National Video Games Day is celebrated every year on September 12th, dedicated to celebrating video games and the massive impact they’ve had on entertainment, culture, and technology.
History of National Video Games Day
Video games have grown from a niche hobby into one of the largest entertainment industries in the world since their earliest beginnings in the 1950s and 60s, when simple computer-based games were developed largely in academic and research settings. The commercial video game industry took off in the 1970s with the arrival of arcade games and early home consoles, forever changing how people played and interacted with games.
National Video Games Day was created to celebrate this evolution, honoring everything from classic arcade cabinets and early consoles to today’s sprawling open-world games and competitive esports scenes. The day gives gamers of all kinds, whether casual mobile players or dedicated console and PC enthusiasts, a shared reason to celebrate a hobby that has become deeply woven into modern culture.
How to Celebrate National Video Games Day
- Play a favorite video game, old or new
- Revisit a classic game from your childhood
- Try a new game or genre you haven’t played before
- Host a game night with friends or family
- Share your favorite gaming memories or setups on social media
Fun Facts About Video Games
- The video game industry generates more revenue globally each year than the film and music industries combined, according to various industry reports.
- “Pong,” released in 1972, is widely considered one of the first commercially successful video games.
- Esports, or competitive video gaming, has grown into a major industry with professional players, sponsorships, and large-scale tournaments.
- Mobile gaming now represents one of the largest segments of the overall video game market, thanks to the widespread use of smartphones.
- Video games have increasingly been used for purposes beyond entertainment, including education, therapy, and skills training.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Video Games Day?
National Video Games Day is celebrated annually on September 12th.
What was one of the first video games ever made?
“Pong,” released in 1972, is widely considered one of the first commercially successful video games, helping launch the modern video game industry.
Is the video game industry really bigger than movies and music?
Yes, according to many industry reports, global video game revenue has surpassed the combined revenue of the film and music industries in recent years.