An arcade machine is a coin-operated gaming device that is commonly found in public establishments such as restaurants, bars, and amusement parks. Some arcades, such as video arcades, were also in dedicated locations. Arcade machines are made up of an easy-to-use control panel, a cabinet that houses the electronic components, and a screen that can be either a cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor or, more recently, a liquid crystal display (LCD). Because arcade games are so popular, many game consoles have been developed to bring the arcade experience into people's homes.
In this blog post, we'll look at the history of arcade games before the golden age, some of the most popular games from that period, and how they influenced the gaming industry as a whole. So, let's go back in time to the golden age of arcade games!
When was the golden age of arcades?
It is generally accepted that the golden age of arcade games took place sometime between the late 1970s and the middle of the 1980s. [Citation needed] Arcade video games were at the height of their popularity and the impact they had on culture during this period. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders, and Asteroids are just some of the games that helped make this era the golden age of video games. These games had a significant impact on the development of the gaming industry as it exists today and continues to do so.
How did arcade games become so popular?
It is challenging to determine the precise reason(s) why arcade games became so popular in the 1970s and 1980s. On the other hand, there are a few factors that almost certainly contributed to their widespread acceptance.
To begin, the technology behind arcade games was always being upgraded, which made them increasingly appealing to people who played video games.
Second, the proliferation of home video game consoles such as the Atari 2600 made it possible for individuals to play arcade games even if they did not live in close proximity to a physical arcade.
The widespread play of older video game formats, such as Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, was a significant factor in the development of a strong sentimental attachment to these kinds of games.
Popular Arcade Classic Game List:
In the following, we will talk about some of the arcade games that were extremely popular during the peak of the arcade industry.
Pac-Man:
1980 witnessed the release of the classic arcade game Pac-Man. The objective of each level is to consume all the dots while avoiding ghosts. Pac-Man had a significant impact on the gaming industry because it was one of the first games to feature a player-identifiable character.
Donkey Kong:
Donkey Kong is yet another classic arcade game from 1981. The goal of the game is to save a damsel in distress while avoiding hazards such as barrels and fireballs. Donkey Kong also had an impact on the gaming industry by introducing the now-iconic character Mario.
Space Invaders:
Space Invaders is a retro arcade game that debuted in 1978. The game's goal is to shoot down waves of aliens while avoiding their shots. Space Invaders had a significant impact on the gaming industry because it was one of the first games to use a scrolling screen.
Asteroids:
Asteroids is a legendary video game that first appeared in arcades in 1979. The game's objective is to demolish asteroids while attempting to avoid collisions with other objects. Asteroids were also instrumental in developing the gaming industry because it was the first game to utilise the now-common mechanic of power-ups.
How have arcade games influenced the gaming industry?
The impact that arcade games had and continue to have on the video game industry can still be seen today. For instance, the majority of contemporary video games for consoles and personal computers stick to the arcade-style layout, featuring quick-playing levels that are simple to pick up and get started with. People can continue to enjoy these classic games by playing them on modern platforms because of the thriving retro gaming scene that has developed as a direct result of the widespread appeal of traditional arcade video games.
Make contact with Arcade Australia!
Check out Arcade Australia if you want to learn more about the history of arcade games or play some classic games yourself. We're a group of dedicated gamers who want to preserve the history of arcade gaming and make it available to everyone.
Arcade Australia sells a wide variety of classic arcade games as well as modern games inspired by the classics. On our website, you can learn more about Arcade Australia. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in getting started in the world of arcade gaming. Thank you for your time!