The 1980s arcade games proved that the gaming market would become huge all over the world in the next few years with no signs of stopping. This, of course, was extremely evident in the release of the highest grossing game of all time. This was also announced as the first mascot character. Pac-Man was an international phenomenon that also ushered in the maze chase genre, introduced power-ups, featured cutscenes, and opened up the games to female audiences. Pre-1980 arcade games showcased their technological prowess and imagination through games like Pong and Space Invaders. However, the 1980 games showed the world how much money could be made in this arena.
The rise of technology
To see how far we’ve come in the realm of video games, all you have to do is look back to the 1980s to see how far we’ve come. The arcade games of the 1980s pave the way for standardized games for decades to come. Namco launched another contestant into the 1980s arcade arena. Rally-X became the first game to introduce a bonus round and multi-directional scrolling feature. Universal releases Space Panic, which many cite as the first platform game. Nintendo releases Radar Scope, which features a simulated 3D third-person perspective. Atari releases Battlezone, which was later used for US military training (with some enhancements, of course. These are just a few of the gaming advances that were introduced in 1980s video games).
pac man is king
Even after all the aforementioned gameplay breakthroughs in other 1980’s arcade games, Pac-Man is still the best in its category. It brought traditional gaming to that point and not only introduced many never-before-seen features, but crossed retail lines by having the first gaming mascot character ever. There were Pac Man lunch boxes, Pac Man plush toys, Pac Man notebooks, Pac Man posters, Pac Man TV shows. Namco took his place as the granddaddy of arcade games. They showed us not only how to constantly innovate and make new things, but also how to cross-sell their innovation through various retail markets. It was thanks to the 1980s arcade games that we see the video game market as we see it today.
A harbinger of things to come
In the coming years and decades, companies will take Namco’s example and use it as the foundation for all their future projects. Namco’s plan was the golden template. Simply put, the 1980s arcade games set the standard.