As video games have evolved over the years, so too has the way they are named. From simple, one-word titles to more complex and descriptive names, the naming convention of video games has become a fascinating aspect of the gaming industry. In this article, we will explore the history of video game naming, from the earliest days of arcade machines to modern consoles and PC games.
The First Video Game: “OXO”
The first known video game, created by Alexander S. Douglas in 1952, was called “OXO,” also known as noughts and crosses. This simple tic-tac-toe game was played on a Cambridge University computer called EDSAC (Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator). The name “OXO” is a play on the English game of noughts and crosses, also known as tic-tac-toe in some countries.
The Naming Conventions of Arcade Games
In the 1960s and 1970s, arcade machines began to gain popularity, and with them came a new breed of video game naming conventions. Many early arcade games were named after popular culture references or simply descriptive of the gameplay itself. For example, “Spacewar!” was a popular game in the 1960s that was named after the classic science fiction movie “Star Wars.”
The Rise of Console Games: “Super Mario Bros.” and Beyond
With the advent of home consoles in the 1980s, video game naming conventions began to evolve once again. The introduction of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) marked a turning point in the industry, with games like “Super Mario Bros.” becoming cultural phenomena.
The name “Super Mario Bros.” was a nod to the iconic character created by Shigeru Miyamoto, who had already gained popularity through previous games like “Mario Bros.” The “super” prefix added an extra level of excitement and anticipation for players, which helped to make it one of the most successful games of all time.
The Evolution of PC Game Naming
As personal computers became more popular in the 1990s, video game naming conventions began to shift once again. With the rise of online gaming and downloadable content, games like “Half-Life,” “Doom III,” and “Portal” gained popularity through their unique and memorable names.
These games often had descriptive or humorous names that helped to differentiate them from other games in the market. The name “Portal,” for example, was a play on the word “portal,” which is used in the game to create interdimensional portals. This clever naming convention helped to make it one of the most successful and memorable games of all time.
The Future of Video Game Naming
As video games continue to evolve, so too will the way they are named. In the future, we can expect to see more creative and innovative naming conventions that reflect the unique gameplay and storytelling elements of each game.
