National Video Games Day: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Video Games Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Video Games Day is observed on September 12th.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Video Games Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as captivating facts you might want to know about National Video Games Day.

📅 What day is National Video Games Day 2024?

In 2024, National Video Games Day is on Tuesday, September 12th. It is the 2nd Tuesday in September; in 2024, it is Thursday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all the exciting details and facts about September 12, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Don’t worry if you didn’t go outside on September 12 because it was National Video Game Day! Video games have been around since the 1940s, but now they have become a massive industry worth 18 billion dollars, constantly releasing new and exciting games for people of all ages. The term “video game” includes all kinds of digital games, from classic ones like Mario to modern VR titles like “Beat Saber.” With such a wide variety to choose from, there’s something for everyone, whether you prefer old-school arcade games or popular ones like Fortnite. If you don’t want to spend the day alone, gather your friends for a multiplayer game session! And if you’re interested in learning more about video games, you can follow these top video game journalists.

📜 National Video Games Day History

It might surprise you to know that the video game app on your phone has its origins in research labs. Back in the 1950s, universities like the University of Cambridge and MIT were already creating the first video games. Games like virtual tic-tac-toe and “Spacewar!” were born out of this early experimentation.

The “Father of Video Games,” Ralph Baer, built the first home system in 1967, which later inspired the popular Atari game “Pong.” Despite facing a copyright infringement case, Atari became a sensation with the public when they introduced the Atari 2600. Games like “Space Invaders” and “Donkey Kong” became huge hits in the following era.

After a crash in the video game industry in 1983, Nintendo emerged as a major player. They created iconic properties like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. Sega also entered the scene, competing with Nintendo and pushing the industry towards 3D gaming.

In the early twenty-first century, the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and Wii ushered in the modern era of gaming. Video games started to infiltrate various media outlets, and game applications began filling app stores. Lucrative tournaments for professional gamers started popping up worldwide. Nowadays, major console manufacturers like Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft are focused on virtual reality (VR), which promises an even more immersive and lifelike future for video gaming.

✅ National Video Games Day Facts

🔖 Gaming beefs up your brain
According to a study, adults who spent two hours a day playing Super Mario 64 experienced a gradual increase in their brain capacity.

🔖 RPG Dreaming
A study revealed that individuals who engage in playing video games are more prone to experiencing lucid dreams. These dreams give them the ability to actively control and influence the events that unfold within their dreams.

🔖 Public libraries are in on the trend
Libraries are now including video games in their collection to engage the curiosity of young people and teenagers towards reading.

👍 Why Is National Video Games Day Important

Though not all games have the same educational value, many that involve problem-solving and teamwork have been shown to increase gray matter in your brain and eventually grow it! It can also assist in polishing learned and hardwired abilities, as well as improve problem-solving and interpersonal communication.

The original video games were considered technological marvels, and not much has changed since then. Who hasn’t been blown away the first time they put on a VR headset or saw some amazing visuals in a game? Many games push the boundaries of technology and inspire future generations.

That feeling you get when you complete a level? Unmatched! According to recent research, people who play video games are less anxious and more calm than those who do not. It could be because video games allow you to escape from the stresses of everyday life, or they may simply be happier being more connected to their inner child!

🙂 How To Observe National Video Games Day

⚡ Treat yourself to a newly released game
Now is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the latest gaming trend. Your friends have been enthusiastically talking about the new game, and you’re eager to try it out. Don’t hesitate, dive in and spend the entire day with them, enjoying the game together!

⚡ Round up friends for IRL gaming
Playing multiplayer games is most enjoyable when done face-to-face! It offers an incredible opportunity for individuals with the same gaming console to connect both physically and virtually.

⚡ Hit an arcade to relive the classics
As children, it’s hard to imagine anyone who didn’t enjoy Pac-Man. Take a moment to reminisce about the good old days, visiting traditional arcades and reliving the excitement of being a young kid armed with a quarter and a strong desire to outdo others.

📅 When is National Video Games Day?

See all 🔗 September holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Technology holidays.

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