The importance of preserving video game history cannot be overstated. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s crucial that we understand the past in order to build a better future. However, with the rise of always-online, subscription-based games, the concept of “owning” a game has become increasingly obsolete. This raises a pressing question: how will we preserve the history of video games, particularly in the context of mobile gaming? Mobile gaming has a rich and fascinating history, spanning over four decades. The first mobile games were created in the 1970s, with the iconic “Tetris” and “Game & Watch” being two of the earliest and most influential titles. These games were played on cellphones and handheld devices, and they paved the way for the modern mobile gaming industry.
| Game | Release Year | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Tetris | 1974 | Cellphone |
| Game & Watch | 1980 | Handheld device |
The Retro Mobile Gaming Database, a project spearheaded by Professor Adriana de Souza e Silva, aims to chart the history of mobile games before the widespread adoption of smartphones. The database currently contains over 200 games, including classics like “Tetris” and “Game & Watch,” as well as lesser-known titles.
- Early location-based games, such as “Pokemon Go,” were also included in the database.
- Handheld games like Nintendo’s Game & Watch and Mattel Football were also part of the collection.
- Other games that were played on cellphones and handheld devices, such as “Space Invaders” and “Pac-Man,” were also added.
Professor de Souza e Silva emphasizes that the database is not just a collection of games, but a resource for the public and a tool for creating new knowledge. “There are some game databases out there that people built, but none of them are focused specifically on mobile platforms,” she says. “We are really trying to build a resource that will be useful for people who are interested in learning about the history of these games.”
The database includes basic information about each game, such as its release year, platform, and a map of where it was created. It also includes pictures, links to research and press articles about the games, and a section dedicated to educational games and interactive art projects.
“We are really trying to build a resource that will be useful for people who are interested in learning about the history of these games. There are some game databases out there that people built, but none of them are focused specifically on mobile platforms,” de Souza e Silva says.
In her research, de Souza e Silva found that many mobile games were created for educational or artistic purposes, rather than for commercial success. These games helped push the boundaries of the art form, and their legacy can still be seen in modern games. “For artists, they weren’t concerned with selling the game,” de Souza e Silva says. “They weren’t concerned with making a profit, so they could really push the limits of some of the technology. … Learning [about] that would actually be really helpful to develop new games.”
The significance of the Retro Mobile Gaming Database cannot be overstated. By preserving the history of mobile gaming, we can gain a deeper understanding of the industry’s evolution and the creative decisions that shaped it. This knowledge can be used to inform the development of new games, and to create new experiences that are both engaging and meaningful. Highlights
* The Retro Mobile Gaming Database contains over 200 games, including classics like “Tetris” and “Game & Watch.”
* The database includes information about early location-based games, such as “Pokemon Go.”
* The database is not just a collection of games, but a resource for the public and a tool for creating new knowledge. Definitions
*
: gaming played on mobile devices, such as smartphones and handheld consoles. *
: mobile gaming from the 1970s to the early 2000s. *
: a database of mobile games from the 1970s to the early 2000s, maintained by Professor Adriana de Souza e Silva. The Retro Mobile Gaming Database is an important resource for anyone interested in learning about the history of mobile gaming, and for anyone looking to create new and innovative games.
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