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In 1939 the first video game machine was invented. This machine was called Nimatron. The machine would face off against human competitors at a game called nim. The device was first showed off at the 1939 New York World's Fair. It would be just an overshadow of how video gaming would develop into one of the worlds most profound forms of modern media.(Stash Team, 2022) -
The Magnavox Odyssey was a gaming console that could be played at home. This would be the beginning of video gaming having influence inside of the American household. Radio and TV had ruled as the most prolific media inside the home, although video gaming would soon be seen as a media juggernaut.(Stash Team, 2022)
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In 1983 the North American video gaming industry had a major crash. This was the result of a surplus of low quality games that were not being bought. At the time many people swore they were done with video games. This could have been a short life for what we now know as one of the fastest rising media's in the United States. The crash would last for two years until the Nintendo Entertainment System was released giving the video gaming industry a much needed spark.(History.com Editors, 2022) -
In 1988 games were developed to bring gaming and real life together. One example of this was the making of Madden Football. This was named after the legendary NFL coach John Madden. The stage was being set to allow video gaming as it's own form of media by engaging in talk of real life events within video games. Video games were no longer being seen as just a pass time for kids, but also a way for adults to enjoy time and speak about important and interesting matters.(Stash Team, 2022)
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In 1992 video games take a violent turn. Games involving and perpetrating violence are released. Examples of these games are Mortal Kombat and Doom. This makes many people question how reliable and relatable video games can be. Others would actually enjoy the incorporation of violence into video games. This would not hinder their growth as a media, but in some ways propel it. No media can be great without debate.(Stash Team, 2022)
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In 1999 the Sega Dreamcast was released. This game console was not like the others before it. It aloud the use of the first online gaming. This means gamers could connect online and compete with other players. This would make the stage possible for future media events such as eSports and media platforms such as Twitch.(Stash Team, 2022) -
In 2001 Microsoft releases the Xbox. Their incorporation into the gaming console world would help popularize online gaming. The opinions were being made that video gaming could one day be a sport of it's own. All great sports acquire vast media and this would be no different for video gaming.(Stash Team, 2022)
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In 2010 eSports is popularized. This brings fans and lots of money. Media giants now want to cover video game events and media platforms such as Twitch are invented. People watch streamers play video games on Twitch while they share information and opinions. Twitch has grown substantially since its creation. Millions of viewers are logged in daily to watch gamers play and share their opinions and every year the media grows larger.(Stash Team, 2022) -
The present day video gaming is now a billon dollar industry. Video gaming events are broadcasted on media giant platforms such as ESPN. Many schools have now incorporated the video gaming media into their programs allowing video gaming to become a school sport.