Arcades, Consoles, and the Birth of a Medium
Video games began as computer science experiments and engineering curiosities before they found their way into arcades. Simple but addictive titles exploded in popularity. When home consoles arrived, families could play together without leaving the couch, forming memories around platformers, adventures, and puzzle games.
History isn’t just a list of devices; it’s a story about design breakthroughs and community enthusiasm. The shift from cartridges to discs and then to digital stores changed how players discover, purchase, and preserve games. Indie developers leveraged accessible tools to share personal ideas that stood beside blockbuster releases. Meanwhile, the internet connected players across continents, enabling co‑op adventures and thriving mod scenes.