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The Video Game Years

The Video Game Years
2021•TV-PG•Documentary
Similars

The show that examines the history, culture, and oddities of video game history promises to have you learning, laughing, and scratching your head.

StatusEnded
LanguageEN
First Air DateJun 21, 2021

Episodes

Episode 1 - 1977E142m

1977

1977 marks a turning point in gaming history as the industry shifts from simple arcade machines to the dawn of home console culture. This episode explores the release of the Atari Video Computer System (VCS), the rise of early handheld electronics, and the growing influence of arcade hits that shaped the future of interactive entertainment. Through commentary and retrospectives, it highlights the innovations, personalities, and cultural moments that defined gaming’s breakout year.

Jun 21, 2021

Episode 2 - 1978E250m

1978

1978 was a breakout year that reshaped the entire video game landscape. This episode looks at the explosive impact of Space Invaders, the arrival of the Odyssey², and the rise of electronic toys like Simon. Through commentary and retrospectives, it explores how these innovations sparked a global arcade boom and pushed home gaming into its next evolutionary stage.

Jun 28, 2021

Episode 3 - 1979E340m

1979

1979 was a year of rapid innovation that pushed video games into a new era. This episode highlights the arrival of Galaxian, the launch of the Microvision handheld, the debut of Intellivision, and the arcade phenomenon Asteroids. Through commentary and historical context, it explores how these breakthroughs expanded the industry’s reach and set the stage for the explosive growth of the early 1980s.

Jul 5, 2021

Episode 4 - 1980E449m

1980

1980 marks a major leap forward in gaming history, and this episode explores the year when arcades truly exploded into mainstream culture. Featuring the rise of Pac‑Man, the success of Centipede, the growing dominance of Atari, and the early innovations of Sierra, it highlights the games, creators, and cultural shifts that helped define a new era of interactive entertainment.

Jul 12, 2021

Episode 5 - 1981E560m

1981

1981 was a landmark year that reshaped the arcade and home‑gaming landscape. This episode explores the arrival of Donkey Kong, the rise of Frogger, and the continued dominance of Atari as video games surged into mainstream culture. Through commentary and historical insights, it highlights the innovations, personalities, and cultural moments that defined one of gaming’s most influential years.

Jul 19, 2021

Episode 6 - 1982E660m

1982

1982 was a defining year in gaming, marked by bold innovation and looming industry turbulence. This episode explores the arrival of QBert*, the hype and controversy surrounding Atari’s E.T., the launch of the ColecoVision, and the continued rise of arcade icons like Donkey Kong Jr. and Tron. Through commentary and historical insight, it captures a pivotal moment when creativity, competition, and cultural impact collided across the video game landscape.

Jul 26, 2021

Episode 7 - 1983E762m

1983

1983 stands as one of the most dramatic years in gaming history. This episode explores the groundbreaking debut of Dragon’s Lair, the launch of Nintendo’s Famicom, the cultural impact of WarGames, and the events leading to the infamous Video Game Crash. Through commentary and archival insights, it captures a turbulent but transformative moment that reshaped the future of the industry.

Aug 2, 2021

Episode 8 - 1984E859m

1984

1984 was a year of creative experimentation and technological leaps in gaming. This episode highlights standout titles such as Paperboy, Space Ace, King’s Quest, and Karate Champ, exploring how they pushed storytelling, animation, and gameplay into bold new territory. Through commentary and historical context, it captures a moment when the industry began rebuilding and redefining itself after the crash.

Aug 9, 2021

Episode 9 - 1985E960m

1985

1985 marks a major rebirth for the video game industry. This episode explores the arrival of the Nintendo Entertainment System, the impact of Super Mario Bros., and the rise of influential arcade and home titles like Gauntlet and Space Harrier. Through commentary and historical insight, it captures how 1985 helped revive gaming culture and set the stage for a new era of innovation.

Aug 16, 2021

Episode 10 - 1986E1056m

1986

1986 was a year of bold creativity and expanding technology in the gaming world. This episode highlights influential releases such as Arkanoid, the arrival of the Sega Master System, the city‑smashing fun of Rampage, and the cinematic storytelling of Space Quest. Through commentary and historical insight, it captures how these titles helped shape a rapidly evolving industry on the brink of a new era.

Aug 23, 2021

Episode 11 - 1987E1159m

1987

1987 was a breakthrough year that pushed video games toward deeper storytelling and more ambitious design. This episode highlights influential releases such as The Legend of Zelda, Metal Gear, Punch‑Out!!, and Leisure Suit Larry, exploring how they expanded genres, introduced iconic characters, and helped shape the direction of modern gaming. Through commentary and historical context, it captures a year defined by creativity, experimentation, and growing mainstream appeal.

Aug 30, 2021

Episode 12 - 1988E1263m

1988

1988 was a powerhouse year packed with genre‑defining hits and bold new ideas. This episode highlights the impact of Contra, the quirky reinvention of Super Mario Bros. 2, the ambitious world‑building of Phantasy Star, and the arcade intensity of Double Dragon II. Through commentary and historical insight, it explores how these titles pushed consoles and arcades forward during one of gaming’s most creative eras.

Sep 6, 2021

Episode 13 - 1989E1379m

1989

1989 was a landmark year that reshaped the gaming landscape. This episode explores the debut of the Game Boy, the arrival of the Sega Genesis, the global phenomenon of Tetris, and the competition brought by the TurboGrafx‑16. It also looks at gaming’s growing presence in pop culture with films like The Wizard, capturing a pivotal moment when handhelds, 16‑bit consoles, and blockbuster branding pushed the industry into a bold new era.

Sep 13, 2021

Actors

Pat Contri

Pat Contri

John Delia

Joey DeSena

Ian Ferguson

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