Video Game History

Magnavox Odyssey

1972

This was the first home video game console ever to be released in the market. It was a major pioneer in the video game industry, because it inspired other companies to make better consoles. It was the first ever portable video game console that people could take with them and plug in anywhere.

Pong

1972

This was the first video game and most influential event in video game history. It was a big thing in the 70's. It had a very simple control scheme that made it easy for new players to learn.

The Gameboy

1989

This was the third best selling console in history. This console got more people into gaming in the 80's and 90's. It was the first portable console.

"Doom"

1993

This was the original first person shooter game and was the first game that offered player versus player. Doom was frequently discussed in the media because of the graphics and violence but that only made the game more popular. The popularity inspired other companies to make copycat games.

Introduction of the ESRB

1994

When violent games like Doom and Mortal Kombat became more popular, many game makers came together to start a rating system for games that is similar to movie ratings. They did this because of the negative feedback from the press. It became a convenient tool for parents to understand what games their children should and shouldn't play.

Playstation 2

2000

This console was the best selling console of all time.It set the standards of newer consoles higher. The PS2 was also the first gaming console with a DVD drive that allowed storage space for high resolution graphics.

Microsoft Consoles

2001

When Microsoft began making consoles, they had a serious impact on the way people played games. Their consoles were innovative, and modern/new looking. These consoles were so well liked that it pushed other companies to create even better consoles to beat Microsoft but Microsoft stayed in the top ten consoles for 16 years.