Computer Game History Part 2 1980's- 1990's

In the 1980’s personal computers were becoming a more common sight in the homes of the general public in developed countries. Businesses started to become more dependent on computer systems and jobs were becoming available that required a knowledge of using a computer.

With the increase in popularity computer games and consoles and the publishing costs so low, more and more computer games were being developed. Although large proportions were based on existing games, new games were being developed. It was at this time that computer games began to fit into different genres including; Adventure games, Beat ‘em up, Interactive movie, Maze games, Platform games, Platform- adventure games, Racing games, Role playing games, Rhythm games, Scrolling shooters, Stealth games, Survival horror and Vehicle simulation games.

The 1980’s continued to revolutionize computers through the creation of newer and more advanced consoles. The Commodore 64 and the Sinclair ZX Spectrum found instant success and quickly became the most popular consoles in the UK and Europe.

This second generation of computer gaming came to an end in 1983 when there was a ‘crash’ in the industry. Many companies were made bankrupt due to huge losses. The ‘crash’ is suspected to have been caused due to the production of poorly designed video games.

In 1985 the video game industry was revived with the arrival of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), and so the third age of computer gaming begun. The NES was an instant success and dominated the North American and Japanese markets. It was at this time that the Sega Master System (yay!) became a huge success across Europe, Australia and Brazil. 1986- 1989 saw the release of some of the most successful gaming series today, make their debut. These included Zelda, Final Fantasy and Metal Gear.
The 1990’s saw the rapid increase in home consoles as the fourth and fifth generations of consoles were released. Consoles became more popular due to the transition from pixels to 3D graphics. Games came in the form of CD ROM’s instead of cartridges. Major success came to Sega’s Megadrive, Nintendo’s N64 and Sony’s newly created Playstation. Video gaming success was increased with the creation of handheld consoles and the ability to play games on a mobile phone.

This did however have a devastating effect on arcades as less and less people went to arcades to play games now they had access to a console at home.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Revolution
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_video_games
http://www.computerhope.com/history/198090.htm