The so-called retro games industry has made a massive comeback, both in sales, the number of people playing, and the type of games that are back in favour. As a result, prices for everything from mini-Nintendo consoles to coffee table pinball machines have skyrocketed. In addition, old-school games have been emulated on the internet, and many more people are playing some of these games than they did in their original form.
What are Retro Games?
Old school, classic, or games played on the original hardware from an era gone by, not necessarily from a ‘bygone’ era, could be from as late as the 1990s. However, arcade and computer games alike that were played then have come back into favor. Not only have they become collectible, but modern-day gamers have formed entire tribes dedicated to playing, collecting, and emulating these games.
The most popular retro games have proven to be arcade games, Pac-man, space invaders, mini football, pinball, casino games like blackjack, and even bingo has made a popular comeback. It is tricky to pin down specifically as one’s definition of retro changes based on their age; games as recent as the 1990’s Tomb Raider are considered retro, while Mario cart would be downright ancient for some. However, its retro if it is not currently being manufactured, is the general rule.
Why are these games all the rage?
Nostalgia
The main rationale for the return of these games, apart from the great marketing that is associated with the return of the old, is the fact that these games can reawaken an old you, the ‘you that played the original game, the brand spanking new, brown, double screen, Donkey Kong, or the glistening pinball machine that you never could get to the last level on. These are the games that we long for.
A strong belief in the skill component
There is also a trending belief that these retro games require more skills than newer games. For example, the hand-eye coordination required in a pin ball, or the joystick control needed for Space invaders are phenomenal and, for many, surpass the skills needed on the newer, more technical controls.
Easy to play and uncomplicated
These older games are generally easier to understand and play. They have a clear aim, and the levels are progressive yet remain grounded in the same theme. Think of Sonic and how the background and world may change, but the aim is simple, the range of movement, yet the game is fun and fast. It may be simple, but it was still rated as one of the top games to play in 2020.
These games are currently popular, and in the final analysis, perhaps this is as simple as it is.
There are a number of reasons that retro games have made a comeback, and it looks like this trend is set to continue. It has been argued that the next big thing in gaming will not be anything new but something that we have all played before. Thus, it is important to be aware of the trend and ensure that you keep abreast of the latest old game being played. This article also highlights that it is not only retro computer games but retro games of all types from cards and pinball to mini football and Pong; they are all back.
