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A History of Video Games

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A History of Video Games

By: Jeremy Parish, The Great Courses
Narrated by: Jeremy Parish
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About this listen

Since their arrival in the mid-20th century, video games have become a sprawling, multi-billion dollar business. On an annual basis, the industry is even more profitable than Hollywood. Today’s video games feature stunning, lifelike visuals and complex storylines - but they didn’t start out that way.

The origin of video games can be traced back to World War II. In the 10 lectures of A History of Video Games, listeners will follow the development of the digital game from its roots in the war room to its proliferation in the 21st-century living room. Taught by journalist, podcast host, and video game historian Jeremy Parish, this lively course will track the tremendous leaps made in computing technology that allowed games to become increasingly sophisticated and the popular trends that pushed the boundaries of technology forward.

The story of video games is not just about technology. It’s also about popular culture, economics, and globalization. Throughout these lectures, students will learn about the extremely profitable gaming industry, as well as the creative minds and ambitious projects that helped build it - and even encounter a few spectacular failures. Be prepared to:

  • Witness the precipitous rise and fall of Atari
  • Experience the birth of blockbuster gaming systems like NES and Sega Genesis
  • Learn about the evolution of the console, PC, and portable gaming
  • Explore the creation of iconic game series, such as Mario Bros., Pac-Man, and Pokémon

From the simple pleasures of Pong to the complex online world of Fortnite, video games have come a long way over the course of seven decades, with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Listeners will surely reminisce about their own experience with gaming as they learn more about this exciting industry, phenomenon, and pastime.

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Interesting subject matter delivered averagely.

I really enjoy learning about video game history, this gave a gloss over it. However I noticed the book gave some incorrect facts, which makes me wonder what else this book got wrong.

- Doom didn't run at 60fps, it was originally capped to 35fps.
- Gave poor biology on sight. 60Hz is a commonly selected level of screen refresh as the majority people will recognise intermittent light flicker as persistent at this rate, that isn't the speed at which eye signals send pulses to the brain.
- I've forgotten the other two things I noticed, I will add when I remember. I won't be listening again to check.


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