Join Benj Edwards, a video game history expert, Kevin Bunch, an early tech aficionado, and Jared Petty, a video game design specialist, as they take a nostalgic journey through 1975 and 1985. They share amusing anecdotes about the origins of home gaming and the impact of early computing systems. The conversation dives into the evolution of titles like Gunfight and Wrecking Crew, the quirky launch of New Coke, and the memorable moments of charity events in '85. Get ready for laughs, insights, and a heartfelt look back at gaming's formative years!
The podcast features a diverse panel reminiscing about the cultural and historical contexts of video gaming in 1975 and 1985.
Significant milestones such as the founding of Sammy and Enix in 1975 marked the industry's transition towards a structured video game market.
The emergence of the Altair 8800 revolutionized personal computing, bridging technology and gaming communities while influencing software development.
In 1985, the launch of the NES and iconic titles like Super Mario Bros. played pivotal roles in revitalizing American gaming culture.
Deep dives
Introduction of a Diverse Panel
In this episode, a diverse group of guests joins the main host, Jeremy Parrish, to discuss past video games and their history. The host humorously acknowledges some disorganization while introducing the guests, including Chris, Benj, and Jared, who are all from different locations and backgrounds. Each guest shares a bit of their history and connection to video games, particularly highlighting their geographical roots, with playful banter about the Midwest's significance. As they settle in, the panel members prepare to dive into a retrospective of notable years in video game history.
The Year 1975 and Cultural Context
The discussion shifts to the year 1975, outlining the significant global events occurring at the time, including the conclusion of the Vietnam War and rising political tensions. The host humorously reflects on various cultural aspects, such as fashion trends and significant headlines from that year. Alongside these cultural touchpoints, the podcast emphasizes the nascent stage of the video game industry, setting the context for the games being discussed from that period. This backdrop serves to illustrate how historical events influenced gaming developments and the state of the gaming market.
Video Games of 1975: Limited but Impactful
The episode highlights that 1975 saw the beginning of a more structured video game industry, with specific titles being pivotal, despite the limited selection. The founding of companies, such as Sammy and Enix, is noted as noteworthy milestones that would shape the industry for years to come. The introduction of iconic arcade titles begins to unfold, with games like Gun Fight and the development of the first personal computers paving the way for future gaming landscapes. Although the pool of significant titles was narrow, each had lasting impacts that shaped genres and innovation in gaming.
The Pioneering Altair 8800
The Altair 8800 emerges as a standout milestone in video gaming and personal computing history. This early home computer became a foundation for developing software and games, bridging the gap between changing technology and consumer interests. The conversation details how Bill Gates and Microsoft’s early involvement with the Altair brought a new programming language into the world, making computing more accessible. Additionally, the Altair facilitated the creation of a community around computer-based games that would evolve significantly in the following decades.
Transition to 1985: Shifting Landscape
As the discussion moves to 1985, the participants note the drastic evolution in video gaming and technology that occurred in just a decade. The American gaming landscape was marred by failure after the crash of 1983, which prompted retailers to bring fewer games into stores. The emergence of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) signifies a resurgence in console gaming, marking a pivotal moment where games became more sophisticated and narrative-driven. This year sets the stage for a transformation that would lay the groundwork for gaming's golden era.
Significant Titles of 1985
1985 features a host of significant titles that would capture players’ imaginations and redefine gaming experiences. Super Mario Bros. stands out as a groundbreaking entry that established key gameplay mechanics and level design that have since influenced the industry. Other notable hits include Balloon Fight and Bomberman, both of which showcased new ideas in multiplayer and cooperative gameplay. The episode emphasizes how each of these titles contributed to expanding the gaming landscape and reestablishing consumer trust in video games.
The Global Market: Japan vs. America
The podcast further explores the differences between the Japanese and American gaming markets in 1985. While Japan was thriving with innovative gameplay and numerous releases, America struggled with a cautious market and declining interest in video games. The contrasting realities highlight a cultural shift where different regions began to cultivate distinct gaming identities. The increase in popularity of the Famicom in Japan contrasts sharply with the stagnation of the NES launch period in the U.S., encapsulating the global landscape's complexity.
Looking Forward: Hopes for Future Episodes
As the conversation wraps up, the podcast touches on the potential future episodes that will further explore these gaming eras and various consoles. This includes deeper dives into individual titles and their developmental stories, as well as discussing both popular and obscure games that have shaped the industry. The panel expresses excitement about the possibility of unpacking more gaming history in subsequent episodes, highlighting the rich narratives behind video games. Listeners are encouraged to look forward to more in-depth discussions and explorations of the gaming world.
Jeremy Parish, Benj Edwards, Chris Sims, Kevin Bunch, and Jared Petty look backward in time 40, even 50 years to discuss some of the biggest and most personally beloved video gaming events of 1975 and ’85. To be continued...
Retronauts is made possible by listener support through Patreon! Support the show to enjoy ad-free early access, better audio quality, and great exclusive content. Learn more at http://www.patreon.com/retronauts
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
