Video Game History
Ongoing coverage on Video Game History.
Latest coverage
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.
How Batman Games Endured The Dark Knight’s Toughest Era
This article discusses how Batman video games navigated a challenging period in the late 1990s, balancing the legacy of The Animated Series with the less successful Batman and Robin film. Lego Batman is highlighted as a joyful retrospective of the character's gaming history.
Batman Games Begin: The Origins of the Dark Knight in Video Games
This article explores the 40-year history of Batman video games, focusing on the peculiar origins of the Dark Knight's early appearances in the medium. It contrasts these early, stranger titles with more recent interpretations like Lego Batman.
Evening Postmortems/Retrospectives
This article touches on two distinct topics: the animation work done by a Jim Henson Company puppeteer for Valve games, and a historical overview of James Bond video games. It highlights contributions to game development and the legacy of a specific franchise.
Best games you won’t believe are turning 25 in 2026
Several iconic video games released around the turn of the millennium are celebrating significant anniversaries, with many turning 25 in 2026. Titles like Gran Turismo 3, Devil May Cry, Halo: Combat Evolved, Metal Gear Solid 2, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Final Fantasy X, Silent Hill 2, Ico, Conker's Bad Fur Day, and Grand Theft Auto 3 are highlighted for their lasting impact and influence on the industry.
Best games you won’t believe are turning 25 in 2026
Several iconic video games released around the turn of the millennium are celebrating significant anniversaries, with many turning 25 in 2026. Titles like Gran Turismo 3, Devil May Cry, Halo: Combat Evolved, Metal Gear Solid 2, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Final Fantasy X, Silent Hill 2, Ico, Conker's Bad Fur Day, and Grand Theft Auto 3 are highlighted for their lasting impact and influence on the industry.
The Complete History of James Bond Games
This article chronicles the 40-year history of video games based on the James Bond franchise. It covers the evolution of these titles from their inception to the present day.
2011 was packed with iconic games: Can you guess which ones we reviewed from a quote and the score?
PC Gamer is testing readers' knowledge of iconic games from 2011 with a quiz. Players must identify 17 reviewed titles based on a single quote and their score from the magazine's archives. The article also highlights other PC Gamer quizzes available on various gaming topics.
Uncharted 4's binned original version would have had a much bigger role for Nathan Drake's love interest, Elena Fisher
A deep dive into the original vision for Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, created by series creator Amy Hennig, reveals significant differences from the final game. Hennig's version would have featured a larger role for Elena Fisher and a different narrative structure for Nathan Drake and his brother Sam. The game's development shifted significantly after Hennig's departure from Naughty Dog.
See the Alternate Version of Uncharted 4 You Never Got to Play in Eye-Opening Video
A documentary video explores the alternate version of Uncharted 4: A Thief's End that was developed under Amy Hennig before her departure. The video showcases significant differences in plot, characters, and environments compared to the final 2016 release, backed by gameplay footage and concept art. It also touches upon the game's troubled development and Sony's potential funding withdrawal.
Original Sonic designer shows off his design for Sonic’s 35th anniversary
Original Sonic the Hedgehog designer Naoto Ohshima has shared a design he created for SEGA to celebrate the franchise's 35th anniversary. The artwork features Sonic in various classic poses. Ohshima also previously revealed details about Michael Jackson's potential involvement in the music for Sonic 3 and discussed the origins of Sonic's design at GDC 2018.
