The history of video games began in the mid-20th century, emerging from early experiments in computer science and interactive entertainment. In the 1950s and 1960s, scientists and engineers created simple games such as Tennis for Two and Spacewar!, which ran on large mainframe computers. These pioneering projects demonstrated the potential for computers to be used not only for calculations but also for play. The 1970s marked the commercial birth of the video game industry with arcade hits like Pong (1972) and the rise of home consoles such as the Magnavox Odyssey. This decade laid the groundwork for a new entertainment medium that combined creativity, technology, and competition.
By the 1980s and 1990s, video games had evolved rapidly in both design and technology. Companies like Nintendo, Sega, and later Sony transformed gaming into a global phenomenon with iconic titles such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Sonic the Hedgehog. The shift from 2D to 3D graphics in the mid-1990s—pioneered by systems like the Nintendo 64 and PlayStation—revolutionized the gaming experience. Since then, advances in computing power, online connectivity, and mobile technology have expanded gaming into a diverse and accessible medium enjoyed by billions worldwide. Today, video games stand as a major cultural and economic force, influencing art, storytelling, and social interaction across generations.