#gaming-history

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#playstation

PlayStation creator Ken Kutaragi says Sony execs opposed device and 'everyone told us we would fail'

Ken Kutaragi's persistence turned the PlayStation into a gaming revolution despite facing skepticism from Sony executives and developers.

Former SIE CEO and "the father of the PlayStation" Ken Kutaragi says that no one, not even Sony, believed the PS1 would be a success

Sony originally had little confidence in the PlayStation's success, despite it becoming one of the best-selling consoles of all time.

9 Lost Blockbusters Might Find A New Home On PS5 This Year

PlayStation may soon improve backward compatibility for PS3 titles, potentially allowing players to revisit notable games from that era.

Astro Bot - All Cameo Bots And Secret Characters List

Astro Bot is a nostalgic tribute to PlayStation, featuring 169 hidden characters from its rich gaming history.

PlayStation creator Ken Kutaragi says Sony execs opposed device and 'everyone told us we would fail'

Ken Kutaragi's persistence turned the PlayStation into a gaming revolution despite facing skepticism from Sony executives and developers.

Former SIE CEO and "the father of the PlayStation" Ken Kutaragi says that no one, not even Sony, believed the PS1 would be a success

Sony originally had little confidence in the PlayStation's success, despite it becoming one of the best-selling consoles of all time.

9 Lost Blockbusters Might Find A New Home On PS5 This Year

PlayStation may soon improve backward compatibility for PS3 titles, potentially allowing players to revisit notable games from that era.

Astro Bot - All Cameo Bots And Secret Characters List

Astro Bot is a nostalgic tribute to PlayStation, featuring 169 hidden characters from its rich gaming history.
moreplaystation
#zx-spectrum

The Rubber-Keyed Wonder: The Story of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum review glory and geekery

The ZX Spectrum transformed home computing and the gaming industry, making technology accessible and exciting for a generation of British teens.

Christmas 1984: A turning point for 8-bit home computing

The UK home computer market in 1984 offered diverse choices and was thriving despite looming challenges and the aftermath of the US video game crash.

The Rubber-Keyed Wonder: The Story of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum review glory and geekery

The ZX Spectrum transformed home computing and the gaming industry, making technology accessible and exciting for a generation of British teens.

Christmas 1984: A turning point for 8-bit home computing

The UK home computer market in 1984 offered diverse choices and was thriving despite looming challenges and the aftermath of the US video game crash.
morezx-spectrum
#game-development

Fancy a look at Half-Life 2: Episode 3? For Half-Life 2's 20th anniversary, Valve shares a jam-packed documentary showing some of the infamous episode that never was

Valve's release of Half-Life 2 updates includes a glimpse into the unreleased Episode 3 and highlights the game's lasting impact.

World Of Warcraft At 20 Is The Same And Increasingly Unrecognizable, And That's By Design

World of Warcraft has evolved significantly over 20 years, remaining a cultural phenomenon with millions of players and multiple game versions offered by Blizzard.

30 Years Ago, One Game Changed the Feeling of Racing Games Forever

Sega Rally Championship significantly influenced racing games by prioritizing realism, shaping the future of the genre in unique ways.

Everything You Need to Know About 'Final Fantasy 17'

The origin story of Final Fantasy's name is a myth; it was originally going to be called Fighting Fantasy until trademark issues arose.

35 Years Later, The First Real-Time Strategy Game Changed It All

Herzog Zwei is considered the first real-time strategy game, influencing future genres despite being released on the Sega Genesis.

20 Years Ago, Call Of Duty's First B-Team Changed The Franchise Forever

Call Of Duty has maintained its dominance in the FPS genre for over 20 years, continually evolving with distinct entries and cinematic gameplay.

Fancy a look at Half-Life 2: Episode 3? For Half-Life 2's 20th anniversary, Valve shares a jam-packed documentary showing some of the infamous episode that never was

Valve's release of Half-Life 2 updates includes a glimpse into the unreleased Episode 3 and highlights the game's lasting impact.

World Of Warcraft At 20 Is The Same And Increasingly Unrecognizable, And That's By Design

World of Warcraft has evolved significantly over 20 years, remaining a cultural phenomenon with millions of players and multiple game versions offered by Blizzard.

30 Years Ago, One Game Changed the Feeling of Racing Games Forever

Sega Rally Championship significantly influenced racing games by prioritizing realism, shaping the future of the genre in unique ways.

Everything You Need to Know About 'Final Fantasy 17'

The origin story of Final Fantasy's name is a myth; it was originally going to be called Fighting Fantasy until trademark issues arose.

35 Years Later, The First Real-Time Strategy Game Changed It All

Herzog Zwei is considered the first real-time strategy game, influencing future genres despite being released on the Sega Genesis.

20 Years Ago, Call Of Duty's First B-Team Changed The Franchise Forever

Call Of Duty has maintained its dominance in the FPS genre for over 20 years, continually evolving with distinct entries and cinematic gameplay.
moregame-development
#video-games

This 1996 Video Game Boss Remains Iconic Decades Later

Memorable video game bosses, particularly from older titles like Bowser, have significantly impacted gaming culture and industry.

Demon's Souls Is More Than Dark Souls' Weird Brother

Demon's Souls revolutionized the Soulslike genre with uncompromising mechanics that challenge player expectations and redefine fun.
Its punitive design choices laid the groundwork for future games in the genre.

30 PlayStation 1 Games We'll Never Forget

The unexpected shift of Nintendo from discs to cartridges gave birth to the original PlayStation, altering gaming history.

nintendo museum to open in kyoto with eight interactive game experiences

Nintendo Museum opens October 2, 2024, showcasing the history of Nintendo with interactive exhibits, a café, and themed merchandise.
It features eight interactive play experiences enhanced with digital technology for immersive gaming.

36 Years Later, Nintendo Will Bring Back One Classic Game to Life This Year

Tetris Forever is a historic compilation celebrating 40 years of Tetris through gameplay and documentary.
The project combines gameplay from 15 Tetris versions with creator interviews and archival footage.

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines at 20: A masterpiece of RPG storytelling which might just have a blighted bloodline of its own

The launch of 'Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines' in 2004 illustrates the changing dynamics of the gaming industry over the past two decades.

This 1996 Video Game Boss Remains Iconic Decades Later

Memorable video game bosses, particularly from older titles like Bowser, have significantly impacted gaming culture and industry.

Demon's Souls Is More Than Dark Souls' Weird Brother

Demon's Souls revolutionized the Soulslike genre with uncompromising mechanics that challenge player expectations and redefine fun.
Its punitive design choices laid the groundwork for future games in the genre.

30 PlayStation 1 Games We'll Never Forget

The unexpected shift of Nintendo from discs to cartridges gave birth to the original PlayStation, altering gaming history.

nintendo museum to open in kyoto with eight interactive game experiences

Nintendo Museum opens October 2, 2024, showcasing the history of Nintendo with interactive exhibits, a café, and themed merchandise.
It features eight interactive play experiences enhanced with digital technology for immersive gaming.

36 Years Later, Nintendo Will Bring Back One Classic Game to Life This Year

Tetris Forever is a historic compilation celebrating 40 years of Tetris through gameplay and documentary.
The project combines gameplay from 15 Tetris versions with creator interviews and archival footage.

Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines at 20: A masterpiece of RPG storytelling which might just have a blighted bloodline of its own

The launch of 'Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines' in 2004 illustrates the changing dynamics of the gaming industry over the past two decades.
morevideo-games
from Polygon
3 weeks ago

The best new tabletop RPG books of 2024

Dungeons & Dragons celebrates 50 years of influence in the tabletop RPG industry, showcasing both innovation and deep-rooted nostalgia.

Celebrate D&D's 50th anniversary

Dungeons & Dragons celebrates its 50th anniversary as a cultural icon with lasting influences on fantasy art, storytelling, and mainstream interest over the decades.
#xbox-360

Xbox Adds Throwback 360 "Blades" Dynamic Background To Make You Feel Old

Microsoft released a dynamic background based on the iconic 'Blades' format from Xbox 360.

Microsoft Is Selling An Xbox 360 Red Ring Of Death Ugly Sweater, But You Can't Have It

Microsoft celebrates the Xbox 360's red ring of death with a festive ugly sweater for employees.
The red ring of death highlighted significant hardware vulnerabilities in the Xbox 360.
Microsoft's cost to address this issue surpassed one billion dollars.

Xbox Adds Throwback 360 "Blades" Dynamic Background To Make You Feel Old

Microsoft released a dynamic background based on the iconic 'Blades' format from Xbox 360.

Microsoft Is Selling An Xbox 360 Red Ring Of Death Ugly Sweater, But You Can't Have It

Microsoft celebrates the Xbox 360's red ring of death with a festive ugly sweater for employees.
The red ring of death highlighted significant hardware vulnerabilities in the Xbox 360.
Microsoft's cost to address this issue surpassed one billion dollars.
morexbox-360
#video-game-industry

Top 10 PlayStations, ranked

The PlayStation brand celebrates 30 years of innovation and impact, with the PlayStation 2 regarded as one of the best consoles of all time.

Do NOT mention this game on the podcast

Night Trap is considered one of the most important games in the history of the medium despite being widely regarded as one of the worst.
Night Trap caused a moral panic in the US that led to the implementation of age ratings systems for video games.

Top 10 PlayStations, ranked

The PlayStation brand celebrates 30 years of innovation and impact, with the PlayStation 2 regarded as one of the best consoles of all time.

Do NOT mention this game on the podcast

Night Trap is considered one of the most important games in the history of the medium despite being widely regarded as one of the worst.
Night Trap caused a moral panic in the US that led to the implementation of age ratings systems for video games.
morevideo-game-industry
#nintendo

23 Years Ago, This Best-Selling Nintendo Handheld Walked So the Switch Could Run

The Game Boy Advance revolutionized handheld gaming with improved display, performance, and power, setting the stage for Nintendo's dominance.

20 Years Ago, Nintendo's Most Inventive Console Revealed Today's Weird Future

History can provide valuable lessons that lead to innovation and success in gaming.
Nintendo has a legacy of overcoming skepticism through unique design and technology.

30 Years Ago, Nintendo Released Its Most Inventive Platformer - And Changed Mario Forever

Hindsight is crucial in tracking evolution in biology and gaming. Nintendo's deep history provides insights for the future of franchises like Mario.

The Best Ever Game Controller May Be Set for a Comeback

The GameCube controller is a significant improvement and continues to influence modern controller designs.

NES Tetris Is Being Re-Released For The First Time Ever

The NES version of Tetris will be available for the first time since its original release, enhancing Nintendo's Switch Online offering.

A missing piece of NES history is finally coming to Switch

NES Tetris is coming to Nintendo Switch Online on Dec. 12, marking its first official reissue since 1989.
The game has become essential in competitive Tetris play, influencing modern esports.
Nintendo fought hard for the rights to Tetris in the late 1980s, showcasing its strategic importance.

23 Years Ago, This Best-Selling Nintendo Handheld Walked So the Switch Could Run

The Game Boy Advance revolutionized handheld gaming with improved display, performance, and power, setting the stage for Nintendo's dominance.

20 Years Ago, Nintendo's Most Inventive Console Revealed Today's Weird Future

History can provide valuable lessons that lead to innovation and success in gaming.
Nintendo has a legacy of overcoming skepticism through unique design and technology.

30 Years Ago, Nintendo Released Its Most Inventive Platformer - And Changed Mario Forever

Hindsight is crucial in tracking evolution in biology and gaming. Nintendo's deep history provides insights for the future of franchises like Mario.

The Best Ever Game Controller May Be Set for a Comeback

The GameCube controller is a significant improvement and continues to influence modern controller designs.

NES Tetris Is Being Re-Released For The First Time Ever

The NES version of Tetris will be available for the first time since its original release, enhancing Nintendo's Switch Online offering.

A missing piece of NES history is finally coming to Switch

NES Tetris is coming to Nintendo Switch Online on Dec. 12, marking its first official reissue since 1989.
The game has become essential in competitive Tetris play, influencing modern esports.
Nintendo fought hard for the rights to Tetris in the late 1980s, showcasing its strategic importance.
morenintendo

25 Years Later, An Overlooked PlayStation RPG Deserves a Remake More Than Anything Else

The Legend of Dragoon, though reminiscent of Final Fantasy 7, introduces unique elements deserving of a remake.
#nintendo-museum

Nintendo Museum Set to Open in Kyoto, Chronicling Over a Century of Gaming History | stupidDOPE

The Nintendo Museum opens in Kyoto this fall, celebrating the company's 134-year history with interactive displays and immersive experiences.
The museum includes classic consoles, a massive Wii controller, and hands-on activities connecting visitors to Nintendo's origins.

Nintendo Museum to showcase 132 years of the company's gaming history - Yanko Design

The Nintendo Museum will open this October, showcasing a century of gaming history and interactive experiences for fans of all ages.

Nintendo Museum Puts Limits On Gift-Store Merch To Discourage Scalpers

The Nintendo Museum has implemented merchandise limits to combat scalpers selling exclusive items at inflated prices.

The Nintendo Museum is better than I thought - in fact, the worst thing about it is probably the name

The Nintendo Museum offers a beautifully designed but ultimately underwhelming experience for dedicated fans and visitors.
The museum feels more like a fan's collection than a comprehensive representation of Nintendo's history.

Nintendo is limiting how much merch you can buy from its new museum's gift shop

The Nintendo Museum opened in Kyoto, emphasizing historical and interactive gaming experiences while implementing purchase limits to deter merchandise flipping.

Here's Our First Look At The Nintendo Museum

The Nintendo Museum in Kyoto will open on October 2, showcasing Nintendo's history through displays and interactive experiences.

Nintendo Museum Set to Open in Kyoto, Chronicling Over a Century of Gaming History | stupidDOPE

The Nintendo Museum opens in Kyoto this fall, celebrating the company's 134-year history with interactive displays and immersive experiences.
The museum includes classic consoles, a massive Wii controller, and hands-on activities connecting visitors to Nintendo's origins.

Nintendo Museum to showcase 132 years of the company's gaming history - Yanko Design

The Nintendo Museum will open this October, showcasing a century of gaming history and interactive experiences for fans of all ages.

Nintendo Museum Puts Limits On Gift-Store Merch To Discourage Scalpers

The Nintendo Museum has implemented merchandise limits to combat scalpers selling exclusive items at inflated prices.

The Nintendo Museum is better than I thought - in fact, the worst thing about it is probably the name

The Nintendo Museum offers a beautifully designed but ultimately underwhelming experience for dedicated fans and visitors.
The museum feels more like a fan's collection than a comprehensive representation of Nintendo's history.

Nintendo is limiting how much merch you can buy from its new museum's gift shop

The Nintendo Museum opened in Kyoto, emphasizing historical and interactive gaming experiences while implementing purchase limits to deter merchandise flipping.

Here's Our First Look At The Nintendo Museum

The Nintendo Museum in Kyoto will open on October 2, showcasing Nintendo's history through displays and interactive experiences.
morenintendo-museum

The PS2 has somehow sold another 5m units since 2013, helping it remain the best-selling console of all time

Nintendo Switch is close to surpassing PS2 as the best-selling console with ongoing strong sales.
PS2's sales updated by Sony reveal it has reached 160 million units sold, complicating Switch's path to the record.

The character designs in this iconic RPG took less than a day to make!

Planescape: Torment's iconic companions were quickly created by a 2D artist with no modeling experience, showcasing talent and rapid development.
#half-life-2

Half-Life 2 Gets Big 20th Anniversary Update, As New Information On Episode 3 Revealed

Half-Life 2 celebrates its 20th anniversary with an update, new commentary, and free availability on Steam for a limited time.

20 Years Ago, Modern Gaming Began With 'Halo 2' and 'Half-Life 2'

Halo 2 and Half-Life 2 are pivotal in gaming history for their innovation and legacy.

Valve's Half-Life 2 Episode 3 footage makes me even sadder that this game wasn't made

Half-Life 2: Episode 3 featured unique gameplay concepts but was ultimately shelved as Valve shifted focus to other projects.

Half-Life 2 Gets Big 20th Anniversary Update, As New Information On Episode 3 Revealed

Half-Life 2 celebrates its 20th anniversary with an update, new commentary, and free availability on Steam for a limited time.

20 Years Ago, Modern Gaming Began With 'Halo 2' and 'Half-Life 2'

Halo 2 and Half-Life 2 are pivotal in gaming history for their innovation and legacy.

Valve's Half-Life 2 Episode 3 footage makes me even sadder that this game wasn't made

Half-Life 2: Episode 3 featured unique gameplay concepts but was ultimately shelved as Valve shifted focus to other projects.
morehalf-life-2

Remembering 20 years of World of Warcraft

World of Warcraft revolutionized the gaming industry since its release in 2004, becoming a major influence in MMORPGs and live service gaming.

Exclusive Images: DC Heroes RPG announces 40th anniversary Kickstarter campaign

DC Heroes is returning with a 40th anniversary revised edition through a crowdfunding campaign launched by Cryptozoic Entertainment.

GOG's Preservation Program is the DRM-free store refocusing on the classics

GOG is launching a Preservation Program focused on ensuring compatibility and support for classic PC games, revitalizing their original mission.
#xbox-game-pass

PlayStation Plus Just Quietly Added the Most Chaotically Fun Multiplayer Shooter Ever

PlayStation Plus Classics library, featuring TimeSplitters 2, provides a unique nostalgic gaming experience unmatched by new releases.

Xbox Game Pass Just Added A Criminally Underrated, Fire-Breathing Legend

Spyro Reignited Trilogy joins Xbox Game Pass, enhancing access to classic games for subscribers.

PlayStation Plus Just Quietly Added the Most Chaotically Fun Multiplayer Shooter Ever

PlayStation Plus Classics library, featuring TimeSplitters 2, provides a unique nostalgic gaming experience unmatched by new releases.

Xbox Game Pass Just Added A Criminally Underrated, Fire-Breathing Legend

Spyro Reignited Trilogy joins Xbox Game Pass, enhancing access to classic games for subscribers.
morexbox-game-pass
#emulation

Pushing Buttons: The emulator app helping gamers replay classics from their youth for now

Delta app allows users to play classic games through emulation, which is legal, but downloading game copies is illegal.

Someone found a new Donkey Kong Country 2 cheat code

A new cheat code for Donkey Kong Country 2 has been discovered, allowing players to exit levels and return to the overworld map.

Pushing Buttons: The emulator app helping gamers replay classics from their youth for now

Delta app allows users to play classic games through emulation, which is legal, but downloading game copies is illegal.

Someone found a new Donkey Kong Country 2 cheat code

A new cheat code for Donkey Kong Country 2 has been discovered, allowing players to exit levels and return to the overworld map.
moreemulation

iPod fans evade Apple's DRM to preserve 54 lost clickwheel-era games

The preservation of clickwheel iPod games highlights the risks to gaming history and the cultural importance of archiving digital content.

We Finally Know How Many PS3s Were Ever Made

Sony has officially confirmed the production number of PS3 consoles at 88,159,116 units manufactured between 2006 and 2016.

Two Awesome Gaming History Books Are On Sale Right Now

The Console Chronicles provides an in-depth history of gaming consoles and their impact on the industry.
Bitmap Books specializes in high-quality publications that celebrate video game history and culture.
from Ars Technica
2 months ago

Ward Christensen, BBS inventor and architect of our online age, dies at age 78

BBS facilitated early online communication, gaming, and community building before the Internet became widespread.
#video-game-culture

New Art Book Explores Mortal Kombat's Bloody 30-Year Visual History

Mortal Kombat: Flawless Victory offers a detailed history of the franchise and will be released on August 5, 2025.

The best alternative to Sony's $700 PS5 is this $36 book

The PS5 Pro's high price has sparked nostalgia for simpler gaming experiences and a renewed interest in documenting gaming's history.

New Art Book Explores Mortal Kombat's Bloody 30-Year Visual History

Mortal Kombat: Flawless Victory offers a detailed history of the franchise and will be released on August 5, 2025.

The best alternative to Sony's $700 PS5 is this $36 book

The PS5 Pro's high price has sparked nostalgia for simpler gaming experiences and a renewed interest in documenting gaming's history.
morevideo-game-culture

Nexus Ops Review

Nexus Ops, a 2005 light wargame, combines thrilling dice combat with strategy, highlighting a unique place in the evolution of modern board gaming.

From Puzzle Bobble to Bubble Witch: A Journey Through 5 Iconic Bubble Games

Bubble-themed games combine fun and strategy, evolving from simple arcade diversions to a popular video game subgenre.

UFO 50 is the best retro-gaming homage I've ever played

UFO 50 is a love letter to retro gaming, offering a well-crafted homage with 50 diverse and inventive games.

The best games that bricked consoles

The 7th console generation offered great games but was marred by hardware reliability issues like the Red Ring of Death and the Yellow Light of Death.

Flappy Bird is finally returning, 10 years after its demise

Flappy Bird will return in 2025, with new features while respecting the original game's design.

Street Fighter 6's Version Of Terry Looks And Feels Tremendous In Action

Street Fighter 6 celebrates its legacy by introducing Terry Bogard, enhancing the game with his iconic moves and character depth.

Where the computer industry went wrong

Commodore exemplifies mismanagement in the microcomputer industry despite its success with products like the Commodore 64.

SwitchArcade Round-Up: Reviews Featuring 'Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse', Plus the Latest Releases and Sales

The remaster of Sam & Max: The Devil's Playhouse celebrates Telltale Games' legacy and revives interest in their impactful adventure narrative style.

Beyond Good & Evil 25th Anniversary Edition review: still wonderfully inventive

Gaming in 2003 embraced diverse ideas and formats, like Beyond Good & Evil, a classic with unique character design and open-world feature.

So You Want To Play The Original Final Fantasy VII?

Playing the original Final Fantasy VII is recommended for fans new to the series.
Modern versions of the original game offer quality-of-life improvements and accessibility on various platforms.

Video Game History Foundation honors gaming's past with museum-style displays

Trade shows like GDC can showcase not only future game industry trends but also celebrate gaming's history.
VGHF at GDC displayed a curated history exhibit highlighting specific topics like women in gaming and the importance of preserving gaming ephemera.

The 10 Best Run-And-Gun Games for Nintendo Switch in 2024

Contra Anniversary Collection is a must-have for fans of run-and-gun games.
Metal Slug 3 and Blazing Chrome are standout titles in the run-and-gun genre.

Lost F-Zero Games Recreated By Fans Are Now Playable

Two lost F-Zero games, BS F-Zero Grand Prix I and II, are now easily accessible thanks to the F-Zero community.
The BS F-Zero Grand Prix games were originally released through the BS-X Satellaview, a Super Famicom attachment that allowed users to download games through a satellite connection.

30 Years Ago, A Gory Gaming Triumph Changed Pop Culture Forever

Doom was a groundbreaking game that defined the concept of a side-scrolling platformer and made the first-person shooter genre mainstream.
Doom's immersive first-person perspective revolutionized gaming and allowed players to experience the action as an action hero.

A Father's Day Tribute To My Much-Missed Gaming Dad

My dad, an early gamer, held a wealth of historical and UK game development knowledge before his sudden passing.
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