Did you know September 12th is National Video Games Day #NationalVideoGamesDay? I don’t know about in your home but my son seems to play his games 24/7 365 days a year. But as a parent we have to pick out battles and I’m fine with that.
For several reasons and one of them being most of his friends are out of State and with the games he stays in touch with them on a daily basis. 2nd all the kids come to our home and hang out in C’s room and I know there safe and being feed and not getting into trouble.
last but not least video games brings Charlie closer to not only his dad but his Cousin Jason who loves playing Minecraft with Charlie. Not only that we used video games as part of our homeschool classes and I’ve spent a lot of one on one time with Charlie on the games before we head outside. I would like to thank the LORD and the creator of Video Games for National Video Game Day. Join me in the celebration today
There is no reason to feel bad about not even seeing the light of day on September 12th, because it’s National Video Game Day! Did you know video games originated around 1940, which I didn’t know. Did you? Today, the video game industry is an 18 billion dollar industry that constantly churns out new fun favorites for all ages.
The term “video game” encompasses all kinds of digital games, from old-school Mario games to hot new VR ones like “Beat Saber.” The huge array of video games means there will be something for everyone to play today whether it’s an old arcade game or Fortnite. If a day alone doesn’t appeal to you, round up some friends for a multiplayer game!
These days, most everyone can find a video game that gets them hooked. Not only does it depend on the gameplay style you like which could be strategy or combat? Or you might have a particular penchant for games from a specific age. Some people like David and I love old-timey arcade games, while others are excited by cutting-edge VR which isn’t anyone in my family. How about yours?
Surprisingly, the origin story of your favorite video game app in your pocket is actually in research labs. The earliest video games began in the 1950s in Universities like the University of Cambridge and MIT. Some games that came out of these were virtual Tic Tac Toe, and “Spacewar!”
When the first home console, designed in 1967 by the “Father of Video Games” Ralph Baer, hit the market, it inspired the classic Atari game “Pong.” Though there was a copyright infringement lawsuit, Atari still took off with the public when they released the Atari 2600. Some of the best games of the ensuing era include “Space Invaders” and “Donkey Kong”. Doesn’t that sound familiar?
After the video game market crash in 1983, the Japanese company Nintendo burst onto the scene. Did you know Nintendo is responsible for some of the most important franchises around including Super Mario Bros, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. Did you know David’s favorite game is Super Mario. Nintendo found a challenger in Sega, driving the market into the 3D Gaming world.
The modern era of gaming was truly kicked off in the early 21st century with the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and the Wii. I’ve never had a Wii but I’ve always wanted one. What game system do you have or would you like to have and why?
Video games then invaded media platforms and video game apps flooded the app stores. Lucrative competitions for skilled gamers have begun to spring up worldwide. These days, big video game console companies like Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft, have their sights set on VR which is the exciting future of video gaming gets more and more lifelike every day!
We all know video games have come a long way and the virtual worlds emulated by games are no longer just for enjoyment and passing time, it is an entire experience. With storylines and character development sometimes surpassing that of Hollywood movies, National Video Games Day celebrations are exciting.
The go-to tradition for the day is to immerse oneself in video games, whether by yourself or with friends. Multiplayer gaming has formed friendships that are cherished and stronger than some real-life relations, just ask Charlie if that is true or not.
Digital celebrations are at their peak with streaming gameplays on websites like YouTube and Twitch, commentaries, and video games played online with team-mates living around the world. Going old-school and playing classic games at an arcade is also a tradition. The charm and nostalgia of old games are growing and they increase our appreciation for new video games with better graphics and gameplay.
Video game releases and announcements are also made by some companies today. Special discounts and bundles, and free downloads of video games are available on platforms like Steam. Items and character upgrades inside video game shops are offered at reduced prices, too.
National Video Game Day Activities
- Multiplayer gaming is best done together IRL for old school folks like David and I as Charlie says and had to teach us IRL is in real life. Did you know that?
- Who didn’t love growing up on PacMan? Take the opportunity today and spend some time at an old-school arcade remembering what it was like to be a kid with a quarter and a competitive spirit.
- If there’s ever a day to splurge on the newest craze in gaming, it’s today. All your friends have been talking about the new release and you’re desperate to give it a try? Go for it, then spend the rest of the day playing the new game with them!
Facts About Video Games
- In an attempt to get children and teens more interested in books, libraries have started adding video games to their shelves.
- In one study, adults who played Super Mario 64 for 2 hours a day developed increased brain volume over time!
- According to one study, those who play video games are more likely to have lucid dreams where they can control what’s happening.
- After Nokia’s downfall, Finland’s economy was greatly assisted by Clash of Clans.
- Did you know in 2019, a boy from the US won the largest single-person eSports payout – $3,000,000! Man on ma wouldn’t it have been nice to win that?
Why People Love National Video Game Day
- Did you know video games can actually be good for you? (Sorry, Mom!) Though not all games offer the same educational value, many that include problem-solving and teamwork have been shown to increase the gray matter in your brain and ultimately grow it!
- Video games can also help refine learned and hardwired skills, as well as improve problem-solving and communication with others.
- Video games inspire and push tech boundaries and the first video games were considered modern marvels, and we can’t say it’s changed much since.
- I have a question for you. Who hasn’t seen some great graphics on a game, or been absolutely blown away the first time you slid on that VR headset? Many games push what’s possible for technology, and inspire generations.
- Video games increase happiness and that rush you get when you conquer a new level is unmatched!
- Recent studies have shown that adults who play video games are less stressed and more relaxed than those who do not. This could be because video games offer a chance to remove yourself from everyday life stresses, or they might just be happier being more connected to their inner child!
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cate
