Wasn’t life much simpler when we would gather the old crew and hit the local arcade spot? Modern gaming trends, like microtransactions and constant online connectivity, have taken a lot of fun out of this hobby that, for many, has no alternative. If you long for the days of the past, we have some good news for you – retro gaming is on the rise. Take a look at why people are choosing to turn to retro gaming and find out how long this new trend is expected to last.
The feelings of nostalgia
Nothing beats the emotional pull of childhood memories! If you were an ’80s or ’90s kid, then you are probably doing everything you can to relive some of your favorite moments – this includes retro games. All it takes is for you to see pixelated graphics and hear chiptune soundtracks, and you’ll be teleported back to the good old days.
While the feelings of nostalgia are the main driver propelling the popularity of retro games, the rapid rise of this genre has a lot to do with pop culture. Retro aesthetics is in, evoking a sense of comfort – a trend millennials were quick to accept.
Modern gaming problems
The 21st century has certainly brought about many positive changes – but some of them tend to become bothersome after a while. Such is the case with modern gaming. While it was gladly accepted at first, many people are now experiencing significant issues and drawbacks with it.
Make no mistake – modern-day gaming, as such, is an excellent invention. It lets people play games no matter their location and time of day. In fact, this type of gaming has come so far that it offers a chance to play casino games on your phone – an activity that was once reserved for the world’s finest land-based establishments. Exploring safe online casinos is as easy as reading a few reviews and registering, which was unheard of only a few decades ago.
That being said, while online gaming is incredibly convenient, it also can feel a bit impersonal and isolating. Playing modern games from the comfort of your room also comes with problems like overreliance on microtransactions and paying for expensive downloadable content, which can quickly get out of hand if you are not careful.
Ultimately, one has to consider the time needed for some of these games. It can take a person dozens of hours just to complete one level, which wasn’t the case with retro games. Couple that with games that are sometimes released with bugs and in need of constant updates, and you can see why people are resorting to games from the past.
Simpler gameplay
Once you take a look at retro games, one word is very likely to stick around in your mind – simple. There are no complex graphics and cinematic storylines that can completely take over your life. Instead, retro games focus on engaging gameplay mechanics and skill-based mastery, allowing people to actually enjoy the game they are playing.
These games give a sense of a break from the modern world, as the player will be immersed in these interesting worlds where the objective is clear and straightforward. Needless to say that this is in stark contrast with modern-day games that oftentimes put a bunch of objectives in front of players, making their heads spin with a sense of overwhelm.
Investment potential
Feelings are the biggest drivers behind any decision we make. There’s not a lot an average person won’t do to relive the good old days – this includes paying any price, as long as they can afford it. Smart investors have recognized the importance retro games have had on people’s lives, leading them to collect the finite physical supply of these objects.
The passionate collector culture has resulted in a transformed visualization of these video games. They are gaining more recognition each day and are becoming viewed as cultural artifacts with value that’s only expected to rise. Some rare games have reached high prices at auctions, proving that retro games are making a big comeback.
Will the surge of retro games continue?
Everything we know so far shows that retro games are here to stay. The trend might have started out of feelings of nostalgia, but people quickly saw how many positives there are to it. We’re talking about simpler gameplay, lower costs, and less time investment.
Moreover, these games now offer the best of both worlds – they come with the accessibility of modern games, as they can be played through digital platforms, but also feature classic designs and straightforward gameplay that have captured the hearts of many. Thus, it’s expected that the retro gaming market will reach new heights in the years to come, becoming a sustainable cultural movement that will allow adults to relive the good old days of their childhood.
The bottom line
After all is said and done, nothing beats the love generations have for classic games. They evoke much simpler times and serve as a time-traveling machine that teleports us to the days of our youth. Needless to say, the newer generations are always keeping up with the trends, making retro gaming an activity suitable for people of all ages and preferences.
