10 Ways That 1980s Culture Has Shaped the Modern Gaming World

The 1980s marked a period of great change in the gaming industry. Although the gaming industry had already been established since the 1950s, the 1980s saw a surge in the popularity of video games, with arcade games and home consoles becoming widely available. Through this period of growth and innovation, the '80s have had a lasting impact on the modern gaming world. Here are some interesting ways the 1980s influenced the gaming world:

Arcade Games

The 1980s saw a huge boom in the popularity of arcade games, with classic titles like Pac-Man and Space Invaders becoming household names. Today, arcades still exist in many places, although they have now been largely replaced by home consoles. The popularity of arcade games in the '80s also gave rise to the competitive gaming scene, with the first competitive arcade tournaments being held in the late '80s.

Family Computer

In 1983, the Japanese Family Computer, also known as the Famicom, was released. This console was a huge success in Japan and later went on to dominate the US market as the Nintendo Entertainment System. The NES was a revolutionary device, and its success marked the beginning of the home console market.

3rd Generation Video Game Consoles

The 1980s also saw the release of the Sega Mark III, which later became known as the Sega Master System. This console went up against the Nintendo Entertainment System head-on and was the first of the third generation of video game consoles.

Casino Games

The 1980s saw a surge in popularity in casino games, with Datamost releasing the "Casino" video game in 1982. This game included five popular casino games such as blackjack, baccarat, video poker, keno, and roulette. This game was a huge success and paved the way for the development of modern online casinos, where you can grab free spins and other perks.

Popular Video Games

The '80s produced some of the most memorable video games in history. Titles such as Tetris, SimCity, Defender, Super Mario Bros., and Prince of Persia became instant classics and remain popular to this day.

Video Game Developers

The '80s also saw the emergence of some of the most influential video game developers in history. Companies such as 3D Realms, Accolade, Access Software, Alfa System, and Arc System Works were all founded in the '80s and have produced some of the most beloved video game series of all time.

Impact on Other Industries

The '80s saw the emergence of a culture of video gaming, and its impact was felt in other industries. For example, the story of the science fiction movie Tron was based on the life of a computer programmer, and the song "Pac-Man Fever" by Buckner and Garcia reached number 9 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

LAN Networks and the Internet

The real revolution in gaming came when LAN networks, and later the Internet, opened up multiplayer gaming. Gamers could now play with each other online thanks to these networks, which changed the whole gaming industry.

3D Graphics

In the second half of the decade, video games entered a new dimension with the introduction of 3D graphics. This made games much more immersive and paved the way for 3D games we play today.

Artistic Beauty

Games have since transformed into staggeringly beautiful works of art. With the rise of modern technology, video games have become more realistic and detailed. This has allowed for more detailed experiences and more immersive gaming environments.

The 1980s were an essential decade in the history of video games, and its influence can still be seen in the modern gaming world. Through advancements in technology and the emergence of new gaming trends, the '80s have had a lasting impact on the gaming industry and its culture.

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