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Start up
Throughout the 40s and 50s the ground work for video games were laid out, but in 1960, the dream started to become a reality. there was a race to put out the first home video game console. Ralph Baer created a prototype in 1967, patented it in 68 and it was released four years later as the odyssey in 1972, becoming the first home video game console. -
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The breakthrough
In 1975, Atari released Pong for homes. This little joystick would allow people to play ping pong on their TVs, with one control and one ball going back and forth. After moderate success, in 1977, the Atari 2600 was released. The first console where multiple games were allowed to be played. The player could switch out games. multiple buttons allowed for settings. This is the first modern adaptation of a video game console and it sold 30 million units -
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The 80s
With arcades taking off, more and more people wanted to be able to play their favorite video games from their own house. Than, in its most important moment, Nintendo launched their first console the NES for a very affordable price, selling over 60 million units worldwide. Along with the Gameboy in 1989. Video games were mainstream, but at the time nothing more than harmless fun. This would soon change. -
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The 3d era
In 1995 and 96 respectively, the PlayStation and N64 launched. These consoles were finally able to make video games in 3d, instead of the 2d format used prior. This allowed for some games to be more in depth, real stories to be told. Cutscenes allowed for video games to be longer, player controlled movies. -
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Simulated reality
The sims, coming out in 2000, allows for people to live their dream life. Becoming a cultural icon, millions of people have played the franchise and have been able to express their goals and dreams through the platform -
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the 7th generation
The 7th generation of video game consoles including the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, used their platforms for more than just fun. Although many games were just dumb fun, games such as deus ex, flower, watchdogs and many many more, begin to tackle real social issues and start conversation within the gaming community -
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Life like Games
With the just recently passed 8th generation of games, video games became a recognized part of art. games are now looked at through the same lens as movies or books. Games were used to tell stories and express the creators emotions through a fun form of media -
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Pandemic
With the Covid-19 pandemic. Millions of people worldwide turned to games as a source of fun and comfort during the pandemic, Games such as animal crossing, a simulation cartoonish game where you build and create a village you control, helped relax people, and take their mind off the terrors outside. -
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The future
The newest consoles have come out, and video games are surpassing any other forms of media in terms of content and revenue. With them becoming cultural celebrations. They continue to expand and become a staple in the world and a way for people to transport themselves into a virtual world void of their real world issues