When Did Video Games Start?
Video games started with arcade games. One of the first games was the (now classic) pinball machine; pinball machines became very popular during the 1950’s. At this time, in the history of video games, many American servicemen were stationed in Japan. In search of entertainment for American servicemen, Japanese businesses began manufacturing more complex pinball machines. These games are often considered the precursors of today’s video games, when looking at the history of video games.
One element in the history of video games was the progression of computer technology. Without computers, today’s video games could not be played at home. Computer technology assisted in the history of video games, by creating the process to program video games. The first video games were invented during the 1960’s. These video games were not yet ready for commercialization, but the idea was beginning to be looked at.
Many of the early video games involved similar themes, such as shooting, driving or running. These games in the history of video games helped developers learn how to design more intricate games as computers became easier to use. One of the first gaming systems was sold by Magnavox. This involved several games that could be played on a television. There was a controller with three dials to control movement and an additional controller that was shaped like a rifle. The system did not sell very well, due to consumer confusion on what type of television it would need to be played on. Atari was another company that stepped up and began marketing video games. They are well known for their pong game that could be played on a television.
During the 1970’s the history of video games shows an explosion in the market. During this period, arcades began their booming business. This continued into the 1980’s and, home computers began being manufactured changing the market once again. During the 1980’s the technology advanced so quickly, that in the history of video games, this can be seen by the introduction of gaming systems for the television and handheld games.
In the 1990’s the video game industry continued creating better systems for video games. In the history of video games, this was the decade that saw the gaming systems mature and refine to a point that consumers were talking about the next system. The games are sophisticated, with quick action and amazing capabilities. Our favorite are Nintendo Wii Games.
The history of video games shows the journey that brought the gaming systems into almost every home. These systems are now an everyday part of life and the technology behind them an ever expanding business.
