This is a look into what Chris George knows about the past 10 years of Game Industry History
Created by Chromashadow on Sep 25, 2010
Last updated: 09/25/10 at 07:12 PM
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Question 1: What were the details of the event? The Supreme Court of the United States agrees to hear the appeal of a previously declared unconstitutional law passed in California in 2005, which bans the sale of “violent” video games to minors. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? As the first time a case of this kind has reached the highest court in the nation, the outcome could be a decisive factor in future video game legislation. If the bill passes, it could drastically effect the way games are sold and marketed, as well as how their content is rated. Portnow, J. (2010, September 2). Free Speech. Extra Credits. Podcast retrieved from http://www.escapistmagazine.com/videos/view/extra-credits/1961-Free-Speech
Question 1: What were the details of the event? Publishers Activision and Vivendi merge to form Activision Blizzard, becoming the world’s largest publisher of video games. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? Since its formation, Activision Blizzard has been a driving force in the industry with the continued success of World of Warcraft and massive blockbusters like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. At the same time, they have been a source of controversy in their treatment of game developers and the way they run their game franchises. They have hugely influenced the scope of commercial success for video games, as well as relations between publishers and developers. Activision + Vivendi Games = Activision Blizzard. (2007, November). Retrieved from http://games.ign.com/articles/839/839004p1.html
Question 1: What were the details of the event? The announcement and release of the Nintendo Wii, as well as its massive success, makes motion control gaming a popular and influential alternative to traditional controls. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? Motion controls have allowed for new level of interactivity in games, and challenge designers to invent entirely new ways of play. Also, the originality of the concept has brought scores of new people to gaming, expanding the audiences of developers and creating a need for new types of video games. Svensson, P. (2006, November). Nintendo’s Wii Launch Goes Smoothly. Retrieved from http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15802977/
Question 1: What were the details of the event? Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas becomes the focus of a nationwide controversy because of its “Hot Coffee” mod, which includes depictions of sex. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? This scandal brought this issue of inappropriate content in video games to the mainstream again, starting a new wave of anti-video game legislation. It also called the ESRB under scrutiny, and caused reform to the way the evaluate games for rating. Adams, D. (2005, July). Grandmother Sues Take-Two for AO Content. Retrieved from http://pc.ign.com/articles/637/637171p1.html
Question 1: What were the details of the event? The creators of the popular web-comic Penny Arcade start their own annual “gamer festival” to celebrate gamer culture and create a venue that gives equal attention to video, computer, and tabletop gaming. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? PAX has become a major event within the industry, offering a new venue to show in-development games, specifically for independent developers. Also, through panels and keynote speeches, it offers the community and those in the industry a chance to interact. Perhaps most importantly, it has become the foremost gathering of gamers their culture in the United States. Krahulik, M. (2004, April 12). PAX is Coming. Message posted to http://www.penny-arcade.com/2004/4/12/
Question 1: What were the details of the event? Microsoft’s online gaming service, Xbox Lives, begins and quickly becomes the largest and most successful in the industry. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? Xbox Live was the first online gaming service to prove successful, and has made landmark innovations in bringing online play and downloadable games and content to consoles. These gave both developers and players new ways to use consoles, and new options for games. Xbox Live to Launch on One-Year Anniversary of Console Launch. (2002, August). Retrieved from http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2002/aug02/08-13xboxlivelaunchpr.mspx
Question 1: What were the details of the event? The European games convention, Gamescon (later Gamescom), is founded in Germany. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? Gamescom serves as the European equivalent to E3 and Tokyo Games Show, and has become the largest video game convention in the world. It is the primary venue in Europe for developers to show their in-development games to the community and press.
Question 1: What were the details of the event? Sega discontinues its Dreamcast console. After corporate restructuring, they permanently cease hardware manufacturing and become a third-party software publisher. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? Sega was one of the biggest names in the industry, but was unable to maintain success. In less than a decade, they went from controlling the U.S. console market to being force to step down as a console manufacturer altogether. Kent, S. (2001). The Ultimate History of Video Games. New York: Three Rivers Press.
Question 1: What were the details of the event? Sega makes use of the Dreamcast system’s internal modem to launch SegaNet, an Internet service specifically for use with Dreamcast games. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? SegaNet was the first online gaming service. Ahead of its time, SegaNet was the first step towards the online platforms which are now essential parts of game consoles. Kent, S. (2001). The Ultimate History of Video Games. New York: Three Rivers Press.
Question 1: What were the details of the event? The successful computer company Microsoft announces its intentions to enter the video game industry with their Xbox console. Question 2: Why was the event important to the industry? Upon entering the world of video games, Microsoft quickly proved itself a capable gaming company. They immediately became a major force in the industry, and were for a time the only console manufacturer able to compete with Sony. Kent, S. (2001). The Ultimate History of Video Games. New York: Three Rivers Press.
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