Retro and vintage being the current trendsetters in many industries like fashion and décor, are also making an impact on the gaming industry. Classic games from the early ’00s and late ’90s make a huge comeback these days. For those of us that played on retro consoles, it’s quite exciting to pick up the old controller and go back in the days. With adapting today’s equipment to play the games of our childhood, there is no doubt that gamers and the industry itself are still fascinated by the past.
Without further ado, let’s go through the main reasons why retro games and consoles are making a comeback in recent years.
The nostalgic experience
Reasons for going back to the roots are quite simple; people love to check out and play the classics of their childhood. Just all those little childhood memories of games can really make an impact, even those old fashion computer games like Minesweeper can have a massive impact, too! That’s the beauty of nostalgic gaming, even the smallest ones, the simplistic ones, still have an ever-lasting impact that people love so much. But why is this the case? Why is nostalgic gaming bigger than ever before? The age of the average gamers is around 38, so many of these players have been teenagers when providers released classics like Golden Axe, Mario and DOOM. This is proven by their themed parties and conventions that are still held on an annual level. Moreover, some of today’s most popular PC games are actually inspired and make heavy references from oldies. While there are games that are fascinated by the sophisticated gameplay and realistic graphics, there are others that feel the need to go back to the roots to seek a new wave of inspiration and drive.
Spotting the trend
Mobile users are familiar with the arrival of the retro trend in gaming. Game developers have sensed the opportunity and commercial potential through smartphones and answered the customers ‘demand. Today, along with the contemporary titles, we can see games with old school graphics and simple sounds in the background, adapted for the small screen generation. But it isn’t only about bringing back the old titles for the youngsters. There are brand new game releases that are climbing on the top of the gaming charts while being inspired by the retro style. They are made in a 2D, pixelated manner very similar to the Nintendo experience of the early ’90s.
Cheaper installs and catchy sounds
As a gamer, you’d be thrilled with the idea of having a classic game available for download at a very reasonable price. Some of them cost less than $5, and many websites are also dedicated to providing players free access to hundreds of classic gaming titles. On the other hand, if you own a console, all you have to do is plug it, insert the CD or USB extension and start playing. Simple solutions like additional cables, adapters and plug-in slots have enabled seamless work and operation, even if your tech comes from the past. The catchy and straightforward sounds in the background are also another cause for their big comeback.
You probably remember the sounds of games such as Pacman, Tetris, or Super Mario. The sound represents the identity and trademark of one game. These soundtracks were created by using the sound of a retro console chip, best known as chiptunes. The repetitive music and “ka-ching” sounds create a delightful, happy atmosphere that indicates you’re on your way to achieve a high score. These sounds are very similar to the sounds of casino and slots games that keep you focused and concentrated while you play. The same experience has been transferred on the online platforms, along with thousands of differently themed games and gameplay. Have a look and explore the top-rated new bingo sites where you can notice the advantages of playing online bingo games.
As more people feel nostalgic and check out the titles from their youth, retro games will surely stay in the game. Also, nostalgia comes with a sense of familiarity that is warm and comforting. We’ve seen similar attractions to other formats of entertainment such as vinyl, and even cassettes are starting to sell again. One thing is obvious- when there’s a market demand for something, developers, merchants, and marketers will be more than willing to attract, retain and satisfy the desire of their customers.
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