You know that super-advanced, limitless gaming world that we have at our fingertips today? It all sprouted from ideas that were born in arcade games.
Could the new Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare have come about without the classic Time Crisis? What about Candy Crush? That was inspired by the arcade simplicity of games like Pac-Man?
It’s hard to believe now, but the six-reel, cut scene and mini-game packed slot machines of today all sprouted from the original “one-armed bandits”.
Here’s a look at three of the top arcade games and what legacy they left behind.
Time Crisis
All arcade fans that grew up in the ‘90s will remember that sense of overwhelming despair from discovering that the arcade hall you just walked into didn’t have Time Crisis.
For some, the classic two-player, first-person shooter was the pinnacle of arcade gaming and an arcade essential.
It had cooperative action, a compelling storyline, and infinite enemies to pump full of lead.
Now modern day 'shoot ’em ups' like Call of Duty have taken elements from Time Crisis and used modern technology to enhance them.
All the cooperative aspects can be done with multiple players online using headsets to communicate.
The storylines are also complex and (a lot of the time) based on real-life wars.
Plus, the weaponry is more sophisticated and accurate to existing artillery.
Liberty Bell
The Liberty Bell is a classic because of what it started.
The simple, lever operated three-reel slot designed by Charles Fey was a seed that grew into a multimillion-dollar industry.
Developers took the idea and helped it to evolve over time as more advanced technology became available.
The initial innovations were basic: greater numbers of symbols on the reels and the opportunity to play for higher pay-outs. In 1975 the first all-electric slot machine was created, and it opened up new avenues of possibilities for the games.
The contemporary fruit machines came stacked with special features, side-games, and bonuses.
Naturally, the online universe has taken the slot machine experience to the next level.
The slot games that we play now at online casinos often have up to six-reels, theme music, cut-scenes, and side games that open up in a different window.
Each game also has a cool and original theme - Pimped and Tower Quest being two great examples.
Pac-Man
Pac-Man is often considered to be the quintessential arcade game; it is still well-loved now in its various forms.
In the ‘80s, though, it was at the centre of popular culture.
In 1982 it was estimated that there were 30million active players across the United States, and revenues from Pac-Man licensed products brought in over $1billion.
Pac-Man was easy to play, fun, addictive and it didn’t have to be too time-consuming.
Mobile app games that have become increasingly popular over the last seven years have drawn on these features to attract users.
The success of Candy Crush is a prime example of an app that took a lot of inspiration from arcades like Pac-Man. In 2015 the monthly revenue of the app was $120million.
The history of gaming is like a grand oak tree and the online slots, cooperative online multiplayer games, and multimillion selling mobile apps are the lush green leaves. The classic arcade games that inspired what we know and love today are the roots.
