Video Game History
Ongoing coverage on Video Game History.
Latest coverage
Weekend Discussion - July 5, 2026
This Weekend Discussion article from July 5, 2026, touches on various gaming topics including Demon's Souls, the World Tendency system, ammo counters, and the eerie atmosphere of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. It also features music recommendations and highlights recent Shacknews articles.
Are these the 100 most influential games of all time?
Kitfox Games CEO Tanya Short discusses a list of the 100 most influential video games of all time, compiled by professional game designers. The list, assembled through the Polaris game design retreat, aims to serve as a tool for designers to improve their craft and create influential games.
Ace Combat 8 Trailer Recaps Strangereal History Ahead of October Launch
Bandai Namco released a new trailer for Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, detailing the history of its fictional Strangereal setting. The trailer serves as a recap of major events and conflicts leading up to the game's launch on October 2, 2026. Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
ACE COMBAT 8 Revisits the Full History of Strangereal in Latest Strangereal Evolution Trailer
Bandai Namco Entertainment has released a new trailer for ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THE VE, titled 'Strangereal Evolution Episode 3'. The trailer chronicles the history of the Strangereal universe across the series, setting the stage for the upcoming game. ACE COMBAT 8: WINGS OF THE VE is scheduled for release on October 2, 2026, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
Steam Week in Review: Steam sales are the best time to hoard dozens of forgotten '90s PC gaming oddities
The Steam Summer Sale offers deep discounts on major titles, but also presents an opportunity to explore forgotten '90s PC gaming oddities. The article highlights obscure FMV racers, cyberpunk adventures, and rail shooters, suggesting that even browsing trailers and screenshots can be a fascinating dive into video game history. It also notes the ongoing popularity of games like Cyberpunk 2077 and PUBG: Battlegrounds during the sale period.
Resident Evil 2 fans end 'years of searching' for identity of Jill Valentine's photo boyfriend
A long-standing mystery in the Resident Evil 2 community has been solved: the identity of the man in the photograph on Jill Valentine's desk has been confirmed as actor Kyle MacLachlan. The image, which was impossible to discern in the original 1998 release, has been identified as a picture of MacLachlan from the early 1990s. The Resident Evil 2 Remake replaced the photo with an image of a dog.
Feature: 10 N64 Games We Played In A Wondrous Alternate Timeline
This article explores a hypothetical alternate timeline where the Nintendo 64 achieved greater market success, imagining 10 games that could have been released. It speculates on potential N64 entries for series like Fire Emblem, Tekken, Metroid, and Final Fantasy, and discusses what might have been if sequels to GoldenEye 007 and Super Mario 64 were prioritized.
Top 200 best-selling Nintendo 64 games contain some surprising revelations
New sales data from Circana's Mat Piscatella reveals the top 200 best-selling Nintendo 64 games in the US, with Super Mario 64 topping the list. The rankings highlight the console's influential role in the transition to 3D gaming and include surprising entries like Pokémon Snap and Diddy Kong Racing in the top 10.
Here Are The "Top 200" Best-Selling Nintendo 64 Games In The US
Circana has released a list of the top 200 best-selling Nintendo 64 games in the US, ranked by unit sales. The data, compiled by Mat Piscatella, focuses exclusively on games sold on cartridge for the N64 and does not include later ports. The list highlights classic Nintendo intellectual property among the top titles.
God of War 20th Anniversary Retrospective Hits New Low Price For Prime Day
A significant Prime Day discount is available on the God of War 20th Anniversary Retrospective Box Set, reducing its price from $200 to $91.63. The set, published by Dark Horse, chronicles two decades of the franchise's history, featuring artwork, interviews, and exclusive lithographs in its deluxe edition. A regular edition is also discounted to $67.
Morning Interviews
Developers behind the Tomb Raider franchise discuss the legacy of Lara Croft, her past adventures, and her future in the series. The interview touches upon the evolution of the character and the franchise's enduring appeal.
How the N64 and its games changed the world of gaming
This article celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Nintendo 64, examining its influential games and their lasting impact on the gaming industry. Despite selling fewer units than its competitor, the PlayStation, the N64 was a technical achievement that pioneered 3D graphics and gameplay mechanics, setting the foundation for many modern game design principles.
The two best years in video game history were both in the 2010s - Reader's Feature
A reader argues that 2011 and 2013 were the best years in video game history, citing a high volume of quality releases and industry-shifting console launches. The article details numerous significant titles from both years, including The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, Skyrim, The Last of Us, and Grand Theft Auto 5, alongside the debut of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
A History Of Grand Theft Auto Box Art, From GTA 1 To GTA 6
This article traces the evolution of Grand Theft Auto cover art from the original game to the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6. It highlights how Rockstar Games, and previously DMA Design, have maintained a consistent visual identity while adapting to new game settings and artistic trends, with Stephen Bliss being a key artist in establishing the iconic mosaic style.
Young gamers think one of the greatest adventure games of all time doesn’t exist
A recent article highlights a humorous disconnect where younger gamers are unaware of certain classic adventure games, suggesting a lack of historical knowledge within the current gaming demographic. This piece touches upon the importance of understanding video game history and the evolution of the adventure game genre.
Gaming industry pioneer Don Daglow reflects on key moments of his career
Gaming industry veteran Don Daglow reflects on his five-decade career, from early mainframe experiments to pioneering MMORPGs and city-building games. He emphasizes the importance of player connection and fun over technological spectacle, drawing parallels between early interactive theater and modern game design. Daglow also shares insights on industry cycles, the risks of large budgets, and the enduring value of emotionally resonant games.
The Games That Defined Our Childhood: A Generation-by-Generation Guide | TAG
This guide breaks down distinct gaming generations within the millennial demographic, highlighting the defining consoles, cultural moments, and games for those born between 1984 and 1998. It explores the impact of console wars, the rise of online multiplayer, and the unique experiences of growing up with different gaming eras, from the SNES and Genesis to the N64, PlayStation, PS2, and Wii.
PlayStation × Dragon Quest: celebrating the RPG franchise’s 40th anniversary
This article celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Dragon Quest RPG franchise by highlighting six major mainline titles released on PlayStation platforms. It examines the historical context, innovations in storytelling and gameplay, and the evolution of the series across titles like Dragon Quest VII, VIII, XI, III, and the upcoming Dragon Quest I & II HD-2D Remake and Dragon Quest VII Reimagined.
Sagan om Goldeneye 007
This article details the development of the iconic Nintendo 64 game GoldenEye 007 by Rare. It highlights how a small, inexperienced team, led by Martin Hollis and inspired by figures like Tim Stamper, overcame challenges and Nintendo's initial concerns to create a groundbreaking first-person shooter that redefined the genre on consoles. The game's success, particularly its innovative multiplayer mode, cemented its legacy in video game history.
Quiz: Hur bra koll har du på bilspel?
This article presents a quiz to test the reader's knowledge of racing video games throughout history. It covers various subgenres including arcade, rally, and modern racing simulations, inviting players to recall their favorite titles and demonstrate their expertise.