Black & white photo of teens at an arcade

Kids in an arcade in 1982 (Bettmann/Getty Images)

The History of Video Games

In the early days of gaming, kids gathered in a special place to play together.

By Kristin Lewis

From the December 2022/January 2023 Issue

Learning Objective: Students will learn about how video games have evolved over time. They will synthesize information from both texts to understand how changes in video games have affected the ways we interact with them.

Lexile: 700L-800L, 600L-700L

Guided Reading Level: T

DRA Level: 50

Featured Skill: Connecting Texts, Compare and Contrast,

Other Key Skills: author’s purpose, text evidence, key details, cause and effect, text structure, summarizing, main idea, synthesizing, making predictions, text to self, narrative writing

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UP CLOSE: Compare and Contrast

As you read, think about how video games from the past and video games today are similar and different.

Let’s take a trip back to 1980. You’re wearing gym shorts, thick socks pulled up to your knees, and your hair is carefully styled to puff up 3 inches above your head. You’re ready to go out!

Your mom drives you to the mall. You enter a dark room lined with machines as big as refrigerators. Your friends are crowded around one. As you rush over to them, you hear strange sounds—pings and dings, and quarters jingling in your pocket.

Where are you? At your favorite place to play video games with friends—an arcade.

Let’s take a trip back to 1980. You’re wearing gym shorts and thick socks pulled up to your knees. Your hair is puffed up 3 inches above your head. You’re ready to go out!

Your mom drives you to the mall. You enter a dark room. It’s lined with machines as big as refrigerators. Your friends are crowded around one. As you rush over to them, you hear strange sounds—pings and dings, and quarters jingling in your pocket.

Where are you? At your favorite place to play video games with friends—an arcade.

Simple Games

Today, you can play video games in your room, in the back seat of a car, or while waiting for the school bus. The people you play with don’t need to be right next to you.

But in the early 1980s, most kids went to an arcade to play with friends. In an arcade, there might be dozens of games lined up side by side. To play, you needed to put quarters into a small slot. And the goal was simple: Score points. Top scorers earned a spot on what was known as the game’s leaderboard. Seeing your name at number 1 was the biggest triumph.

Early arcade games were nothing like the dazzling, realistic games you play today. They had few colors. Their pictures were flat. Even so, they were wildly popular. In Asteroids, kids shot space rocks while avoiding crashing into them. In Pong, friends competed by hitting a ball back and forth across the screen. And in Pac-Man, players gobbled up dots while trying to outrun hungry ghosts.

By 1981, almost every town across America had an arcade. Video games had exploded into an $8 billion industry. But the world of video games was about to change forever.

Today, you can play video games in your room, in the back seat of a car, or while waiting for the school bus. The people you play with can be far away.

But in the early 1980s, most kids went to an arcade to play with friends. In an arcade, dozens of games were lined up side by side. To play, you put quarters into a small slot. The goal was simple: Score points. Top scorers got their names on something called the leaderboard. Seeing your name at number 1 was the biggest triumph.

Early arcade games were not like the dazzling, lifelike games you play today.

They had few colors. Their pictures were flat. But they were still wildly popular. In Pong, friends hit a ball back and forth across the screen. And in Pac-Man, players gobbled up dots while trying to outrun hungry ghosts.

By 1981, almost every town across America had an arcade. Video games had become an $8 billion industry. But the world of video games was about to change forever.

Taking It Home

Shutterstock.com

Nintendo Entertainment System

By 1983, people had grown tired of playing the same handful of arcade games over and over. Companies scrambled to make new ones as fast as possible. But they were of low quality. Some barely worked. Others were too difficult. Others were just plain boring. By 1985, many arcades and video game companies had begun to shut down.

But then something happened: Nintendo invented a whole new way to play video games. The company launched a new console called the Nintendo Entertainment System. It was fast, powerful, and easy to use. You could play exciting new games on it, like The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario Bros. These games featured fun adventures, cute characters, and catchy soundtracks.

And best of all? You didn’t have to stand at an arcade machine to play. You could play snuggled up on your living room couch.

By 1983, people were tired of playing the same few arcade games over and over. Companies rushed to make new ones as fast as possible. But some barely worked. Others were too difficult. Others were just plain boring. By 1985, many arcades and video game companies had shut down.

But then something happened: Nintendo invented a whole new way to play video games. The company created a new console called the Nintendo Entertainment System. It was fast, powerful, and easy to use.

You could play exciting new games on it, like The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario Bros. These games featured fun adventures. They had cute characters and catchy soundtracks.

And best of all? You didn’t have to stand at an arcade machine to play. You could play on your living room couch.

All Kinds of Games

Soon, video games soared in popularity. Companies competed to release the most advanced consoles. And all kinds of new games were being created for all kinds of gamers. There was John Madden Football for sports lovers, Tetris for puzzle masters, and Spyro the Dragon for fantasy fans.

As for arcades? Their moment of glory had come to an end. They’re still around—they’re just a lot harder to find. But if you see one, go in and say thanks. Without arcades, we wouldn’t have the video games we know and love today.

Soon, video games became more and more popular. Companies competed to make the best consoles. And all kinds of new games were being created for all kinds of gamers. John Madden Football was for sports lovers. Tetris was for puzzle masters. And Spyro the Dragon was for fantasy fans.

As for arcades? Their moment of glory had come to an end. They’re still around. They’re just a lot harder to find. But if you see one, go in and say thanks. Without arcades, we wouldn’t have the video games we know and love today.

New Ways to Play

Technology has made video games more connected than ever.

By Mackenzie Carro

It’s a Friday afternoon. You just got home from school. You’re playing your favorite game, NBA 2K22. Your opponents are all over the U.S. There’s your friend who moved to California. There’s your cousin in Michigan. As you play, you joke around and chat about your lives.

Then you glance at your dog, Pancake. He’s staring at you as you score a three-pointer. Uh-oh. Looks like he needs a walk.

You decide you’ll take him—after one last slam dunk.

It’s a Friday afternoon. You just got home from school. You’re playing your favorite game, NBA 2K22. The other players are all over the U.S. There’s your friend who moved to California. There’s your cousin in Michigan. As you play, you joke around. You chat about your lives.

Then you look at your dog, Pancake.

He’s staring at you as you score more points. Uh-oh. Looks like he needs a walk.

You decide you’ll take him—after one last big score.

Big Changes

This scene might sound familiar to you. But not so long ago, it would have been impossible. Ask your parents and they’ll tell you. Maybe they played on their Game Boy or on their TV, or they would wait their turn to use the family computer. And they probably had only a handful of games to choose from.

In the early 2000s, however, all that began to change.

First came the internet, which had been getting more and more popular since the 1990s. The internet let computers in different places connect to one another. For video games, this new technology opened up a whole new world of possibilities.

Now gamers no longer had to be in the same room to play against each other. They didn’t even have to be in the same country! They could just meet up and play online.

After the internet came smartphones. Phones once again revolutionized the way we play. Gamers no longer needed even a Game Boy or a home console to play. They could launch birds in Angry Birds and match rows of candies in Candy Crush Saga right on their phones!

That opened up video games to many people who never would have thought of themselves as gamers before. Today, nearly 70 percent of Americans play video games.

This scene might sound familiar to you. But not so long ago, it would have been impossible. Ask your parents and they’ll tell you. Maybe they played on their Game Boy or on their TV. Or they would wait their turn to use the family computer. And they probably had only a few games to choose from.

But in the early 2000s, all that began to change.

First came the internet. It had been getting more and more popular since the 1990s. The internet let computers in different places connect to one another. For video games, this opened up a whole new world of choices.

Now gamers no longer had to be in the same room to play against each other. They didn’t even have to be in the same country! They could just meet up and play online.

After the internet came smartphones. Phones once again revolutionized the way we play. Gamers no longer needed even a Game Boy or a home console to play.

They could launch birds in Angry Birds right on their phones!

That opened up video games to many people. Perhaps they had never thought of themselves as gamers before. Today, nearly 70 percent of Americans play video games.

More Connected

These days, the world of video games is more connected and social than ever. We have thousands of games to choose from. And we can play them from just about anywhere, using all sorts of devices—phones, tablets, computers, even virtual reality headsets.

So what effect are all these games having on us?

Many experts say that video games can be a healthy way to relax, learn, and enjoy time with friends. But keeping your life in balance is key. If playing is causing you to miss meals or cancel plans, it may be time to cut back. And remember: Only play online games with people you know in real life.

These days, the world of video games is more connected and social than ever. We have thousands of games to choose from. And we can play them from almost anywhere. We can use all sorts of devices—phones, tablets, computers, even virtual reality headsets.

So what effect are all these games having on us?

The Future of Gaming

What’s next for video games? As technology continues to evolve, gaming will too. Experts say that soon, everyone will stream games rather than buy them—just like your family streams TV shows on Netflix. Games will likely become even more lifelike too.

But in truth, it’s hard to know exactly what’s to come. Maybe on Friday afternoons in the future we’ll be using holograms instead of screens. And perhaps Pancake will be able to join in on the fun too.

Virtual fetch, anyone?

What’s the Connection?

Write an imaginary conversation between two young gamers: one from the early 1980s and one from today. They should talk about what is similar and different about the way they play video games. Use details from both articles in your writing.

What’s the Connection?

^{_{This article was originally published in the December 2022/January 2023 issue.}}

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1. Preparing to Read

2. Reading and Discussing

Close Reading, Critical Thinking

3. Skill Building and Writing

4. Digital Spotlight

5. Differentiate and Customize

Striving Readers, Advanced Readers, Multilingual Learners

6. Can’t-Miss Teaching Extras

1. Preparing to Read

Preview Text Features, Introduce Vocabulary, Set a Purpose for Reading

Have students look at the opening image for the first article, on page 10. Explain to students that most kids in the early 1980s could play video games only in arcades. Ask students: Have you ever been to an arcade? What do you notice in this photo? How does this photo differ from how kids play video games today?

Distribute or digitally assign the Vocabulary Skill Builder to introduce challenging terms in the article. Highlighted terms: triumph, industry, console, moment of glory, revolutionized, social, virtual reality, evolve, holograms.

Invite a student to read aloud the Up Close box on page 10 for the class.

2. Reading and Discussing

Have students read the articles independently or in small groups. They can read the on-level version (from the print magazine) or the lower-Lexile version. Alternatively, they can listen to the Read-Aloud of either level.

Discuss the close-reading and critical-thinking questions together as a class.

Close-Reading Questions

Reread the opening section of the article. What is the purpose of the first three paragraphs? (author’s purpose) The first three paragraphs describe a typical time of arcade fun for kids in the early 1980s. The descriptive details help transport readers back to 1980 and help readers picture how kids dressed and what they did when hanging out with friends. They also help readers understand why arcades were such a big deal in the early 1980s.

Reread the section “Simple Games.” What were video games like in the 1980s?(summarizing) In the 1980s, video games were played in arcades with friends. Most games were simple in design and appearance. Their pictures were flat and not very colorful. To play, you needed to put quarters into a slot. The main goal was to score as many points as possible.

Reread the section “Taking It Home.” What caused video games to change? (cause and effect) By 1983, people had grown tired of playing the same arcade games. Companies rushed to make new ones, but they were of low quality and often boring. Just as video game companies began to shut down, Nintendo invented a whole new way to play video games. The company launched a new console called the Nintendo Entertainment System. The system allowed kids to play video games from the comfort of their own homes. It was fast, powerful, and easy to use. Arcades were no longer necessary for playing video games.

According to the section “All Kinds of Games,” we wouldn’t have the video games we know and love today without arcades. Which details from the article support this idea? (text evidence) The article states that arcades were one of the only places where you could play video games in the early 1980s. It also says that by 1981, almost every town in America had an arcade. Arcades turned video games into an $8 billion industry. This allowed for the video game industry to continue to grow and change into the more advanced consoles and games we have today.

"New Ways to Play"

Reread the opening section of the article. How is it similar to the opening of “The History of Video Games”? How is it different? (compare and contrast) Similar to the introduction of “The History of Video Games,” the introduction of “New Ways to Play” describes a typical afternoon of video game playing with friends. However, this afternoon does not require a trip to the arcade, as described in “The History of Video Games.” The introduction of “New Ways to Play” takes place in modern times, and kids are able to play video games at home with their friends, even if their friends are in other states.

According to the section “Big Changes,” how did the internet change video games?(key details) The internet let computers in different places connect to each other. This new technology opened up a whole new world of possibilities for video games. For starters, gamers no longer had to be in the same room, or the same country, to play against each other. Friends around the world could meet up and play together online.

In your own words, explain how phones revolutionized the way we play. (summarizing) Phones revolutionized the way we play by making it easier to access games. People who did not own a console or Game Boy were now able to play video games for the first time from their phones. This introduced many new people to the world of gaming.

How does the section “More Connected” relate to the first two sections of the story? (text structure) In the first two sections, we learn how gaming has changed the way we interact with and play video games. The section “More Connected” explains the effects those changes have had on us.

Reread the section “The Future of Gaming.” What is this section mainly about? (main idea) The section “The Future of Gaming” is mainly about how video games might change in the years to come. Experts predict that gaming will likely move to a streaming model, similar to the way we watch TV shows. Games are expected to become more lifelike too.

Critical-Thinking Questions

Gaming has come a long way from the 1980s to today. Summarize the major changes of the gaming world. Include details from both articles in your summary. (synthesizing, summarizing) The first major change in gaming occurred with the birth of video games in arcades. Next, video games were transformed when Nintendo created an easy-to-use console that allowed new and improved video games to be played at home. The purpose of games slowly began to change as well. Instead of challenging players to simply earn a top score, games turned into adventures with cute characters and catchy soundtracks. The internet brought the next major wave of changes to the video game world, allowing people to play with friends from around the world. The next revolution came from smartphones, which allowed people to play games without any additional devices. This opened up video games to many new people. Today, video games continue to evolve and become more lifelike.

At the end of “New Ways to Play,” the author shares predictions for the future of gaming. Based on the articles, what do you think the future of gaming will look like? (making predictions) Answers will vary. Students will likely agree with experts’ predictions of streaming games and games becoming more lifelike. They may note the reference to holograms instead of screens. Students may predict that the line between virtual reality and actual reality may become blurred as games might turn into more immersive experiences.

If you could travel through time, would you rather play video games of the past or of the future? Why? (text to self) Answers will vary.

3. Skill Building and Writing

Featured Skill: Compare and Contrast

Distribute or digitally assign the Compare and Contrast Skill Builder available on two levels. After students complete it, have them respond to the writing prompt on page 13.

4. Digital Spotlight

Don’t miss our video “Meet Two Video Game Developers,” which introduces students to a pair of brothers who’ve started their own gaming company. Students will get to see what it takes to work in this creative industry.

Differentiate and Customize

For Striving Readers

As students read, have them highlight key dates and major changes in gaming. Students can keep a simple list or timeline to track these changes. Lists should include the following dates and events: the early 1980s: arcades and simple video games; late 1980s: Nintendo launches a new console that can be played at home; 1990s: the internet allows people to play against each other from different locations; 2000s: smartphones allow people to play games from their phones; today: games can be played from all sorts of devices and are more social and more lifelike than ever.

For Advanced Readers

Have students reread the articles and highlight key features and elements that video games often include (bright colors, cute characters, catchy music, fun adventures, etc.). Have students brainstorm their own idea for a video game that incorporates these elements, as well as their own ideas. Students should answer the following questions about their game: Who would like this game? What is its purpose? How do you win? Where and how is it played? What makes it unique?

For Multilingual Learners

Students may or may not have prior knowledge about playing video games. Ask students if they have ever played video games and, if so, what video games are popular in their country of origin. If they have played video games, ask them to describe their favorite video game.

Can't-Miss Teaching Extras

Explore the Storyworks Archive

Check out another set of paired texts that explores technology then and now, “The Amazing History of American Television” by Lauren Tarshis from our March/April 2017 issue. They can also read the paired texts “How Pokemon GO Conquered the World” by Anna Starecheski.

Dig Deeper into Game Design

This book on game design explains what it takes to create the latest blockbuster video games, from what technology is used to what roles different people play on a video game development team.

Play Pong!

Introduce your students to Pong, one of the first video games ever created. This video shows how the game was played. (Note: The video starts with a short ad.) To try it for themselves, students can go to ponggame.io where they can play one-player or two-player games and choose the level of difficulty.

Share a Resource for Digital Wellness

The Digital Wellness Lab at Boston Children’s Hospital has put together a guide for parents called “What should I know about video games and kids?” It includes sections on time spent playing, types of games, game ratings, and physical, social, and mental health. This family page gives recommendations for best practices for digital wellness.

Text-to-Speech

The History of Video Games

Simple Games

Taking It Home

All Kinds of Games

New Ways to Play

Technology has made video games more connected than ever.

By Mackenzie Carro

Big Changes

More Connected

The Future of Gaming

Table of Contents

1. Preparing to Read

2. Reading and Discussing

Close Reading, Critical Thinking

3. Skill Building and Writing

4. Digital Spotlight

5. Differentiate and Customize

Striving Readers, Advanced Readers, Multilingual Learners

6. Can’t-Miss Teaching Extras

1. Preparing to Read

Preview Text Features, Introduce Vocabulary, Set a Purpose for Reading

2. Reading and Discussing

3. Skill Building and Writing

Featured Skill: Compare and Contrast

Distribute or digitally assign the Compare and Contrast Skill Builder available on two levels. After students complete it, have them respond to the writing prompt on page 13.

4. Digital Spotlight

Don’t miss our video “Meet Two Video Game Developers,” which introduces students to a pair of brothers who’ve started their own gaming company. Students will get to see what it takes to work in this creative industry.

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About Us

Subscriber Information

The History of Video Games

Simple Games

Taking It Home

All Kinds of Games

New Ways to Play

Technology has made video games more connected than ever.

By Mackenzie Carro

Big Changes

More Connected

The Future of Gaming

Table of Contents

1. Preparing to Read 2. Reading and Discussing Close Reading, Critical Thinking 3. Skill Building and Writing 4. Digital Spotlight 5. Differentiate and Customize Striving Readers, Advanced Readers, Multilingual Learners 6. Can’t-Miss Teaching Extras

1. Preparing to Read

Preview Text Features, Introduce Vocabulary, Set a Purpose for Reading

2. Reading and Discussing

3. Skill Building and Writing

Featured Skill: Compare and Contrast Distribute or digitally assign the Compare and Contrast Skill Builder available on two levels. After students complete it, have them respond to the writing prompt on page 13.

4. Digital Spotlight

Don’t miss our video “Meet Two Video Game Developers,” which introduces students to a pair of brothers who’ve started their own gaming company. Students will get to see what it takes to work in this creative industry.

Help/Support

Help/Support

About Us

Subscriber Information

Connect with Us

1. Preparing to Read

2. Reading and Discussing

Close Reading, Critical Thinking

3. Skill Building and Writing

4. Digital Spotlight

5. Differentiate and Customize

Striving Readers, Advanced Readers, Multilingual Learners

6. Can’t-Miss Teaching Extras

Featured Skill: Compare and Contrast

Distribute or digitally assign the Compare and Contrast Skill Builder available on two levels. After students complete it, have them respond to the writing prompt on page 13.