Term
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Definition
Late 1800s
Most direct progenitor to videogames. |
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Term
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Definition
1931 [David Gottlieb]
First mass-produced game.
Change from cue to plunger.
Granddaddy of pinball machines. |
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Term
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Definition
1933 [Henry Williams]
First pinball machine with electronic scoring components. |
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Term
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Definition
1947 [Harry Mabs]
Inclusion of flippers.
Change from luck-based to skill-based game. |
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Term
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Definition
1948 [Steven Kordek]
Six flippers replaced with two.
First of modern pinball machines. |
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Term
| Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) 'Game' |
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Definition
1947 [Thomas T. Goldman]
Vacuum tube with electron guns and fluorescent screen.
Inspired by WWII radar displays.
Missile simulator.
Screen overlays. |
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Term
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Definition
1951
Mathematical strategy game on machines. |
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Term
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Definition
1952 [Alexander S. Douglas]
Rotary telephone dialer as controller. |
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Term
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Definition
1958 [William Higgenbotham]
Modified CRT/Oscilloscope to bounce electron beam back and forth.
Widely popular with Brookhaven's visitor's day. |
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Term
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Definition
1962 [Steven Russell]
PDP-1 computer.
Inspired hacks by other students at the universities.
No AI - human opponent.
Never made any profit. |
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Term
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Definition
1971 [Nolan Bushnell]
Commercial failure: controls were too complex.
Fiberglass cabinet: inspired the design of arcade cabinets. |
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Term
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Definition
1972 [Magnavox/Ralph Baer]
First video game home console.
Offered different games by using screen overlays. |
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Term
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Definition
1972 [Atari/Al Alcorn]
First arcade game with widespread success.
Simple gameplay and clear objective. |
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Term
Pin Pong
Dr. Pong
Pong Doubles |
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Definition
1974 [Atari]
Alternative Pong games created by Atari. |
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Term
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Definition
1974 [Atari]
First driving video game.
Didn't do too well - difficult controls and unimpressive graphics. |
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Term
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Definition
1973/1974 [Atari]
Controversial - controllers were rubber balls similar to female breasts.
Did ok in terms of success, but not a big success. |
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Term
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Definition
1975
Cabinet shaped like a shark mouth.
Objective: Hunt Sharks |
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Term
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Definition
1975 [Midway]
New graphics style.
First Japanese game in US market. |
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Term
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Definition
1974 [Kee Games]
Very popular game to 'compete' against Atari. |
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Term
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Definition
1976 [Atari]
One of first games to have color.
Designed to have reduced number of Integrated Circuits. |
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Term
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Definition
1976 [National Semiconductor]
Used to make chips for Atari games.
Tried to compete with Atari in game business. |
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Term
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Definition
1976 [Coleco]
First game system from Coleco.
FCC problems - prototype was originally unsafe. Fixed by Ralph Baer. |
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Term
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Definition
1976 [Fairchild]
First game system to have unique 'controllers' and interchangeable cartridges.
Games not popular but hardware caught on for future systems. |
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Term
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Definition
1976 [Exidy]
First video game controversy based on content aimed at kids.
Use cars to run over 'gremlins' that screamed and left crosses when killed.
Very successful. |
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Term
| Video Computer System/Atari 2600 |
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Definition
1977 [Atari]
First game console with joysticks.
Utilized MOS Technologies 6502; 'Stella'
8-Bit processor. |
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Term
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Definition
1976 [Midway]
Included periscope to shoot down ships. |
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Term
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Definition
1979 [Atari]
Contains the first Easter Egg in a video game.
Made by Warren Robinett |
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Term
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Definition
1978 [Taito]
Very successful Japanese game in Japan and US |
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Term
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Definition
1979 [Atari]
Game that utilized a trackball and caused many injuries to players. |
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Term
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Definition
1978 [Cinematronics]
Arcade game made by Steven Russell |
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Term
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Definition
1979 [Atari]
Successful arcade game that didn't utilize color.
Vector scan. |
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Term
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Definition
1980 [Atari]
Programmed by first female game designer. |
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Term
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Definition
1979 [Midway]
Breakthrough in colors. |
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Term
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Definition
1980 [Atari]
One of the most difficult games to beat. |
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Term
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Definition
1980 [Williams Electronics/Eugene Jarvis]
First game with side-scrolling. |
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Term
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Definition
1980 [Namco]
Original name 'Puck Man'
Inspired by eating pizza.
Intended for nonviolent gaming audience. |
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Term
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Definition
1980 [Atari/Ed Rotberg]
Use of periscope to shoot tanks.
Request from military to train soldiers - declined.
Game with immersion; vector graphics. |
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Term
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Definition
1981 [Nintendo]
Nintendo's first big success in US market.
One of first games with a story and characters. |
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Term
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Definition
1982 [Midway]
Modified game board.
Not created by original creator.
Most popular arcade game in history. |
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Term
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Definition
1982 [Atari]
Games made for Christmas 1982.
Poor quality and too many created.
Buried in Alomogordo desert.
One of causes of Great Video Game Crash |
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Term
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Definition
1982 [Activision]
One of most successful Activision games.
Originally for Atari 2600, ported to other systems later on. |
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Term
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Definition
1982 [Gottlieb Company]
Fairly successful game.
Only video game from Gottlieb Company.
Well known for its sounds and character. |
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Term
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Definition
1978 [Magnavox]
Odd designs for game cartridges.
Poor graphics and games.
Commercial failure. |
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Term
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Definition
1980 [Mattel]
Decent system.
Had similar games to VCS and Colecovision. |
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Term
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Definition
1982 [Coleco]
Two-year development period.
Arcade-quality graphics.
Brighter colors and smoother animation.
Very successful. |
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Term
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Definition
1982 [Atari]
Never as popular as VCS/2600.
Worse graphics than Colecovision.
Poor controller (joystick).
Did not sell well. |
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Term
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Definition
1981 [Atari/Dave Theurer]
First 'First Person Shooter' |
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Term
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Definition
1979 [Atari/Eugene Jarvis]
First game with sympathized speech. |
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Term
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Definition
1982 [General Consumer Electronics/ Milton Bradley Company]
Console with TV included.
Too expensive, preloaded games only, couldn't replace TV.
Example of market flooding. |
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Term
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Definition
1982 [Purina Dog Food]
Very simple maze game.
Example of market flooding. |
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Term
| One-on-One: Dr. J vs. Larry Bird |
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Definition
1983 [Electronic Arts]
First game to be endorsed by athletes |
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Term
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Definition
1988 [Electronic Arts]
Longest running game franchise. |
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Term
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Definition
~1968/1969 [Nolan Bushnell]
One of Bushnell's earliest games.
Prototype AI. |
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Term
Radar Scope
Space Fever
Sheriff |
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Definition
1979-1980
Nintendo games - failures at succeeding in US market. |
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Term
Famicom (JPN)
Nintendo Entertainment System (US) |
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Definition
1983 [Nintendo]
First home-console for Nintendo.
Redesigned for US market. |
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Term
ROB
Robotic Operating Buddy |
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Definition
1985 [Nintendo]
Included with NES in order to sell system as a toy/entertainment system.
Only worked with two games. |
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Term
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Definition
1985 [Nintendo]
The two games compatible with ROB. |
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Term
| Duck Hunt & Hogan's Alley |
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Definition
1984-1985 [Nintendo]
Two games compatible with the Zapper.
Example of progression in video game graphics/visual style. |
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Term
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Definition
1968 [SEGA]
First major success for SEGA.
Introduced .25/play mechanic. |
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Term
Mark III (JPN)
Master System (US) |
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Definition
1986 [SEGA]
First introduction into US market.
Top-Loading Cartridges; joypad/dpad. |
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Term
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Definition
1987 [Nintendo]
Full-screen movement
Instruction booklet and call center
One of first to sell 1 million cartridges |
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Term
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Definition
1987 [Nintendo]
Early 1st person on console.
Athletic endorsement ended after contract to uphold brand/family-friendly image. |
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Term
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Definition
1987 [Nintendo]
One of first games with alternative endings based on completion/time.
Precision jumping and female protagonist. |
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Term
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Definition
1987 [Konami]
Immersive environment, shading, smooth motion, compelling story |
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Term
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Definition
1987 [Konami]
First use of the Konami Code |
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Term
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Definition
1987; 1990 [Lucas Arts]
Example of censorship and easter eggs in 3rd-party games.
Explode the hamster in the microwave |
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Term
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Definition
1988 [Nintendo]
Originally 'Doki Doki Panic'
Released for American audience. |
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Term
Super Mario Bros 2 (JPN)
Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels |
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Definition
1986 [Nintendo]
Original sequel to SMB1
Thought to be too difficult for American players.
Eventually released in US. |
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Term
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Definition
1988 [Konami]
'Rated R' game in its original release.
Didn't fit Nintendo's image. |
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Term
| Zelda II: Adventure of Link |
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Definition
1988 [Nintendo]
Different from original game.
Side-scrolling with RPG elements. |
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Term
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Definition
1983-1984
Early Sega home consoles.
Only released in Japan
Forgettable. |
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Term
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Definition
1988 [Tengan/Atari]
Version of Tetris made for NES using stolen/cracked 10NES Code.
Removed from stores after Nintendo's threats |
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Term
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Definition
1989 [Nintendo]
Nintendo's versions of Tetris. |
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Term
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Definition
1989 [SEGA]
Motorola 68000 Processor
Zilog Z80 Secondary Processor
64 Colors and 16-Bit |
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Term
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Definition
1989 [SEGA]
Showed off Graphics of the system.
Originally packaged with the Genesis. |
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Term
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Definition
1989 [SEGA]
Game made by/endorsed by Michael Jackson |
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Term
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Definition
1987 (JPN)/1989 (US) [Hudson Soft and NEC]
Competition in the 16-Bit war |
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Term
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Definition
1989 [Nintendo]
Sold 17 million copies worldwide
Example of success of 8-bit game |
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Term
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Definition
1989 [Nintendo/Gunpei Yokoi]
First handheld for Nintendo
Bundled with Tetris - big success |
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Term
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Definition
1991 [SEGA/Yuji Naka]
Created to be SEGA's new character mascot.
Focused on speed and attitude. |
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Term
Super Famicom
Super Nintendo Entertainment System |
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Definition
1990 (JPN)/1991 (US) [Nintendo]
16-Bit; 32,000 colors; Custom Processor |
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Term
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Definition
1991 [Nintendo/Miyamoto]
Game packaged with SNES
Shading, depth, minute details
Sold all 1 million US units |
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Term
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Definition
1989 (Capcom)
Decent game that showcased Okamoto's abilities. |
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Term
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Definition
--- (Konami)
Game that got Okamoto fired from Konami |
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Term
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Definition
1987 (Capcom; Arcade/TurboGrafx CD)
Foreground, Facial Expressions, Animation, Details
Decent enough to warrant sequent |
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Term
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Definition
1991/1992 (Capcom; Arcade/SNES)
Clean, ornately detailed, cartoony, colorful/humorous, brutal action, hidden moves (chain combos), bright graphics
Nintendo bought exclusive home-console rights |
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Term
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Definition
1992
CD attachment for the Sega Genesis |
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Term
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Definition
1992
Games for the Sega CD
One caused controversy because of gameplay and content |
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Term
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Definition
1993
PC game
Crisp clean lines, atmosphere, weather elements, shadows, shapes
Father of Computer Games
1st PC game to sell 1 million
Sold 4 million copies |
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Term
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Definition
1993
Violent and Controversial PC Game
Very Successful |
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Term
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Definition
1993
Decent PC Game
Point & Click Ghost Story |
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Term
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Definition
1993
Successful fighting game
Violent fatalities caused controversy |
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Term
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Definition
1993 [Atari]
Marketed as 64-Bit System
Unsuccessful:
Too expensive
Not many games produced
Not really 64-bit console |
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Term
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Definition
1993 [Panasonic]
RJ Mical and Dave Needle
32-Bit Console with Multimedia features: games, photos, and music.
3D graphics easier and better quality
Unsuccessful:
Too expensive |
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Term
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Definition
1994-95 [Sega]
32-Bit System
Very Popular in Japan
Hesitation to Release in US causes problems for Sega |
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Term
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Definition
1993-95 [Sega]
Popular arcade game in Japan
Translated well to console.
One reason US players wanted Sega Saturn and were upset by delayed release. |
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Term
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Definition
1994 [Sega]
Released as hardware intended to expand lifespan of Genesis as a 32-bit console
Released in US instead of Saturn.
Unsuccessful:
Few good games developed for console.
Terrible party thrown for critics. |
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Term
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Definition
1994 [Nintendo]
SNES game used to show off the hardware capabilities of 'Ultra 64' console. |
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Term
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Definition
1994 [Nintendo/Rare]
Very successful game - saved SNES
Artistic, technological breakthrough, smooth animation
Fastest selling game 1973-1994
Won Nintendo the 16-bit war |
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Term
| Seven Sega Consoles in the Market |
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Definition
Genesis
Saturn
Game Gear
Pico
CD
32x
32x CD |
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Term
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Definition
1994-1995 [Sony]
Console easy to develop/program games
Described as elegant, sleek, and powerful
Priced $100 cheaper than Sega Saturn
Received 100+ developers and 300+ games by US release |
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Term
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Definition
1995 [Nintendo]
Major console failure for Nintendo
Only two colors, black and red.
Caused discomfort and headaches
Unfounded blame on Gunpei Yokoi |
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Term
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Definition
1995-1996 [Nintendo]
AKA Project Reality/Ultra 64
Included analogue controller and pressure sensitivity as innovation.
Nintendo's 64-Bit/3D console. |
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Term
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Definition
1996-1997 [Nintendo/Game Freak]
Big seller that kept the GameBoy alive.
Contained 2 versions to encourage trading social interaction.
Generated a billion-dollar franchise. |
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Term
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Definition
1997 [Rare]
Popular first-person shooter for N64
Five million copies sold by 1999
Challenged Nintendo's 'Family Friendly' image. |
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Term
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Definition
1999 [Sega]
Sega's final console.
3 million polygons/second.
Brought change in Sega's advertising.
Made obsolete before its release. |
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Term
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Definition
2000 [Sony]
Capable of 60 million polygons/second.
Media console.
Backward compatible.
Make the Dreamcast obsolete before its release. |
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Term
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Definition
2001 [Microsoft]
Microsoft's first game console
Kept as a secret project until its release.
Stripped down Windows with ethernet card
Better graphics than PS2 |
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Term
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Definition
1998-1999 [Sega]
One of best selling games for Dreamcast. |
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Term
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Definition
2001 [Sony]
Racing Game that was instant million seller
Really helped boost hardware sales for the console. |
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Term
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Definition
2001 [Microsoft]
First-person shooter that was widely successful for online multiplayer
Really helped boost hardware sales for the console. |
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Term
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Definition
2001 [Nintendo]
Decent game system in terms of games and technology.
Limited launch titles and small library.
Not seen as a 'big contender' console. |
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Term
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Definition
2005 [Microsoft]
Developed from 2003-2005.
Super computer of gaming.
78.2 million copies sold by 2013 |
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Term
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Definition
2006 [Nintendo]
Console that was a massive academic success
Seen as a 'healthy console'
Advancement in technology with motion control
Saves Nintendo |
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Term
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Definition
2006 [Sony]
Expanded RAM w/ cell microprocessor
Game-genre oriented as big selling point |
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Term
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Definition
2012 [Nintendo]
Image as a family console
Advertised for multiplayer, family experience
Limited by lack of available games |
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Term
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Definition
2013 [Microsoft]
Human interaction with console/machine as big selling point.
Fear of camera/spying hurt sales
Titan Falls boosting sales |
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Term
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Definition
2013 [Sony]
Classic gaming for gamers as big selling point.
Focus on games, community, and experience.
Fastest selling console in history |
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Term
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Definition
2012 [Valve]
A digital distributor of multiplatform videogames.
Useful for big companies and indie games
Might provoke more competition, creativity, and price wars with big game companies. |
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