Once upon a pixelated time, video games were simple, blocky distractions. Today, they’re sprawling virtual masterpieces that blur the line between fantasy and reality. How did we go from paddling a pixel in Pong to battling dragons in Elden Ring?

1. The Pixel Era: 8-Bit Beginnings

In the 1970s and 80s, gaming was as simple as it got. With 8-bit graphics, classics like Pac-Man and Super Mario Bros. captured imaginations. Despite their simplicity, these games taught us that creativity mattered more than resolution.

2. The 16-Bit Revolution: A Splash of Color

Enter the 90s, where Sonic the Hedgehog and Street Fighter II proved games could be faster, flashier, and more complex. The introduction of 16-bit graphics brought richer colors and unforgettable soundtracks.

3. 3D and the Rise of Immersion

The 3D era was a game-changer (pun intended). Titles like Tomb Raider and GoldenEye 007 brought depth to gaming, both visually and emotionally. Suddenly, we weren’t just playing—we were exploring.

4. Online Multiplayer: Gaming Gets Social

Fast forward to the 2000s, and gaming went online. World of Warcraft turned players into adventurers while Halo 2 gave us epic multiplayer battles. Couch co-op turned into global competitions—trash talk included.

5. Open Worlds and Limitless Possibilities

Modern hits like The Witcher 3 and GTA V let players roam vast landscapes filled with stories and secrets. Gaming became less about completing levels and more about crafting your own adventure.

6. The Future: Where Tech Meets Imagination

From VR headsets to AI-driven storylines, the future of gaming looks unreal—literally. Games like Half-Life: Alyx hint at a world where the lines between gaming and reality disappear entirely.