Games & Virtual Worlds Series

History of Video Games

Understanding Games: How Video Games & Board Games Work

Michael Filimowicz, PhD

Published in

Understanding Games

12 min readJan 3, 2023

Origins

Video games have a long and complex history that spans several decades. The origins of video games can be traced back to the 1950s, when computer scientists and engineers began working on programs and devices that could be used for games and other interactive experiences. One of the earliest examples of a video game is “Tennis for Two,” which was created by William Higinbotham in 1958. This game was a simple tennis simulation that was displayed on an oscilloscope, and it used a dial and button to control the movement of the “paddle.”

The history of video games also includes the development of computer games, which were initially developed for mainframe computers and later for personal computers. Some of the earliest computer games, such as “Adventure” and “Zork,” were text-based and required players to type commands in order to interact with the game. The first graphical computer game was “Tennis for Two,” which was created in 1958.

As technology has advanced, video games have become more complex and sophisticated, with 3D graphics, online multiplayer capabilities, and virtual reality experiences. Today, video games are an integral part of popular culture and are enjoyed by people of all ages around the world.

Early Graphics

In the early days of video games, graphics were often created using raster graphics or vector graphics.

Raster graphics, also known as bitmap graphics, are made up of a grid of pixels, each of which can be assigned a specific color. Raster graphics are resolution-dependent, which means that the quality of the image can be affected by the resolution at which it is displayed. Raster graphics are well-suited for creating detailed, photographic images, but they can be difficult to scale or manipulate without losing quality.

Vector graphics, on the other hand, are made up of mathematical equations that define the shape and position of lines and curves. Vector graphics are resolution-independent, which means that they can be scaled and resized without losing quality. Vector graphics are often used for creating simple graphics, such as logos and diagrams, but they are not as well-suited for creating detailed, photographic images.

In the early days of video games, raster graphics were more commonly used due to the limited processing power of computer and game consoles. As technology has advanced, both raster and vector graphics have been used in video games, with each approach having its own strengths and weaknesses. Today, many video games use a combination of both raster and vector graphics to create high-quality, visually appealing experiences.

Arcade Games

Arcade games were a popular form of entertainment in the 1980s, and they were found in arcades, shopping malls, and other public places. During this time, the arcade game industry was dominated by companies such as Atari, Namco, and Sega, which produced a wide variety of games that ranged from simple, single-screen games to complex, multi-level games.

There were several different form factors for arcade games in the 1980s, including upright cabinets, cocktail tables, and cockpits.

Upright cabinets were the most common form factor for arcade games. These were tall, freestanding cabinets that featured a monitor at the top and controls at the bottom. Players stood in front of the cabinet to play the game.

Cocktail tables were another form factor for arcade games. These were low, table-like cabinets that had a monitor that was set into the top of the table. Players sat around the table to play the game, which was usually played using a joystick and buttons that were located on the top of the table.

Cockpit arcade games were another form factor that was popular in the 1980s. These were large, enclosed cabinets that were designed to mimic the experience of piloting an aircraft or other vehicle. Cockpit arcade games often had controls that were similar to those found in real aircraft, and they often featured surround sound and other immersive features.

Some popular arcade games from the 1980s include “Pac-Man,” “Donkey Kong,” “Galaga,” “Defender,” and “Space Invaders.”

1990s

With the rise of home game consoles in the 1980s, traditional arcades, which had relied on players paying to use video games with quarters, began to see a decline in popularity. As console games became more advanced, they were able to offer a similar level of gameplay to what was available in arcades, making it less appealing for players to pay to play games at an arcade. The shift to other game formats and the increasing power of home game consoles led to a decline in the traditional arcade model, but arcades were able to adapt and continue to thrive by offering new types of games and experiences for players.

In order to adapt to this change, arcades turned to other game formats such as redemption machines, which rewarded players with tickets that could be redeemed for prizes, and skill-based games like basketball hoops, skeeball, and whack-a-mole. These games did not require the use of quarters and allowed arcades to continue to generate revenue.

The 1990s saw the emergence of new form factors and social contexts for video games, such as LAN gaming centers, internet cafes, and novelty redemption machines. These new venues for gaming allowed players to experience games in a social setting and facilitated the rise of competitive gaming.

One particularly noteworthy development in the 1990s was the rise of theme park games, such as full sensory arcade games and 4D games, which used motion simulators and other special effects to create a more immersive gaming experience. These games were popular at arcades and theme parks and offered a new level of excitement for players.

Virtual reality (VR) also gained popularity in the 1990s, with the emergence of VR and motion simulators such as the BattleTech Centers. These VR experiences allowed players to feel like they were physically present in the game world, further enhancing the immersion of the gameplay.

Console Games

The development of console games played a significant role in the growth of the video game industry and the widespread adoption of video games as a form of entertainment. Console games are video games that are played on a dedicated gaming console, which is a device that is specifically designed for playing video games.

The first true video game console was the Magnavox Odyssey, which was released in 1972. This system was designed by Ralph H. Baer, and it used cartridges that contained pre-programmed games. The Magnavox Odyssey was followed by a number of other home video game consoles, including the Atari 2600, which was released in 1977.

As technology advanced, console games became more sophisticated, with more powerful hardware and better graphics capabilities. The 1980s saw the release of several popular console systems, including the Atari 5200, the Commodore 64, and the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The NES, which was released in Japan in 1983 and in the United States in 1985, was particularly successful and helped to revitalize the home video game market.

Since the 1980s, console games have continued to evolve and advance, with the release of new systems and improvements in graphics, sound, and gameplay. Today, console games are a popular form of entertainment and are enjoyed by people of all ages around the world.

Handheld Games

Handheld video games are portable electronic devices that are designed for playing video games. These devices are small and lightweight, and they are often powered by batteries, making them convenient for playing games on the go.

One of the earliest handheld video game systems was the Mattel Electronic Auto Race, which was released in 1976. This system was a simple, single-game device that used a microprocessor to generate a basic racing game on a small, black and white screen. Players used a steering wheel-shaped controller to steer their car and avoid obstacles on the road.

Another early handheld video game system was the Milton Bradley Microvision, which was released in 1979. This system was the first handheld game console to use interchangeable cartridges, which allowed players to switch between different games by swapping out the cartridges. The Microvision had a small, black and white screen and a set of simple button controls.

Since the 1970s, handheld video game systems have continued to evolve and advance, with the development of more powerful hardware, better graphics capabilities, and more sophisticated gameplay. Today, handheld video game systems are a popular form of entertainment and are enjoyed by people of all ages around the world.

Mobile, Online Distribution, & Touchscreens

In recent years, there have been a number of significant developments in the video game industry, including the rise of mobile gaming, the use of touchscreens, and the increasing popularity of online distribution of games.

One of the most significant developments in the video game industry has been the rise of mobile gaming. Mobile gaming refers to the playing of video games on smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices that are powered by mobile operating systems such as Android and iOS. Mobile games are often designed to be played in short bursts and can be downloaded from app stores or online marketplaces.

Another development in the video game industry has been the increasing use of touchscreens as a means of input. Many modern video game systems, including smartphones and tablets, use touchscreens as the primary means of input, and many games are designed specifically to take advantage of this type of input.

Finally, there has been a trend towards online distribution of games in recent years. Instead of purchasing physical copies of games, many players now download games directly from the internet, either through dedicated game stores such as Steam or through the online stores of console manufacturers such as Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. Online distribution has made it easier for players to access a wide variety of games and has also made it easier for game developers to distribute their games to a global audience.

PCs

The use of personal computers (PCs) for video game playing has a long and complex history that spans several decades.

The first computer games were developed in the 1950s and 1960s, and these games were typically played on mainframe computers that were located in universities and research institutions. These early computer games were often simple, text-based games that required players to type commands in order to interact with the game.

As personal computers became more widespread in the 1970s and 1980s, they began to be used for playing video games. Early PC games were often simple, single-screen games that used basic graphics and required players to use a keyboard or joystick to control the game. These games were typically distributed on floppy disks or cassette tapes, and they could be played on a wide variety of different computer systems.

In the 1990s and 2000s, the use of PCs for video game playing became more widespread, as computers became more powerful and video game graphics became more sophisticated. Today, PCs are a popular platform for playing a wide variety of video games, and many players use them to play both single-player and multiplayer games. In addition to traditional PC games, many players also use PCs to play games that are available through online platforms such as Steam, the Epic Games Store, and others.

VR Arcades

Virtual reality (VR) arcades are a relatively recent development in the video game industry. VR arcades are physical locations where players can experience VR games and other immersive experiences using VR headsets and other equipment. VR arcades have become increasingly popular in recent years, as VR technology has become more accessible and more people have become interested in VR gaming.

One of the most notable VR arcades is VR Square in Seoul, South Korea. VR Square is a large, state-of-the-art facility that offers a wide range of VR experiences, including games, movies, and other interactive experiences. VR Square has a variety of different VR systems and form factors, including stationary VR setups, VR treadmills, and VR motion simulators.

There are many different form factors for VR arcade games. Some VR arcades use stationary VR setups, which are typically setup in a booth or enclosure. Players stand in place and use VR controllers to interact with the game. Other VR arcades use VR treadmills or other motion-based systems, which allow players to move around and explore virtual environments in a more immersive way. Some VR arcades also use VR motion simulators, which are designed to mimic the motion of a vehicle or other object, such as a roller coaster or an airplane.

Overall, the development of VR arcades represents an exciting new direction for the video game industry, as it allows players to experience VR games and other immersive experiences in a social setting.

Escape Rooms

Escape rooms are physical adventure games in which players are locked in a room or series of rooms and must solve puzzles and riddles in order to escape. Escape rooms have become increasingly popular in recent years, and they are often inspired by video games, movies, and other popular media.

There are many real-world escape rooms that incorporate video game elements. For example, The Final Mission is an escape room in Toronto, Canada that is based on the popular video game Portal. In this escape room, players must use their wits and problem-solving skills to navigate a series of challenges that are inspired by the game’s iconic portal gun.

Another example of an escape room that incorporates video game elements is Escape the Lost Pyramid, which is located in Berlin, Germany. This escape room is inspired by the Assassin’s Creed video game series, and it challenges players to navigate a series of traps and challenges in order to escape an ancient pyramid.

The development of escape rooms represents an exciting new direction for the video game industry, as it allows players to experience video game-like challenges in a real-world setting. Many escape rooms are designed to be challenging and require teamwork and collaboration, making them a fun and engaging activity for groups of friends, families, and coworkers.

Bibliography & Further Reading

A Game Design Vocabulary: Exploring the Foundational Principles Behind Good Game Design by Anna Anthropy and Naomi Clark
A Theory of Fun for Game Design by Raph Koster
Advanced Game Design: A Systems Approach by Michael Sellers
An Introduction to Game Studies by Frans Mayra
Basics of Game Design by Michael Moore
Blood, Sweat, and Pixels: The Triumphant, Turbulent Stories Behind How Video Games Are Made Blood, Sweat, and Pixels: The Triumphant, Turbulent Stories Behind How Video Games Are Made by Jason Schreier
Board Game Design Advice: From the Best in the World vol 1 by Gabe Barrett
Building Blocks of Tabletop Game Design: an Encyclopedia Of Mechanisms by Geoffrey Engelstein and Isaac Shalev
Character Development and Storytelling for Games by Lee Sheldon
Chris Crawford on Game Design by Chris Crawford
Clockwork Game Design by Keith Burgun
Elements of Game Design by Robert Zubek
Fundamentals of Game Design by Ernest Adams
Fundamentals of Puzzle and Casual Game Design by Ernest Adams
Game Design Foundations by Brenda Romero
Game Design Workshop by Tracy Fullerton
Game Mechanics: Advanced Game Design by Ernest Adams and Joris Dormans
Game Writing: Narrative Skills for Videogames edited by Chris Bateman
Games, Design and Play: A detailed approach to iterative game design by Colleen Macklin and John Sharp
Introduction to Game Systems Design by Dax Gazaway
Kobold Guide to Board Game Design by Mike Selinker, David Howell, et al
Kobold’s Guide to Worldbuilding edited by Janna Silverstein
Level Up! The Guide to Great Video Game Design, 2nd Edition by Scott Rogers
Narrating Space / Spatializing Narrative: Where Narrative Theory and Geography Meet by Marie-Laure Ryan, Kenneth Foote, et al.
Narrative Theory: A Critical Introduction by Kent Puckett
Narrative Theory: Core Concepts and Critical Debates by David Herman, James Phelan, et al.
Narratology: Introduction to the Theory of Narrative, Fourth Edition by Mieke Bal
Practical Game Design by Adam Kramarzewski and Ennio De Nucci
Procedural Storytelling in Game Design by Tanya X. Short and Tarn Adams
Professional Techniques for Video Game Writing by Wendy Despain
Rules of Play by Salen and Zimmerman
Storyworlds Across Media: Toward a Media-Conscious Narratology (Frontiers of Narrative) by Marie-Laure Ryan, Jan-Noël Thon, et al
Tabletop Game Design for Video Game Designers by Ethan Ham
The Art of Game Design, 3rd Edition by Jesse Schell
The Board Game Designer’s Guide: The Easy 4 Step Process to Create Amazing Games That People Can’t Stop Playing by Joe Slack
The Cambridge Introduction to Narrative by H. Porter Abbott
The Grasshopper, by Bernard Suits
The Routledge Companion to Video Game Studies by Bernard Perron and Mark J.P. Wolf
The Routledge Encyclopedia of Narrative Theory by David Herman
The Ultimate Guide to Video Game Writing and Design by Flint Dille & John Zuur Platten
Unboxed: Board Game Experience and Design by Gordon Calleja
Video Game Storytelling: What Every Developer Needs to Know about Narrative Techniques by Evan Skolnick
Writing for Video Game Genres: From FPS to RPG edited by Wendy Despain
Writing for Video Games by Steve Ince
100 Principles of Game Design by DESPAIN