01 Jun 1952 :A.S. Douglas creates OXO, a version of Tic-Tac-Toe, with a graphical display, considered one of the earliest video games.
01 Jun 1958 :William Higinbotham creates Tennis for Two on an oscilloscope, simulating a tennis game, marking an early interactive game.
01 Jan 1962 :Developed at MIT, Spacewar! is one of the earliest widely distributed and influential computer games.
01 Nov 1971 :Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney release Computer Space, the first commercially sold arcade video game, pioneering coin-operated digital entertainment.
01 Sep 1972 :The Magnavox Odyssey is released, becoming the world's first commercial home video game console, using overlays for visuals.
29 Nov 1972 :Atari releases Pong, a table tennis simulation, becoming the first commercially successful arcade video game.
11 Sep 1977 :Atari releases the Video Computer System (VCS), later known as the Atari 2600, popularizing interchangeable game cartridges.
01 Jun 1978 :Taito releases Space Invaders, a monumental arcade hit that fuels the golden age of arcade games worldwide.
01 Jun 1979 :Roy Trubshaw and Richard Bartle create Multi-User Dungeon (MUD1), establishing the foundations of online multiplayer worlds.
01 Nov 1979 :Atari's Asteroids popularizes vector graphics, allowing sharp, scalable visuals, a significant technical leap for arcade games.
22 May 1980 :Namco releases Pac-Man, a maze chase game that becomes a global phenomenon and cultural icon.
09 Jul 1981 :Nintendo releases Donkey Kong, an iconic arcade game introducing Jumpman (Mario) and setting new standards for platformers.
01 Aug 1982 :Commodore releases the C64, becoming the best-selling single computer model, significantly expanding the home gaming market.
15 Jul 1983 :Nintendo releases the NES, reviving the home console market after the video game crash and setting new industry standards.
06 Jun 1984 :Alexey Pajitnov creates Tetris, an iconic puzzle game that becomes one of the most successful and influential games ever.
01 Sep 1985 :Origin Systems releases Ultima IV, a groundbreaking RPG emphasizing ethical choices and non-linear exploration.
13 Sep 1985 :Nintendo releases Super Mario Bros. on the NES, revolutionizing platforming games and becoming a best-selling title.
29 Oct 1988 :Sega launches the Mega Drive (Genesis in North America), introducing a 16-bit era console that challenged Nintendo's dominance.
01 Jun 1989 :Nintendo releases the Game Boy, a handheld console that popularizes portable gaming with titles like Tetris.
03 Oct 1989 :Maxis releases SimCity, pioneering the city-building simulation genre and influencing future management games.
20 Nov 1989 :Creative Labs releases Sound Blaster 1.0, making high-quality digital audio and music widely accessible for PC gaming.
01 Oct 1990 :LucasArts releases The Secret of Monkey Island, a seminal point-and-click adventure game known for its humor and puzzles.
21 Nov 1990 :Nintendo releases the SNES, a 16-bit console, intensifying the console war with Sega and offering advanced graphics.
01 Jun 1991 :Sega releases Sonic the Hedgehog, a fast-paced platformer, creating a mascot to compete with Mario.
01 Jun 1991 :Capcom releases Street Fighter II, an iconic fighting game that set new genre standards and became a global hit.
01 Sep 1991 :MicroProse releases Civilization, a groundbreaking turn-based strategy game influencing countless 4X titles.
01 Jul 1992 :Silicon Graphics releases OpenGL, a powerful, cross-platform API providing a robust foundation for 2D and 3D game rendering.
01 Jun 1993 :id Software releases Doom, a highly influential first-person shooter, popularizing online multiplayer gaming.
03 Dec 1994 :Sony enters the console market with the PlayStation, popularizing CD-ROMs and 3D graphics, becoming a dominant force.
11 Mar 1995 :Square releases Chrono Trigger, a beloved JRPG praised for its innovative gameplay, compelling story, and multiple endings.
01 Sep 1995 :Microsoft launches DirectX, providing a standardized API suite for Windows game development, crucial for 3D graphics.
27 Feb 1996 :Nintendo releases Pokémon Red and Green (Blue) in Japan, igniting a global phenomenon and launching a massive franchise.
22 Mar 1996 :Capcom releases Resident Evil, popularizing the survival horror genre and setting new standards for atmospheric gameplay.
23 Jun 1996 :Nintendo releases the Nintendo 64, popularizing analog control and 3D graphics in console gaming.
23 Jun 1996 :Nintendo releases Super Mario 64, revolutionizing 3D platforming with its camera control and open-world level design.
31 Dec 1996 :Blizzard North releases Diablo, pioneering the action RPG genre and popularizing randomized dungeons and loot systems.
21 Jan 1997 :Square releases Final Fantasy VII, a landmark RPG that elevates storytelling and cinematic presentation in games.
25 Aug 1997 :Rare releases GoldenEye 007, a landmark console first-person shooter that set standards for multiplayer on N64.
23 Dec 1997 :Polyphony Digital releases Gran Turismo, establishing a highly realistic racing simulator franchise for consoles.
31 Mar 1998 :Blizzard releases StarCraft, a seminal real-time strategy game, becoming an esports cornerstone, especially in South Korea.
22 May 1998 :Epic Games' Unreal Engine 1 debuts, showcasing advanced 3D graphics, lighting, and scripting, becoming a popular middleware solution.
24 Sep 1998 :Konami releases Metal Gear Solid, defining the stealth genre and praised for its cinematic narrative and unique gameplay.
31 Oct 1998 :Valve releases Half-Life, a critically acclaimed FPS known for its narrative integration and immersive environmental storytelling.
21 Nov 1998 :Nintendo releases The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, a landmark 3D adventure game that revolutionized gameplay and storytelling.
21 Dec 1998 :BioWare releases Baldur's Gate, a highly influential computer RPG based on Dungeons & Dragons, defining a genre era.
23 Mar 1999 :Verant Interactive launches EverQuest, a MMORPG, solidifying the genre and creating a template for future online worlds.
19 Jun 1999 :Minh Le and Jess Cliffe release Counter-Strike as a Half-Life mod, establishing a cornerstone for competitive online FPS.
31 Aug 1999 :NVIDIA releases the GeForce 256, officially coining 'GPU' and integrating T&L, revolutionizing 3D graphics hardware.
04 Feb 2000 :Maxis releases The Sims, a groundbreaking life simulation game that appealed to a broad, diverse audience worldwide.
04 Mar 2000 :Sony releases the PlayStation 2, becoming the best-selling video game console of all time, with massive game library.
01 Jun 2000 :Havok releases its physics engine, bringing realistic object interactions and destruction to a wide range of video games.
17 Jun 2000 :Ion Storm releases Deus Ex, a genre-defining immersive sim praised for player choice, narrative, and intricate gameplay systems.
22 Oct 2001 :Rockstar Games releases Grand Theft Auto III, pioneering the open-world sandbox genre in a 3D environment, influencing countless games.
15 Nov 2001 :Microsoft enters the console market with the Xbox, with a game lineup including Halo Combat Evolved.
15 Nov 2002 :Microsoft launches Xbox Live, establishing robust console online multiplayer, voice chat, and digital services.
12 Sep 2003 :Valve launches Steam, pioneering digital distribution, automated game updates, and community features for PC gaming.
08 Jun 2004 :Unity Technologies releases its first game engine, democratizing 3D game development for independent creators worldwide.
26 Oct 2004 :Valve's Source Engine in Half-Life 2 revolutionizes in-game physics, detailed facial animation, and dynamic environmental rendering.
23 Nov 2004 :Blizzard Entertainment releases World of Warcraft, becoming the most successful MMORPG and dominating online gaming.
22 Nov 2005 :Microsoft launches the Xbox 360, ushering in the high-definition gaming era and significantly expanding Xbox Live services.
11 Nov 2006 :Sony releases the PlayStation 3, introducing Blu-ray Disc support and competing in the high-definition console market.
19 Nov 2006 :Nintendo releases the Wii, revolutionizing gaming with its motion controls and appealing to a broader audience.
29 Dec 2006 :Facepunch Studios releases Garry's Mod, a sandbox game providing tools for creative user-generated content and unique experiences.
29 Jun 2007 :Apple releases the iPhone, leading to a surge in mobile gaming and creating a new platform for game development.
21 Aug 2007 :2K Games releases BioShock, a critically acclaimed FPS, known for its unique art style, philosophical themes, and immersive storytelling.
09 Oct 2007 :Valve releases Portal, a groundbreaking puzzle game praised for its innovative mechanics, witty humor, and unique narrative.
06 Nov 2007 :Activision releases Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, revolutionizing modern military shooters and console online multiplayer.
10 Jul 2009 :Mojang releases Minecraft, a sandbox game, achieving massive popularity, and impacting game design with its open-world creativity.
27 Oct 2009 :Riot Games releases League of Legends, a dominant MOBA that established esports as a major industry and cultural force.
11 Dec 2009 :Rovio releases Angry Birds, a mobile puzzle game that becomes a global phenomenon and defines early mobile gaming success.
26 Jan 2010 :BioWare releases Mass Effect 2, a highly acclaimed action RPG praised for its characters, story, and impactful choices.
18 May 2010 :Rockstar releases Red Dead Redemption, a critically acclaimed open-world Western, praised for its story and atmosphere.
11 Nov 2011 :Bethesda releases The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, a vast open-world RPG renowned for its exploration and modding community.
12 Apr 2012 :King releases Candy Crush Saga, a match-three puzzle game, popularizing the free-to-play model and microtransactions on mobile.
01 Aug 2012 :Oculus launches its successful Kickstarter, signaling the modern resurgence and significant investment in virtual reality technology.
14 Jun 2013 :Naughty Dog releases The Last of Us, a critically acclaimed action-adventure game, renowned for its compelling narrative and emotional depth.
17 Sep 2013 :Rockstar Games releases Grand Theft Auto V, becoming one of the best-selling games ever, expanding open-world and online gameplay.
15 Nov 2013 :Sony releases the PlayStation 4, focusing on powerful hardware and social features, becoming a leading console.
22 Nov 2013 :Microsoft launches the Xbox One, emphasizing entertainment integration and cloud capabilities alongside gaming.
19 May 2015 :CD Projekt Red releases The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, a sprawling open-world RPG acclaimed for its narrative and world-building.
24 May 2016 :Blizzard Entertainment releases Overwatch, a team-based hero shooter, quickly establishing itself as a major esports title.
06 Jul 2016 :Niantic releases Pokémon GO, an augmented reality game, creating a global sensation and bringing AR gaming to the mainstream.
03 Mar 2017 :Nintendo releases the Switch, a hybrid console, achieving success with its portability and unique gaming experience.
23 Mar 2017 :Brendan Greene's PUBG launches in Early Access, igniting the battle royale genre and influencing countless competitive games.
20 Apr 2018 :Santa Monica Studio releases God of War, a critically acclaimed reboot, praised for its narrative, combat, and artistic direction.
01 Jun 2018 :Fortnite gains widespread popularity, influencing the battle royale genre and becoming a cultural phenomenon.
15 Jun 2018 :Innersloth releases Among Us, a multiplayer social deduction game that gained massive popularity, particularly during global lockdowns.
26 Oct 2018 :Rockstar releases Red Dead Redemption 2, an immersive Western epic praised for its detail, story, and expansive world-building.
01 Oct 2019 :Activision launches Call of Duty: Mobile, bringing the popular FPS franchise to smartphones with high-fidelity graphics and multiplayer modes.
15 Oct 2019 :ZA/UM releases Disco Elysium, a groundbreaking RPG acclaimed for its unique narrative, deep writing, and innovative skill system.
17 Sep 2020 :Supergiant Games releases Hades, a critically acclaimed roguelike action RPG praised for its art, narrative, and engaging combat.
28 Sep 2020 :miHoYo releases Genshin Impact, a successful open-world action RPG, popularizing gacha monetization on multiple platforms.
10 Nov 2020 :Microsoft launches the Xbox Series X and S, offering next-generation power, faster load times, and Game Pass integration.
12 Nov 2020 :Sony releases the PlayStation 5, introducing ultra-fast SSDs, ray tracing, and immersive haptic feedback.
25 Feb 2022 :FromSoftware releases Elden Ring, an acclaimed open-world action RPG that garners widespread critical success and player engagement.