There are certain titles that have faded away, consigned to history, and never played again. Others, on the other hand, have stood strong over the years and have cemented themselves as legendary pastimes that could never be tipped from their perch. Indeed, it’s conceivable to think that people will still be playing Tetris one hundred years from now.
Why is it that some games become timeless classics while others simply disappear? It seems that the best ones employ a few common techniques to stay relevant.
What Titles Have Stood the Test of Time?
In the video game industry, things move so rapidly that some games from a few decades ago feel like ancient artifacts to modern players. Marketers and developers have used cunning techniques to bring classics back to the fore, though. For instance, in recent years there has been a surge in interest in retro gaming, and Nintendo capitalized on this by rereleasing its legendary Nintendo Entertainment System. This inspired Sony to follow suit when it released the PlayStation Classic in 2018.
Some video games have stayed current through clever franchising or simply being ever-present across consoles as they have progressed. Prime examples of titles that have employed these techniques include Mario and Tetris. These games are renowned for being simplistic, meaning that almost anyone can pick them up. But it’s their accessibility on different consoles and devices that have helped them stay in the mainstream.
Classic Titles Transitioned to Computers Seamlessly
In the early days of computers, Microsoft sparked a trend of transitioning classic card games to the screen in a digital format. One of the earliest options for Windows was solitaire, a game that can be traced back to the late 18th century but is now more popular than ever. The developers who opted to bring Solitaire to computers could never have foreseen how popular it would become, and it is now played by more than 35 million people monthly.
To keep the card game relevant for modern audiences, some developers have decided to spruce it up with interesting new themes. These have included Spider Solitaire and FreeCell Solitaire, which are slightly different takes on the original offering. One of the most intriguing solitaire games on the market now is Undersea: Solitaire Tripeaks, which has added an aquatic theme and created a type of story mode to give it more of a feel of a video game. It appeals to a wide demographic as people who enjoy the classic version of the game still have this element, but incorporating a more story-based mode has increased its wider appeal. Other themed options like Halloween Solitaire and Klondike Solitaire are available for people with different interests.
Is Adaptation to Evolving Trends Key?
Solitaire is just one in a long list of card games that has boomed in popularity in a digital form. Hearts, poker, blackjack, and baccarat are all enjoying much higher playing figures now than they ever had in an offline scenario. Chess is another example of a legendary physical game that is well-loved online, with about 70 % of the adult population having played at some point in their lives.
All these titles adapted to evolving trends and made the switch to digital forms when computers started to take off. As the technology has become more advanced, developers have adapted the games to fit with emerging crazes and keep players interested.
For a game to be considered a timeless classic, it must remain in the mainstream and keep the attention of players from different generations. Being available in different formats on a diverse range of devices is key, as this approach appeals to a multitude of interests.
