Computers started as devices for computing and mathematics, solved logical problems and executed programs to complete a particular task. That soon all changed when some software companies realised that computers could be conduits for entertainment. Computer games started being released by the early 1980s. University students designed the games on university mainframe computers, that is when the seed was sown for competitive gaming. Although they were nothing compared to the calibre of some of the Esport games you see today.
Nevertheless, it was quite an impressive achievement considering when they were designed. Computer games received a boost after the introduction of the home or personal computer. The hi-def graphics and 3D video games that we play today are indeed a result of inventions in the past. Most people play them, but they don’t realise what allows them to enjoy the entertaining technology. With several ups and downs in their evolution, advancement was not that fast. There were many initial challenges to make the gaming experience better.
The Beginning
Atari was the very first company to produce a video game in 1975. The game console cleverly incorporated dual nobs on the right and the left. They were used to control the movement of a rectangular block on the screen from left to right. They also permitted players to hit a ball between two users. That game was called Pong, somewhat similar to a table tennis video game. Two years later, Atari invented another gaming console. It used a cartridge system known as the Video Computer System (VCS), and eventually renamed Atari 2600. Other games created for the console include The Galaxians, Space Invaders, Donkey Kong and Super Mario. A football game allows a user to play offensive, while the opponent handles a three-person defensive line-up.
The 1980’s and Beyond
In 1980, many new video games were being created with more exciting features than earlier releases like Defender, Battle Zone, and the famous Pacman. In 1985, game consoles started losing its market share. There were advanced PC and hand-held unit games available in the market. Later, the company became known as Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) created the animated characters Mario and Luigi, which became renowned in the game Super Mario Bros. It remains one of the best-selling games to date. Mario became a cultural icon all over the world. A 1991 survey indicated that children could identify Mario even more than Mickey Mouse! Software companies quickly seized the opportunity to mass-produce games for home computer owners. The games were initially a bit primitive but did the job of entertaining.
Graphics and User Interface
The best development for computer games was the introduction of Graphical User Interface or a GUI in 1995. That served to broaden the games’ prospects. That was the very beginning of mass-producing of computer games. Microsoft allowed many games to operate on their new platform to the delight of the software companies who developed computer games and computer gamers. After that everything exploded, and computer games were everywhere. Every type of game imaginable was available for the computer. After the introduction of Windows XP, game releases were much higher in quality. The computers by that time were quite impressive compared with the previous versions. The higher demand for superior quality computers was met by Software companies who developed games which were challenging and out of the ordinary. The game experience and thrill factor pushed the limits. Computers have reached new levels of speed and quality. The games are now a dream come true for all computer gamers. The graphic quality, the gameplay, sounds and the attention to detail is incredibly high that once you play the games, you get hooked!
Variety of Games
There is a non-stop flow of online computer games which are reaching stores. Software companies compete with one another to create better and more games. The outcome would be a fantastic gaming experience for all types of computer gamers. Video games today make up a multi-billion global industry. Nearly 75% of American homes have members who regularly play video games. They have been around for decades and span all platforms, from arcade games to home consoles, handheld and mobile devices. They are at the forefront of emerging, new computer technology.
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