Some of The First Arcade Games: The Classic Arcade Game List!

Some of The First Arcade Games: The Classic Arcade Game List!

Arcade games are a subgenre of video games often installed in public locations like restaurants, pubs, and amusement parks. Anybody may play these games. They often include straightforward instructions and gameplay that are meant to be highly addictive, making them quick to learn and fun to play.

A component of gaming history that evokes feelings of nostalgia is the arcade game. They were among the first video games that people could play in public places, and they soon gained popularity due to the fact that they included exciting gameplay and controls that were simple to pick up. We're going to take a look at some of the very earliest arcade games that were ever made available in this post. In addition to that, we incorporated some exciting trivia about each game. Let's get started!

What were some of the earliest arcade games?

Early video arcade games were often adaptations of traditional tabletop or sporting events. Some of the earliest instances include the following:

Computer Space:

This was the very first arcade game that was made accessible to the public for purchase. It was first available to the public in 1971, and it was modelled off the tabletop game Spacewar! Although at the time it was released, this game was rather popular, and it was not a financial success.

Pong:

This is one of the most well-known and famous arcade games of all time. Atari published it in 1972, and it was an immediate success. This game is modelled on the sport of tennis, and it's simple to understand why it grew in popularity so rapidly.

Space Race:

Another of the first arcade games that were adapted from a board game was this one. 1973 saw the introduction of this game by Atari, which had straightforward gameplay that allowed up to four players to go head-to-head against one another.

Asteroids:

Asteroids, published in 1979, is widely regarded as one of the most influential arcade games of all time. It was one of the first games to use vector graphics, and it popularised the now-ubiquitous "twin-stick" control method. It also generated a slew of sequels and knockoffs.

arcade game

Pac-Man:

This is yet another example of a game that ranks among the most famous available in arcades. Namco first sold it in 1980, and almost immediately, it became a craze all around the world. This game is widely regarded as one of the first examples of the genre known as "maze" games, and it is not difficult to see why it has achieved such legendary status.

Donkey Kong:

Nintendo published this game in 1981, and it is regarded as one of the early instances of the "platformer" genre. It is also significant for being one of the first games to include a recognised character, Donkey Kong.

Ms Pac-Man:

1981 saw the introduction of this game, which was an unofficial continuation of the Pac-Man franchise. It was created by a little firm known as General Computer Corporation. It rose to prominence as one of the most played arcade games in history almost immediately after its release.

Galaga:

Namco published this game in 1981, and it is widely regarded as one of the most impactful shooters of all time. It generated a slew of sequels and imitators and remains popular to this day.

Tetris:

One of the most well-known puzzle games of all time. Alexey Pajitnov released it in 1984, and it instantly became a smash. It generated a slew of sequels and imitators, and it remains as popular now as it was back then.

Donkey Kong Jr.:

The sequel to Donkey Kong, this game was launched by Nintendo in 1982. It incorporates a variety of new gameplay concepts and features Donkey Kong's offspring as a playable character.

Short History of First Arcade Games!

Now that we've looked at some of the original arcade games let's look at the history of arcade machines.

Arcade games first gained popularity in the 1970s, with early examples being Computer Space and Pong. These games, based on existing board games or sports, rapidly gained popularity with the general population.

Arcade games grew even more popular in the 1980s with the debut of classics such as Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Galaga. These games pioneered new genres and gameplay mechanisms that would impact many subsequent video games.

Although arcade popularity declined in the 1990s, certain iconic games such as Tetris and Donkey Kong were still produced.

Arcade games are no longer as popular as they once were, yet they remain a favourite among gamers.

Contact Arcade Australia!

Contact Arcade Australia now if you're interested in purchasing an arcade machine or learning about these vintage games. Arcade Australia has a large variety of vintage and current arcade machines, so you're sure to find something you'll like.

We hope you liked this look back at the early arcade games. Which ones are your favourites? Please let us know in the comments section below! If you want to purchase your arcade machine, don't forget to contact Arcade Australia. Thank you for your time!

Back to blog