80s Arcade Games

Any expert on the history of video games will tell you that the 80s were a very crucial and influential time in the development of video game design, distribution and creativity. Even if programming techniques, controls, graphics and premises have progressed almost superfluously since then, 80s arcade games still continue to have a place in the arena of video gaming after breaking ground and paving the way for modern gaming innovation. In general, the 80s saw a huge boom in the popularity and use of electronics. Initially, the video gaming industry experienced a crash as it struggled to compete with personal computer use. At the beginning of the 80s decade, video games werent yet advanced enough in technology or appeal to compete with computers, but the introduction of the Nintendo Entertainment System got video gaming back onto its feet and by the end of the 80s it was thriving. Video games were no longer just a hobbythey became a significant part of the electronics market and pop culture. Today, practically everyone has heard of 80s arcade games like Pac Man that since then have been established as icons and the frequent subject of pop culture parodies and references.

As video game hardware improved, gameplay became more complex and engaging. The one most representative icon of 80s video gaming is probably the analog joystick, which still remains a component of video gaming today. The joystick mechanism is still a part of PlayStation and Xbox game controllers and widely used for computers. The early gameplay concepts behind 80s arcade games still lurk under modern gaming as well; games like Space Invaders and Paperboy are arguably the grandfathers of the first person shooter and simulation games such as Halo and Diner Dash. And the presence of 80s gaming isnt only in a conceptual sense, as you can still literally come across old school arcade machines at the occasional hangout. The arcade genre might be a shadow of what it used to be, but it persists and ironically, the technological advancement enhances the presence of old technology as it has recently brought about a revival in classic games. Many 80s arcade games are available in mobile, emulator and downloadable ware.

So if you think that the golden age of video arcade games was over a long time ago, think again. It was never really over to begin with and it possible never will be.