The world of gaming has come a long way since the early days of simple, text-based games. As technology has advanced, so too has the complexity and sophistication of video games. But which game can be considered the first to capture the hearts and minds of gamers worldwide? In this article, we will delve into the history of action games and uncover the title that laid the foundation for a beloved genre. Join us as we explore the evolution of action games and discover the game that started it all.
The Beginnings of Action Games
The Emergence of Arcade Games
Early Arcade Games
Arcade games emerged in the early 1970s as a new form of entertainment for the masses. The first arcade games were simple and basic, but they laid the foundation for the more complex games that would follow. One of the earliest arcade games was Pong, which was released in 1972 by Atari. Pong was a simple game that involved two paddles controlled by the player, which bounced a ball back and forth at each other.
Another popular arcade game from the early 1980s was Space Invaders. In this game, the player controlled a cannon at the bottom of the screen and had to shoot aliens that were moving across the screen. The game was highly addictive and was one of the first games to become a major commercial success.
Asteroids was another popular arcade game from the early 1980s. In this game, the player controlled a spaceship and had to navigate through a field of asteroids while shooting them down. The game was known for its high level of difficulty and its innovative use of vector graphics.
The Rise of Home Consoles
As arcade games became more popular, companies began to develop home consoles that would allow players to enjoy their favorite games in the comfort of their own homes. One of the first home consoles was the Atari 2600, which was released in 1977. The Atari 2600 was a revolutionary console that could play a variety of different games, including sports games, action games, and puzzle games.
Another popular home console from the early 1980s was the ColecoVision. The ColecoVision was a powerful console that could play a variety of different games, including action games, sports games, and even classic arcade games.
The Intellivision was another popular home console from the early 1980s. The Intellivision was known for its innovative controller, which featured a disc-shaped directional pad that allowed players to move their characters in all directions. The Intellivision was also known for its high-quality graphics and sound, which made it a favorite among gamers.
The Golden Age of Action Games
Platformers and Beat ‘Em Ups
Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros. is considered one of the most influential and iconic platformers of all time. Released in 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), the game follows the adventures of Mario and his brother Luigi as they navigate a series of obstacles and enemies to save Princess Peach from the clutches of the evil Bowser.
The game’s success was due in part to its innovative gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to jump on top of enemies and use power-ups to gain special abilities. Additionally, the game’s colorful and imaginative world, created by legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, captured the hearts of players worldwide.
Double Dragon
Released in 1987 for the NES, Double Dragon is a classic beat ’em up game that allows players to control martial artists Billy and Jimmy Lee as they fight their way through hordes of enemies to save Billy’s girlfriend, Marian. The game was praised for its smooth and responsive controls, as well as its innovative cooperative multiplayer mode, which allowed two players to team up and take on the game’s challenges together.
Final Fight
Final Fight, released in 1989 for the arcade, is another popular beat ’em up game that follows the adventures of wrestler-turned-fighter Cody Travers and his friends as they battle their way through the criminal underworld of Metro City. The game’s stunning visuals and engaging storyline, combined with its intense and satisfying combat system, made it a fan favorite and helped to establish the beat ’em up genre as a staple of the action game genre.
First-Person Shooters
Doom
Doom, released in 1993, was one of the first games to popularize the first-person shooter genre. Developed by id Software, the game’s success was due in part to its innovative use of 3D graphics and the ability for players to move in any direction. The game’s storyline involved the player battling against hordes of demonic creatures in a futuristic setting, which added to its appeal. Doom’s fast-paced gameplay and multiplayer mode made it a hit among gamers, and it spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs.
Wolfenstein 3D
Wolfenstein 3D, released in 1992, was another groundbreaking game in the first-person shooter genre. Developed by id Software, the game was a successor to the classic 2D game, Castle Wolfenstein. The game’s 3D graphics and interactive environments were revolutionary at the time, and it introduced the concept of stealth gameplay, where players could sneak up on enemies and perform silent takedowns. The game’s storyline involved the player fighting against Nazi forces in an alternate history where they had won World War II. Wolfenstein 3D was a commercial success and inspired many subsequent games in the genre.
Quake
Quake, released in 1996, was a landmark game in the first-person shooter genre. Developed by id Software, the game was known for its advanced 3D graphics and multiplayer mode, which allowed players to compete against each other in deathmatch and team deathmatch games. Quake also introduced the concept of a dynamic environment, where levels could change and enemies could spawn in different locations. The game’s storyline involved the player battling against an otherworldly force in a Gothic setting, which added to its mystique. Quake was a critical and commercial success, and it spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs.
Modern Action Games
The Evolution of First-Person Shooters
Call of Duty
Call of Duty is a first-person shooter video game franchise that has been widely popular since its inception in 2003. The game’s developers, Infinity Ward, created a realistic and immersive World War II experience that quickly captured the attention of gamers worldwide. With its intense multiplayer mode, Call of Duty revolutionized the first-person shooter genre and paved the way for future games in the series.
Halo
Halo is another iconic first-person shooter franchise that was first released in 2001. Developed by Bungie Studios, Halo combines fast-paced gameplay with a compelling storyline set in a futuristic sci-fi universe. The game’s unique blend of combat, exploration, and vehicle-based gameplay has made it a fan favorite and has inspired numerous spin-off games, books, and even a feature film.
Battlefield
Battlefield is a first-person shooter series that focuses on large-scale warfare and team-based gameplay. The series was first introduced in 2002 and has since grown to become one of the most popular first-person shooter franchises in the world. Battlefield games feature massive multiplayer battles with up to 64 players on a single map, making it a favorite among players who enjoy intense, strategic gameplay.
Open-World Action Games
Open-world action games have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering players the freedom to explore vast, immersive environments and engage in a variety of activities. These games often feature nonlinear gameplay, allowing players to complete objectives in any order they choose. Some notable examples of open-world action games include:
Grand Theft Auto
The Grand Theft Auto series, developed by Rockstar Games, is widely considered to be one of the pioneers of the open-world action game genre. The series’ latest installment, Grand Theft Auto V, was released in 2013 and set a new standard for open-world games. Players take on the role of a criminal attempting to rise through the ranks of a criminal organization in the fictional city of Los Santos, based on Los Angeles. The game features a massive, fully-realized city to explore, a robust combat system, and a wide variety of vehicles to drive.
Assassin’s Creed
The Assassin’s Creed series, developed by Ubisoft, is another popular example of an open-world action game. The series is set in a fictional history of real-world events and follows the story of an assassin as they work to stop a secret organization known as the Templars. The series’ latest installment, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, was released in 2020 and is set in the Viking era. The game features a vast, open-world environment for players to explore, a variety of weapons and abilities, and a compelling storyline.
Fallout
The Fallout series, developed by Bethesda Game Studios, is a post-apocalyptic open-world action game that has been critically acclaimed for its deep, complex storytelling and immersive world-building. The series’ latest installment, Fallout 4, was released in 2015 and is set in the ruins of Boston, Massachusetts. The game features a vast, open-world environment for players to explore, a deep crafting system, and a branching storyline that allows players to make choices that affect the game’s outcome.
The Impact of Action Games on Popular Culture
The Gaming Industry
Economic Impact
The gaming industry has had a profound impact on the global economy. With the rise of action games, the video game industry has become a major player in the entertainment industry, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year. This has led to the creation of thousands of jobs in game development, design, marketing, and distribution, as well as the growth of related industries such as software development and hardware manufacturing.
Technological Advancements
Action games have also played a significant role in driving technological advancements in the gaming industry. As game developers push the boundaries of what is possible with new hardware and software, they have created new technologies and techniques that have had a wider impact on the tech industry as a whole. For example, the development of advanced physics engines and AI systems for use in action games has led to breakthroughs in fields such as robotics and artificial intelligence.
Cultural Shift
Action games have played a significant role in shaping popular culture and changing the way people interact with technology. As more and more people have become involved in gaming, it has become a part of everyday life for many people, and has helped to create a new culture of gamers and gaming communities. This has led to the growth of eSports and competitive gaming, as well as the creation of new forms of entertainment such as live streaming and content creation.
In addition, the rise of action games has also led to a shift in the way that people think about video games. Once seen as a niche hobby for a small group of enthusiasts, gaming is now recognized as a mainstream form of entertainment with a global audience. This has led to increased interest in gaming from mainstream media, as well as the development of new forms of storytelling and narrative in video games.
Society and Social Interactions
Gaming Communities
Action games have fostered the growth of gaming communities, allowing players to connect and engage with one another beyond the confines of their consoles. These communities have provided a platform for players to share tips, strategies, and gameplay experiences, contributing to the overall popularity and longevity of action games. In the early days of gaming, players would gather in arcades to compete against one another, but as home consoles became more prevalent, online communities emerged as the primary hub for gamers to socialize and compete.
Esports and Competitive Gaming
The rise of esports has played a significant role in the evolution of action games. As competitive gaming gained traction, game developers began designing titles specifically catering to the esports scene. Games like Street Fighter, Tekken, and Super Smash Bros. became staples in the competitive gaming landscape, attracting professional players and fans alike. Esports tournaments and events have drawn massive audiences, further solidifying the importance of action games in popular culture.
Gaming as a Form of Entertainment
Action games have also transformed the way people consume entertainment. The accessibility of gaming has made it a favorite pastime for millions of people worldwide. From casual mobile games to immersive console experiences, action games cater to a wide range of interests and skill levels. As a result, gaming has become a primary form of entertainment for many, with players spending countless hours exploring virtual worlds and engaging in intense battles.
These social interactions surrounding action games have not only contributed to their popularity but have also shaped the gaming industry as a whole. The integration of online communities, esports, and competitive gaming has made action games an essential part of the cultural landscape, influencing everything from technological advancements to the development of new gaming genres.
FAQs
1. What is an action game?
An action game is a video game genre that emphasizes fast-paced gameplay, usually involving physical challenges and combat. These games often require quick reflexes and skill to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies.
2. When was the first action game created?
The first action game is a matter of debate, but it is generally agreed that the earliest examples of the genre were created in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Games like Space Invaders and Pac-Man laid the groundwork for the action game genre, but they were relatively simple compared to later titles.
3. What was the first popular action game?
The first popular action game is also a matter of debate, but many experts consider the game to be 1980’s “Missile Command”. The game was developed by Steve Cartwright and was released by Atari in 1980. The game was popular due to its unique concept of defending six cities from incoming missiles.
4. What was the impact of Missile Command on the gaming industry?
Missile Command was one of the first games to use a ball-and-paddle control scheme, which would become a staple of the action game genre. The game was also one of the first to use multiple levels, which helped to keep players engaged and add a sense of progression to the game. Additionally, Missile Command was a commercial success, which helped to establish the video game industry as a viable form of entertainment.
5. How did the action game genre evolve after Missile Command?
After Missile Command, the action game genre continued to evolve and expand. Games like Donkey Kong, Super Mario Bros, and Sonic the Hedgehog introduced new mechanics and gameplay elements that would become staples of the genre. As technology improved, action games became more complex and immersive, with better graphics, smoother animations, and more varied gameplay. Today, action games are one of the most popular genres in gaming, with a wide variety of sub-genres and styles to choose from.