Action games have been a staple of the gaming industry for decades, providing players with fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled experiences that keep them on the edge of their seats. But where did the term “action game” come from? In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of action games, exploring their origins and evolution over the years. From classic arcade games to modern first-person shooters, we’ll explore the various influences and innovations that have shaped the action game genre as we know it today. So grab a controller and get ready to join us on a journey through the thrilling world of action games!
The Evolution of Action Games
Early Arcade Games
Space Invaders
In 1978, Space Invaders was released by Taito, a Japanese video game company. The game was created by Tomohiro Nishikado and was designed to be a simple, yet addictive game that could be played in arcades.
In Space Invaders, the player controls a spaceship at the bottom of the screen, and the objective is to shoot down aliens that are descending from the top of the screen. The game became an instant hit, and its popularity helped to establish the video game industry.
Asteroids
In 1979, Atari released Asteroids, a game that was designed by Ed Logg. The game was created to take advantage of the new vector graphics technology, which allowed for more detailed and faster graphics.
In Asteroids, the player controls a spaceship, and the objective is to navigate through an asteroid field, shooting asteroids and alien ships while avoiding collision with the asteroids. The game was praised for its innovative use of vector graphics and its addictive gameplay.
Pac-Man
In 1980, Namco released Pac-Man, a game that was designed by Toru Iwatani. The game was created to appeal to both men and women and became an instant hit.
In Pac-Man, the player controls a character named Pac-Man, who must eat all the dots in a maze while avoiding ghosts. The game was innovative in its use of graphics and sound, and its popularity helped to establish the video game industry.
These early arcade games set the stage for the development of action games and paved the way for future innovations in the video game industry.
Home Consoles and the Rise of 3D Games
Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was a home video game console released by Nintendo in 1985. It was the first console to popularize the use of action games, including platformers, shooters, and action-adventure games. The NES featured a library of over 700 games, including classic titles such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong.
Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros. is a platform game that was released for the NES in 1985. It is considered one of the most influential video games of all time and is often credited with popularizing the platformer genre. The game follows the adventures of Mario and Luigi as they journey through a series of themed worlds, rescuing Princess Peach from the clutches of the evil Bowser.
Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong is a classic arcade game that was originally released in 1981. It was later ported to the NES and became one of the console’s most popular games. The game features the character Jumpman (later renamed Mario) who must navigate a series of platforms and obstacles while avoiding enemies and trying to rescue a damsel in distress named Pauline.
The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda is an action-adventure game that was released for the NES in 1986. It is considered one of the first open-world games and is known for its nonlinear gameplay and exploration-based mechanics. The game follows the adventures of Link, a young hero who must rescue Princess Zelda from the clutches of the evil King Ganondorf and restore peace to the kingdom of Hyrule.
Action Games in the Modern Era
First-Person Shooters
In the modern era of action games, first-person shooters (FPS) have become one of the most popular genres. These games are characterized by their focus on gunplay and fast-paced action, often set in futuristic or sci-fi environments. The first FPS game was “Doom” in 1993, which popularized the genre and spawned numerous sequels and imitators. FPS games often involve a mix of shooting, exploration, and puzzle-solving, and typically feature multiplayer modes for players to compete against each other.
Third-Person Action Games
Third-person action games are another prominent genre in the modern era of action games. These games typically feature a protagonist that the player controls from a third-person perspective, and involve fast-paced combat, acrobatic maneuvers, and sometimes stealth elements. “GoldenEye 007” for the Nintendo 64, released in 1997, is often credited as the game that popularized the genre. Other notable examples include the “Assassin’s Creed” series, “Uncharted” series, and “Batman: Arkham” series.
Open-World Action-Adventure Games
Open-world action-adventure games have also become increasingly popular in recent years. These games feature large, open environments for players to explore, often with a mix of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving. “Grand Theft Auto III” in 2001 is often credited as the game that popularized the open-world genre, with its free-roaming city and non-linear gameplay. Other notable examples include the “Skyrim” series, “Fallout” series, and “Red Dead Redemption” series. These games often feature a mix of action, role-playing, and exploration elements, and often include a strong narrative component.
The Impact of Action Games on Popular Culture
Gaming as a Mainstream Pastime
Professional Gaming and Esports
Gaming has become a mainstream pastime, and this shift can be seen in the rise of professional gaming and esports. Esports tournaments have grown in size and popularity, with major events such as the League of Legends World Championship and The International Dota 2 Championship drawing large crowds and significant media coverage. These events feature top players from around the world competing in high-stakes matches, with the largest tournaments offering millions of dollars in prize money. Professional gaming has also led to the development of specialized gaming facilities, such as the Allied Esports Arena in Las Vegas, which hosts esports events and provides training facilities for aspiring pro players.
Game Developers as Celebrities
In addition to the rise of professional gaming, game developers have also become celebrities in their own right. Many game developers, particularly those behind popular action games, have gained significant followings on social media and are recognized at gaming conventions and events. Some developers have even crossed over into mainstream media, appearing on talk shows and in interviews to discuss their work and the gaming industry as a whole. This has helped to further legitimize gaming as a mainstream pastime and has contributed to the overall cultural impact of action games.
The Influence of Action Games on Other Media
Movies and TV Shows
The influence of action games on movies and TV shows can be seen in the increasing prevalence of high-octane action sequences and fast-paced storytelling in these mediums. Many contemporary action films and television shows now incorporate elements of video game mechanics, such as quick time events and elaborate set pieces, in order to capture the attention of audiences raised on a diet of interactive entertainment. This trend towards more action-packed and visually striking storytelling can be traced back to the rise of action games, which have taught audiences to expect a high level of excitement and interactivity from their entertainment.
Literature and Comics
In addition to their impact on the world of film and television, action games have also had a significant influence on the world of literature and comics. Many writers and artists have drawn inspiration from the visual and interactive nature of action games in order to create more engaging and immersive stories. For example, the use of dynamic, panel-by-panel storytelling in comic books has been heavily influenced by the cinematic presentation of action games, while the incorporation of choose-your-own-adventure style narratives in certain novels and interactive fiction projects can be seen as a direct response to the popularity of branching narratives in action games. Furthermore, the increasing use of digital media in the publishing industry has allowed for the creation of more interactive and multimedia-driven literature, further blurring the lines between the worlds of action games and traditional storytelling.
The Future of Action Games
Technological Advancements
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
The future of action games is set to be heavily influenced by technological advancements, particularly in the realms of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). These technologies have the potential to revolutionize the way we experience and interact with video games, offering immersive and highly realistic gaming experiences.
VR and AR Gaming Hardware
One of the most significant advancements in VR and AR technology has been the development of sophisticated gaming hardware. This includes VR headsets such as the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive, and PlayStation VR, which use sensors and cameras to track the player’s movements and provide a fully immersive 3D environment.
Advantages of VR and AR in Action Games
The incorporation of VR and AR technology in action games offers several advantages. For example, VR allows players to experience a sense of presence within the game world, with the ability to look around, move, and interact with the environment in real-time. This level of immersion can greatly enhance the overall gaming experience, making it feel more lifelike and engaging.
In addition, AR technology has the potential to merge the virtual and real worlds, creating new and innovative gameplay experiences. For instance, AR games can use the player’s surroundings as the game environment, integrating virtual objects and characters into the real world. This can create unique and dynamic gameplay experiences that are not possible with traditional console or PC gaming.
Cloud Gaming and Streaming Services
Another technological advancement that is set to shape the future of action games is cloud gaming and streaming services. These services allow players to access and play games over the internet, without the need for expensive hardware or software.
Benefits of Cloud Gaming and Streaming Services
The benefits of cloud gaming and streaming services are numerous. For one, they allow players to access a wider range of games, as they are not limited by the hardware or software requirements of traditional gaming. Additionally, cloud gaming and streaming services can offer smoother and more consistent gameplay, as the processing and rendering is handled by powerful servers in the cloud.
Furthermore, cloud gaming and streaming services can enable social and collaborative gaming experiences, as players can easily connect and play together from different locations. This can help to foster a sense of community and connection among gamers, even if they are physically apart.
Overall, the future of action games is shaped by a variety of technological advancements, including VR and AR technology and cloud gaming and streaming services. These innovations have the potential to revolutionize the way we experience and play action games, offering new and exciting opportunities for players to engage with their favorite games.
Continued Evolution of Genres and Subgenres
New Subgenres and Hybrid Games
The world of action games continues to evolve and expand, with new subgenres and hybrid games emerging to capture the imaginations of players worldwide. One notable trend is the rise of “roguelike” action games, which combine elements of action, role-playing, and strategy games with procedurally generated levels and permadeath mechanics. These games, exemplified by titles like “Spelunky” and “Dead Cells,” offer a high degree of replayability and challenge, as well as a sense of progression and achievement.
Another emerging subgenre is “meta” action games, which incorporate elements of game design and player feedback into the gameplay itself. These games, such as “Super Meat Boy” and “Battlefield 1,” often challenge players to navigate complex, shifting level designs while incorporating feedback from player behavior to dynamically adjust the difficulty and gameplay experience.
The Role of Indie Developers
Independent developers have played a crucial role in the continued evolution of action games, pushing the boundaries of genre and gameplay conventions and introducing fresh ideas and perspectives. Indie developers often have the freedom to experiment with new mechanics and design philosophies, leading to the creation of innovative and distinctive games like “Hotline Miami” and “Nuclear Throne.”
Moreover, the rise of digital distribution platforms like Steam and the App Store has made it easier for indie developers to publish and distribute their games, providing a vital outlet for creative expression and fostering a vibrant, diverse community of developers and players.
As the action game genre continues to expand and evolve, it remains clear that indie developers will continue to play a vital role in shaping its future, pushing the boundaries of what is possible and redefining the expectations of players worldwide.
Sustainability and Ethics in the Gaming Industry
Labor Practices and Worker Rights
The gaming industry has been under scrutiny in recent years for its labor practices and worker rights. With the rise of outsourcing and the globalization of the industry, concerns have been raised about the working conditions of game developers, particularly in countries where labor laws are less stringent.
In addition, there have been reports of crunch culture, where employees are forced to work long hours without proper compensation or rest, leading to burnout and mental health issues. The gaming industry has also faced criticism for its lack of diversity and inclusion, with few opportunities for underrepresented groups to enter the field and advance to leadership positions.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
The gaming industry has a significant environmental impact, with the production and disposal of electronic devices contributing to e-waste and the carbon footprint of data centers and servers. In addition, the energy consumption of gaming devices and the manufacturing process has been a cause for concern.
To address these issues, some companies have implemented sustainable practices such as using renewable energy sources, designing devices with longer lifespans, and recycling or refurbishing old equipment. However, more needs to be done to promote sustainability and reduce the industry’s environmental impact.
Diversity, Inclusion, and Representation in Gaming
Diversity, inclusion, and representation in gaming have been a topic of discussion for many years. While there have been some strides in creating more diverse characters and stories in games, the industry still lacks diversity in its workforce.
To address this issue, some companies have implemented diversity initiatives and mentorship programs to encourage underrepresented groups to enter the field. However, more needs to be done to create a truly inclusive and diverse industry that reflects the experiences and perspectives of all players.
FAQs
1. What is an action game?
An action game is a type of video game that emphasizes fast-paced gameplay, usually involving physical challenges and combat. Players typically control a character or avatar who must navigate a series of obstacles and enemies to reach a goal or complete a mission. Action games often involve intense action, combat, and exploration, and may include elements of other genres such as adventure, role-playing, or sports.
2. When did action games first appear?
The earliest action games date back to the late 1970s and early 1980s, with games like Space Invaders (1978) and Asteroids (1980) pioneering the genre. These early games were simple by today’s standards, but they established many of the basic elements that would become hallmarks of the action game genre, such as fast-paced gameplay, enemy combatants, and player movement.
3. What was the first action game?
There is some debate over which game can be considered the first action game, but one contender is the 1978 game Breakout, which was a spin-off of the 1976 game Pong. Breakout featured a rectangular grid of bricks, and the player’s goal was to use a paddle to bounce a ball off the top of the screen and knock out as many bricks as possible. While not as complex as later action games, Breakout introduced several key elements, such as player movement and projectile attacks, that would become common in the genre.
4. What are some classic action games?
There have been many classic action games over the years, but some of the most influential and beloved include Super Mario Bros. (1985), Sonic the Hedgehog (1991), and Doom (1993). These games helped define the action game genre and influenced countless later titles.
5. How has the action game genre evolved over time?
The action game genre has evolved significantly since its early days, with new technologies and gameplay mechanics allowing for more complex and immersive experiences. Modern action games often feature stunning graphics, advanced physics simulations, and intricate storylines, as well as a wide range of gameplay styles and genres. From first-person shooters to fighting games to platformers, the action game genre continues to thrive and evolve.