Gaming History
In 1972, this company released Pong, kicking off the commercial arcade era
What is Atari?
This mustachioed Italian plumber has starred in over 200 Nintendo titles since 1981
Who is Mario?
This 1985 Nintendo console single-handedly revived the US game industry after the 1983 crash.
What is the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)?
This abbreviation refers to a character controlled by the game itself rather than a human player.
What is an NPC (non-player character)?
Often called the first video game, this 1958 tennis simulation ran on an oscilloscope at a US research lab.
What is Tennis for Two?
Known for running at supersonic speed, this blue hedgehog debuted for Sega in 1991.
Who is Sonic?
Launched in 2004, this Sony handheld went head-to-head with the Nintendo DS
What is the PSP (PlayStation Portable)?
This term describes playing through a game as fast as possible, often timed and shared competitively online.
What is a speedrun?
Released by Namco in 1980, this maze-chase game became one of the highest-grossing arcade titles ever.
What is Pac-Man?
This British archaeologist-adventurer first raided tombs in a 1996 game series named after her profession.
Who is Lara Croft?
Released in 2001, this Microsoft console marked the company's first entry into the console wars.
What is the Xbox?
When developers weaken an overpowered weapon or ability in an update, they are doing this to it.
What does it mean to "nerf" something?
This 1983 market collapse, caused by oversaturation and poor-quality titles, nearly wiped out the North American console industry.
What is the video game crash of 1983?
Wielding the Master Sword, this green-clad hero repeatedly rescues the kingdom of Hyrule
Who is Link?
Launched in 2017, this Nintendo console can be played docked on a TV or undocked as a handheld.
What is the Nintendo Switch?
This term describes repetitive in-game tasks done to build up experience, currency, or resources.
What is grinding?
Released in 2011, this Bethesda open-world RPG set players loose in a snowy northern province.
What is The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim?
This bounty hunter's true identity, Samus Aran, was one of gaming's first big twists when revealed at the end of 1986's Metroid.
Who is Samus Aran?
This 1989 Nintendo handheld — together with its 1998 color successor — sold a combined 118.69 million units worldwide.
What is the Game Boy (and Game Boy Color)?
This term refers to a hidden joke, message, or secret feature deliberately tucked into a game by its developers.
What is an Easter egg?