History of PC

Gaming

by Riley Noble

Introduction

PC (or Personal Computer) Gaming as it stands today is not much of an offshoot from generic console gaming, with some major differences in delivery and control. With PC Gaming, you can mould and transform your experience and, if you are willing, take it to the next level. The ability to create your own ideal experience is what makes computer gaming so fascinating to me, and is why I decided to make a presentation on it.

How SMART is PC Gaming?

PC Games in themselves do not come with a processor, though said processor is required to operate them. The typical computer comes with one relatively high-powered CPU as opposed to several. These processors are generally manufactured by either the Intel or AMD brand. A computer processor handles all the calculations and instructions the computer receives or has to make. A good processor is able to do this quickly, and with ease.

History of PC Gaming I

Tennis for Two (1958)

The first “real” computer game, it does well to show just how far games in general have come in such a relatively short time. The game was created by William Higinbotham, a physicist who worked on the Manhattan Project, to spruce up a “visitor day” at the laboratory. It was a huge hit with the attendees.

History of PC Gaming II

SpaceWar! (1962)

The first game released that was intended to be played on a computer, SpaceWar! was revolutionary for the time and much more advanced than it’s predecessors. Developed mostly by a team of three (Steve Russell, Martin Graetz, and Wayne Wiitanen) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the game took around 200 hours to create.

History of PC Gaming III

Space Invaders (1978)

Space Invaders was not the first computer game or arcade game, though it was an extremely important step for the entire industry. The game was released at a time when video games were just starting to fall out of favour, and almost single handedly pulled them out of a depression with its massive popularity and simple game mechanics. The game was created by Tomohiro Nishikado and inspired by Atari’s Breakout.

History of PC Gaming IIII

Tetris (1984)

Like Space Invaders, Tetris was a simple game that captured the hearts and minds of those who played it. One of the last major releases to come out before home consoles, Tetris showed how simply a puzzle game with easily graspable game mechanics and catchy music could take the world by storm. The game was designed and programmed by Alexey Pajitnov of the Soviet Union.

Top of the Line I

Bioshock Infinite (2013)The newest entry on this list, Bioshock Infinite takes the series in a different direction from the previous Bioshock titles, deciding on a more linear layout as opposed to the more open-ended levels of the first Bioshock. However, it works out swimmingly and what we end up with is a fantastic action game layered under an arguably even more fantastic storyline. The characters in the game have depth and don’t seem to get in the way as they do other games in the genre, and the skyhook system is innovative and greatly entertaining. If you’ve got the money, Bioshock Infinite is well worth it.

39.99 on Steam

49.99 retail

Top of the Line II

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011)Ah, Skyrim. Everyone who’s anyone knows about the massive undertaking that is The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The sequel to the equally-well-received The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Skyrim takes everything that made Oblivion great and pumps it up to eleven. Bigger map, better graphics, more places to explore, more loot, everything about this game screams “bigger”. Many an hour has been wasted on this game with it’s intuitive leveling system and environment, and with the addition of Steam Workshop support, Skyrim can be modified to suit your very own needs, regardless of whether that be an Iron Man suit or turning your horse into a sports car. As it stands, the game is expanding faster than people can play it, and that’s what makes it so amazing. Buy it, and play it.

29.99 on Steam

39.99 retail

Top of The Line III

Portal 2 (2011)The sequel to 2007’s Portal, Portal 2 is a huge step forward in graphics, story, and level design over it’s predecessor. A brilliantly crafted narrative ties together a series of coherent, yet at times, difficult levels, each more beautiful and mind-boggling then the last. A monument to great game design, Portal 2 also comes with a hectic and entertaining co-op mode and a level creator. Any PC gamer who is worth his salt should know, and have played, this game.

19.99 on Steam

19.99 retail

And the Winner Is...

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Honorable Mention:Portal 2

Honorable Honorable Mention:Bioshock Infinite*this list will be outdated in about a week

Prediction for the Future

With the growing popularity of things such as the Oculus Rift and 3D treadmill, PC Gaming is prone to some major changes in the next couple years, hopefully for the better. As this occurs, PC games will only become more popular and revered and filthy console peasants will be forced to switch to the glorious master platform or be crushed beneath the heel of change.

But Seriously...

PC Gaming is revolutionizing the entertainment industry at an alarming rate in terms of delivery and overall experience and it may become important that one understands some of the internal workings of the industry to become successful in computer technology at all.

Bibliography

• http://www.cs.uu.nl/docs/vakken/b2go/docs/history_of_games.pdf

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PC_game

• http://www.computerhope.com/history/game.htm

• http://www.jesperjuul.net/thesis/2-historyofthecomputergame.html