Gaming History Timeline
Journey through the most influential years in gaming history
Pac-Man
Namco releases Pac-Man, creating the first gaming mascot and generating over $1 billion in quarters during the 1980s.
Donkey Kong
Nintendo introduces Donkey Kong and debuts Mario (originally "Jumpman"), revolutionizing platform games.
Nintendo Famicom
Nintendo releases the Famicom in Japan, later becoming the NES, saving the video game industry after the 1983 crash.
Tetris
Alexey Pajitnov creates Tetris in the Soviet Union, becoming one of the most recognizable and addictive puzzle games ever.
Super Mario Bros.
Nintendo releases Super Mario Bros. for NES, establishing the template for side-scrolling platform games.
The Legend of Zelda
Nintendo releases the first Zelda game, pioneering the action-adventure genre with its open-world exploration.
Final Fantasy
Square releases the first Final Fantasy, launching one of the most beloved JRPG franchises in gaming history.
Nintendo Game Boy
Nintendo launches the Game Boy, revolutionizing portable gaming and selling over 118 million units worldwide.
Street Fighter II
Capcom perfects the fighting game formula, spawning the competitive fighting game community and tournament scene.
Wolfenstein 3D
id Software creates the first popular first-person shooter, laying the groundwork for the FPS genre.
Doom
id Software releases Doom, revolutionizing 3D graphics and multiplayer gaming while pioneering game modding.
Super Mario 64
Nintendo launches the N64 with Super Mario 64, defining 3D platformer controls and camera systems.
Half-Life
Valve's Half-Life revolutionizes storytelling in FPS games, proving that action games can have compelling narratives.
Sega Dreamcast
Sega releases the Dreamcast, the first console with built-in internet connectivity, ahead of its time.