During the 20th century, PC games emerged as a viable alternative to console and arcade games. However, it took some time before the PC gained popularity as a gaming platform. Atari dominated the 1970s and early 1980s, and the rise of Nintendo consoles in the 1980s further shaped the gaming landscape.
Early DOS PC Games
In the 1980s, genuine PC games started to emerge as IBM PCs became more prevalent. Microsoft launched its Flight Simulator game series in 1982 with Flight Simulator 1.0, featuring monochrome graphics but pioneering 3D gameplay. Elite, a space trading and exploration game with 3D wire-framed graphics, also became a highlight of the decade.
Various graphic-based games like The Bard’s Tale and Pool of Radiance were released for DOS in the mid-1980s, leading to a surge in PC gaming popularity.
The Sound Blaster
In 1987, the introduction of sound cards enhanced PC game audio quality. The Sound Blaster by Creative Labs, released in 1989, significantly upgraded audio capabilities for PC game titles.
The id Software Games
By the early 1990s, advancements such as CD technology and improved audio quality expanded opportunities for PC games. id Software released Wolfenstein 3D in 1992 and Doom in 1993, both revolutionizing FPS games and setting new benchmarks in 3D graphics and multiplayer gaming.
MicroProse Unleashes Civilization
Sid Meier’s MicroProse released Civilization in 1991, defining turn-based strategy games and kickstarting a successful gaming series. The sequel, Civilization 2, released in 1996, garnered critical acclaim for its graphical enhancements and refined gameplay mechanics.
The Rise of Windows
In 1995, Microsoft’s release of Windows 95 marked a new era for PC gaming, coinciding with advancements in 3D accelerator cards. This era saw the launch of popular PC game series like Command and Conquer, Quake, Age of Empires, and Tomb Raider.
Newell Quits Microsoft to Establish Valve
In 1996, Gabe Newell left Microsoft to establish Valve, securing a Quake game engine license to develop Half-Life. The delay in Half-Life’s launch was necessary to refine the game and realize its potential.
The Late 1990s
PC games thrived in the late 1990s with titles like Half-Life, Counter-Strike, and StarCraft. These games introduced innovative gameplay mechanics, engaging storylines, and multiplayer modes, shaping the future of PC gaming.
By the end of the 20th century, PC gaming had evolved from text-based games to detailed 3D engines and immersive audio effects, establishing Windows PCs as a leading gaming platform for the 21st century.
Original article by www.oldschoolgamermagazine.com
