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Video games now vs then: What’s gotten better or worse?

By Camila Domingues

BANGKOK, THAILAND - 2018/05/24: In this photo illustration, a Japanese edition of the Nintendo 64 clear blue version (M) with a bunch of games next to a Nintendo Classic Mini 'Nintendo Entertainment System' (L) and a Nintendo Classic Mini 'Super Nintendo' (R) video game console. The Nintendo 64 was the 3rd generation of video game console, released in June 1996 it was the first Nintendo console with 3D video games effect. (Photo Illustration by Guillaume Payen/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
BANGKOK, THAILAND - 2018/05/24: In this photo illustration, a Japanese edition of the Nintendo 64 clear blue version (M) with a bunch of games next to a Nintendo Classic Mini 'Nintendo Entertainment System' (L) and a Nintendo Classic Mini 'Super Nintendo' (R) video game console. The Nintendo 64 was the 3rd generation of video game console, released in June 1996 it was the first Nintendo console with 3D video games effect. (Photo Illustration by Guillaume Payen/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) /
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Video games have come a long way since Tennis for Two came out in 1958.

From the minimalistic and single player games developed back then to the ultra realistic and vivid CGI images computers are able to generate now, we all know that a game with gorgeous graphics isn’t automatically a good game. It sure does help, though.

Here are a few aspects of gaming that have changed recently that we wish we could have back.

Microtransactions

Those are features in which players can pay real money to buy exclusive in-game items or bonuses that can give them an advantage over other players. This can lead to an unfair playing field, as players who are willing to spend money have an advantage over those who aren’t going to. That’s how pay-to-win games are born, and those have features that are ridiculously unfair to those who can’t or won’t shell out the money on in-game extras.

Cheat Codes

Up-Up-Down-Down-Left-Right-Left-Right-B-A! These used to be one of my most favorite things to do with a game. Most video games had secret codes to unlock unique features built into them, which allowed players to unlock hidden content, infinite lives, and other bonuses. While some games still do use cheat codes, they are not as common as they once were.

Split-Screen Co-operative Play

Sitting on the couch (or floor – gotta be close to that TV!), next to your friend, and playing the same game together is something that not a lot of younger gamers get to experience. Some games do allow this feature, while the majority of games require that both you and the other player have a copy of the game, a subscription to play online, and a headset to chat. Ouch, your poor wallet.

2K Games
2K Games /

However, video games now aren’t all bad. Here are some examples of what has actually improved since 1958.

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