such as Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda. The 1980s also saw the rise of the personal computer as a gaming platform, with games like King's Quest and Ultima becoming popular.
The 1990s: The Advent of 3D Graphics
The 1990s marked the advent of 3D graphics in video games, with the release of the PlayStation in 1994. The PlayStation was the first console to use CD-ROMs as a storage medium, allowing for larger and more complex games. The 1990s also saw the rise of online gaming, with the release of games like Quake and Ultima Online.
The 2000s: The Rise of Mobile and Online Gaming
The 2000s marked the rise of mobile and online gaming, with the release of the iPhone in 2007 and the growth of platforms like Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. The 2000s also saw the rise of social gaming, with games like FarmVille and Candy Crush Saga becoming popular.
The 2010s: The Advent of Virtual Reality
The 2010s marked the advent of virtual reality in video games, with the release of the Oculus Rift in 2016. The Oculus Rift was the first commercially successful virtual reality headset, and it marked the beginning of a new era in the video game industry.