I remember when I first played Super Mario Bros on the NES back in 1990 where Mario was this simple 2D bit giant mustached character. As time progressed, his character evolved to feature more detail during Super Mario Bros. 3, more distinctive characteristics in Super Mario World and finally a defined look and form in Super Mario 64. Now, Mario is fully portrayed with visually anatomical characteristics that define his character and in full blown 3D. This demonstrates how the technology evolving affected the way a character was portrayed in a video game.
However, each year, as technology advances so does the gaming industry. Back in the 70s video games were very simple in programing and was still considered unexplored territory by many. Today, video games are complex in every single way possible and express an artistic view of the world they inhabit in which we, the players, are immersed. This would never have been possible if the gaming industry had never succeeded way back in the 70s.
In the article, GamesPeoplePlay, Robert VerBuggen explains that video games are now a form of expression rather than just something to pass the time. He continues to explain how the evolution of microprocessors, motion-capture and other technologies that are also used by the film industry shaped the world of video games. Furthermore, he mentions examples and comparisons with other games in terms of artistic view and technological advancement view. One would argue that his opinions in some of the discussion in his paper are biased but that is up to the reader to say.
![dragon-quest-viii](https://magnusunit.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/dragon-quest-viii.jpg?w=660&h=437)
Dragon Quest
But like I said in the beginning, video games are not just evolving to be just in a console, they are expanding towards virtual reality and in that same line, augmented reality. The creation of the Oculus Rift and modern mobile phones has given game designers a unique opportunity to explore the possibilities in such technology. Games like Pokemon Go and Edge of Nowhere have given the opportunity for players to experience these environments either on the go or at home.
In the article, The Promise of Virtual Reality in Higher Education, it is implied that VR will be the next step in the evolution of video games. Not only is it possible for gamers to experience fantastical worlds in a virtual environment where they think they are truly in there but also has potential educational purposes. This last part has the most promise as it can allow students to experience what could only be explained as theories.
Decades after they first appeared, video games have made a mark in the history of human technological achievement. The ability to create virtual worlds filled with anything our imagination desires has never been more satisfying among gamers and designers. As technology advances, so do video games and our ability to experience them. One might argue that the fact that some consider video games a type of art makes the experience of playing video games an enjoyable one.