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Pac-man
One of the most iconic games ever made, Pac-man originated as one of Namco's premier Japanese games "Puck man". It was revolutionary for it's replay value, high contrast, exponential change, competitive scene, and more. It is noted here to highlight the start of really popularized gaming, with Pac-man merch still being made, and as one of the first arcade style continuum games out. -
NES and Console Expansion
While not the first home console ever created for games, the NES gets a spot here for multiple reasons. The Japanese Nintendo console was one of the pioneers for home gaming, being a revolutionary in its easily transportable figure and ability to play a multitude of games on one device. Despite its pure sales prowess, its technology helped popularize console gaming. -
The emergence of commercial gaming
Though gaming existed since the 1950's, it was not very popular or even discussed til around the 80s. With the industry exploding overseas, the emergence of the arcade scene, and spread of consoles gaming started to really become cemented in society around the 80's, and in the midst of it all was Asia. Whether developing games, spreading the word, or contributing through economic/cultural aspects Asia again helped the industry, this time by creating the "industry" itself. -
The Mario Series
Arguably the most popular game ever made, Super Mario Bros revolutionized gaming forever. As Nintendo's pride and joy Mario changed how the industry worked forever. Coming out recently after the popularization of at home gaming, Mario put up unfounded numbers in economic transmission, as well as game design. One of the earliest story/platformer/fighter AND series, the Mario franchise didn't just put Japan on the map, but establish itself as the highlight of gaming to anyone, casual or extremist. -
Zelda (Series)
Zelda stands as a staple in gaming, and for good reason. Coming out just at the start of commercial gaming, Zelda brought a fresh idea to the industry. A classic western trope (Knight and Princess) with newly developed game technology made for one of the first popular story fighters ever. Its popularity also shown through sheer content after, with the franchise growing to multiple games and millions of dollars. It as well blends western style with subtle Asian traditionalism. -
Street Fighter II (Series)
Street Fighter II is widely renowned as the father figure of fighters, and establisher of arcade retro, as it's release re-enlivened the arcade scene in the west. As well it revolutionized these games past getting personal high scores to instead competitive fighting games. Since this release we have seen many more games from the street fighter series, but also similar 1v1 fighters as well. This was one of the largest contributions ever made for fighting games and the industry in general. (Japan) -
Final Fantasy VII (And Saga)
Final Fantasy VII is widely regarded as one of the best games of its time. Acting as one of the keystones of the RPG genre, Final Fantasy pioneered 3d gaming in a time where it was taboo. As well, its portrayal of complex characters and the genre of minigames became a trend largely progressing in the industry. Also to be noted is its revolutionary aesthetics, with dark grandoise design, great sound, outfits, and again, thrilling 3d graphics. -
Silent Hill (Series)
The Silent Hill series is another keystone accomplishment of gaming. Blending Japanese traditionals with western culture(David Lynch) Silent Hill helped push the boundaries of gaming and video horror. With extreme graphics and eerie sound design, Silent Hill was special. As well it helped popularize horror and other tropes, featuring the feminine horror complexity that helped push female boundaries in games. It also notably helped popularize multiple endings for a game system. -
League of Legends
While not developed in Asia, League of Legends holds a place in this timeline to showcase influence instead of direct creation. League is known for its diversity, often portraying Asian culture by land, costume, story, or dialogue. It also has significant socioeconomic impact. League has become a cultural hearth for eastern gamers, having one of the largest competitive scenes ever, dominating mostly in the east. It serves as a showcase of lucrative cultural competition cultivated by the east. -
Dark Souls (Series)
The Japanese created RPG is like the others on this list is revolutionary in its category, though uniquely because it is the first game in its named category, "Soulslike". Dark Souls helped set the standard of semi-open worlds with great design and aesthetic, but also in its difficulty. Straying from linear gameplay, Dark Souls helped popularize more challenging games with absolutely zero in program help. -
Zelda (BoTW)
Breath of the Wild serves to show the continuity of Asian influence. Years after its original game, the Asian born series Zelda still continues to top charts and revolutionize gaming, This being the same. This game helped push the bounds of aesthetic and gameplay, helping to further popularize open world games, and show culture subtly through its gorgeous design. It also has a spot here to show the trend of rereleasing classics, most of which were Asian born and reborn to the same fame/acclaim. -
PUBG
While not Asian founded, PUBG holds a spot on this timeline to highlight a more modern Asian participation in the industry. The game itself is not obviously notable, but its platform and basing is. With over 90% of its players on a multimillion dollar market being in Asia, PUBG stands as a staple of the growing market for mobile gaming, and shows the large economic value in Asia for the gaming industry.