While there is still a big stigma that video games are a waste of time, it’s hard to argue that they’ve impacted our lives. Not only have they been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, but they’ve also been incorporated in several aspects of our lives.
So what are some of the most interesting facts about video games? From their use in the classroom to the interesting aspects of rival consoles, these are the most fascinating facts about video games.
6. The First Video Game
While you might think Pong is the first-ever video game, you’d be wrong. In fact, one of the best facts about video games is the story behind Tennis for Two, the actual first video game ever.
The sports video game is similar to Pong and was celebrated heavily during a three-day exhibition when people lined up to see the game. The game was created by an American physicist William Higinbotham. He designed the game within a few hours, and then afterward, he and technician Robert V. Dvorak built it over three weeks.
Related: Best Female Video Game Characters with Unforgettable Storylines
5. Virtual Reality Games Role In Learning
One of the largest leaps in video games recently has been Virtual Reality or VR games. With the use of a headset, gamers have a more immersive experience when playing their favorite video games. But along with an in-depth experience, VR has brought a new side to learning.
One of the most interesting facts about video games is that VR has helped more people learn useful skills in aviation and medicine. This comes about in simulations, where students can experience real-life situations by playing certain simulations, so they have more experience without the possibility of harming themselves or patients.
Also Read: Best Historical Video Games
4. A Game Boy’s Strength
Nintendo is one of the leading companies when it comes to video games. They’re known for their amazing consoles and beautifully created video games. And interestingly enough, one of the best facts about video games is about a Game Boy.
Nintendo’s consoles were pretty durable to everyone’s knowledge, but during the controversial Gulf War from 1990 to 1991, a Game Boy actually survived a bombing. At some point during the war, a Game Boy was stored by a medic named Stephan Scoggins inside barracks in the Middle East.
Afterward, when Scoggins found his Game Boy, he sent it to Nintendo for repair. While Nintendo believed the console was a lost cause, they actually tested it and saw that it was still functioning, even if it looked destroyed.
Check Out: Most Expensive Video Games In History
3. Minecraft Is Educational
Minecraft is arguably one of the biggest video games out there. Not only is it available on pretty much every platform, including your mobile device, but it also has the ability to be played in various playstyles. But one purpose of Minecraft might blow you away.
Minecraft is actually used in educational settings. This encourages students to learn through the excitement of gaming. There are tons of subjects that can be done in Minecraft, such as science, math, history, art, language arts, computer science, and more.
Also Read: Best Christmas-Themed Video Game Levels to Get You into the Holiday Spirit
2. Xbox 360 Controllers
When you think of the history of gaming, you might think of iconic characters and games. But you might also think about the long-time rivalry between two consoles: PlayStation and Xbox. Interestingly enough, both have unique facts about themselves that you might not know.
For instance, Xbox 360 controllers were used in the US Navy to help operate the periscopes on submarines. The first submarine to get the controller was the USS Colorado, and then it was quickly added to other Virginia-class submarines. Not only did the Xbox 360 controller cut back the cost, but also took time to learn how to control the periscopes.
Read More: Most Valuable Retro Video Game Consoles
1. PlayStation 2’s Startup Screen
Moving on to the PlayStation, we have one of the most interesting facts about video games that you didn’t know. For those that had a PlayStation 2 growing up, do you remember the starting screen with those white towards?
Turns out those towers represent how many save game dates you had, with each save eventually helping to build a tower during the PS2. When you put your memory card in the PS2 and load it up, it would analyze what was on those cards and create a unique starting screen just for you. Isn’t that amazing?
