History of Computer Games

Explore the rich journey of computer games from ancient code to modern play.

Overview

Computer games have grown from pixelated experiments to a global entertainment force. This course takes you on a focused trip through the digital history of gaming, from the earliest codes and clunky machines to today’s sleek consoles and immersive online worlds. We’ll explore how the industry evolved, what shaped its rise, and how technology, culture, and competition shaped the games we know today.

You’ll dive into four key stages—from humble beginnings to the booming modern era. This isn’t a nostalgia trip; it’s a timeline built to inform and engage anyone keen to understand how games became more than just play. Whether you’ve button-bashed your way through every console or just want to know how Pong led to eSports, this course delivers smart, structured insight.

Learning Outcomes

• Understand early developments in the gaming industry timeline.
• Recognise how games evolved from code to mass culture.
• Identify key shifts from arcade machines to home systems.
• Outline changes in design, narrative, and player experience.
• Explore how gaming shaped and responded to social change.
• Evaluate gaming trends across different historical periods.

Who is this Course For

• Anyone interested in digital history and entertainment evolution.
• Gamers curious about the roots of their favourite pastime.
• Content creators looking for background in game culture.
• Aspiring game writers needing historical perspective.
• Educators adding tech history to their resource list.
• Journalists exploring the timeline of interactive media.
• Students of media or pop culture history.
• Trivia lovers who want the facts behind the fun.

Career Path

• Gaming Historian – £30,000–£45,000 average salary in the UK
• Game Writer – £25,000–£50,000 depending on experience
• Games Journalist – £22,000–£40,000 writing across platforms
• Digital Content Creator – £20,000–£45,000 based on audience
• Game Community Manager – £26,000–£42,000 in UK studios
• Media Research Analyst – £28,000–£48,000 across sectors