Step right up, ladies and gentlemen, and let me tell you a tale of adventure, excitement, and groundbreaking innovation! It’s a story of the humble beginnings of one of the most beloved genres in video game history: the platformer. You see, the platformer wasn’t always the polished, visually stunning, and technically advanced game that we know and love today. In fact, it was a far cry from that. But who created the first platformer game, you ask? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a journey to find out!
In the early days of gaming, when pixelated characters roamed the earth and chiptunes filled the air, a group of visionary game developers set out to create something new, something that would change the face of gaming forever. And thus, the platformer was born. But who was the mastermind behind this revolutionary new genre? That’s what we’re here to find out!
So, let’s dive in and explore the history of platformer games, uncovering the stories and legends behind the pioneers who brought these beloved games to life. From the earliest prototype to the latest and greatest, we’ll explore the trials and tribulations, the successes and failures, and the innovations and breakthroughs that shaped the platformer into the beloved genre it is today. And along the way, we’ll discover the answer to the question that has puzzled gamers for decades: who created the first platformer game?
The first platformer game was created by a company called Nintendo in the early 1980s. The game, called “Donkey Kong,” was released in 1981 and featured a character named Jumpman (later renamed Mario) who had to navigate a series of obstacles to rescue a princess from a giant ape named Donkey Kong. Donkey Kong was a groundbreaking game that popularized the platformer genre and set the stage for countless other games in the genre that followed.
The Evolution of Platformer Games
The Origins of Platformer Games
Early Arcade Games
Pong
Pong, released in 1972, was one of the first arcade games and a pioneer in the video game industry. It was developed by Atari and designed by Allan Alcorn. The game featured a simple concept, where players controlled a square-shaped paddle to hit a bouncing ball past their opponent, aiming to score points. Pong’s success sparked the development of numerous arcade games, setting the stage for the evolution of platformer games.
Space Invaders
In 1978, Taito Corporation released Space Invaders, a groundbreaking arcade game that revolutionized the video game industry. Designed by Tomohiro Nishikado, the game featured a horizontally scrolling screen where players controlled a laser cannon at the bottom of the screen, shooting at descending aliens. The game’s innovative gameplay, addictive mechanics, and iconic design elements inspired numerous clones and imitators, laying the foundation for the platformer game genre.
The Rise of Platformer Games
Super Mario Bros.
In 1985, Nintendo released Super Mario Bros., a seminal platformer game that revolutionized the genre and cemented its popularity. Designed by Shigeru Miyamoto, the game featured the character Mario, who navigated through various levels, collecting power-ups and defeating enemies. Super Mario Bros. introduced innovative gameplay mechanics, such as the “power-up mushroom” and the “goomba” enemy, which became iconic elements in platformer games. The game’s success spawned numerous sequels and imitators, further solidifying the platformer game’s place in the video game industry.
Sonic the Hedgehog
In 1991, Sega released Sonic the Hedgehog, a groundbreaking platformer game that challenged Nintendo’s dominance in the genre. Designed by Yuji Naka and Naoto Ohshima, the game featured the character Sonic the Hedgehog, who navigated through levels at high speeds, using his ability to run quickly and perform acrobatic maneuvers to defeat enemies. Sonic the Hedgehog introduced innovative gameplay mechanics, such as the “spin dash” and “homing attack,” which became iconic elements in platformer games. The game’s success spawned numerous sequels and imitators, further solidifying the platformer game’s place in the video game industry.
The Creators of Platformer Games
Nintendo and Shigeru Miyamoto
Nintendo, a Japanese multinational consumer electronics company, is widely regarded as one of the most influential video game companies in the world. The company’s early success in the industry was largely due to the vision and creativity of its employees, particularly Shigeru Miyamoto, who is credited with creating some of the most iconic and enduring video game franchises of all time.
Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros. is a platformer game that was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1985. The game was developed by Nintendo EAD and directed by Shigeru Miyamoto. It follows the adventures of Mario and Luigi, two Italian-American plumbers who must navigate a series of obstacles and enemies to save Princess Peach from the clutches of the evil Bowser. The game was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish the platformer genre as a staple of the video game industry.
Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong is a platformer game that was released for the NES in 1981. The game was developed by Nintendo and directed by Shigeru Miyamoto. It features the character Jumpman (later renamed Mario), who must navigate a series of platforms and obstacles to rescue a damsel in distress named Pauline from the clutches of a giant ape named Donkey Kong. The game was a commercial success and helped to establish Nintendo as a major player in the video game industry.
The Legend of Zelda
The Legend of Zelda is an action-adventure game that was released for the NES in 1986. The game was developed by Nintendo EAD and directed by Shigeru Miyamoto. It follows the adventures of Link, a young boy who must rescue Princess Zelda from the clutches of the evil King Ganondorf. The game was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to establish the action-adventure genre as a staple of the video game industry.
Sega and Yuji Naka
Sonic the Hedgehog
Sonic the Hedgehog is a popular platformer game created by Sega and Yuji Naka. The game was first released in 1991 for the Sega Genesis and has since become a classic in the platformer genre. The game features a blue hedgehog named Sonic, who is able to run at high speeds and jump between platforms. The goal of the game is to navigate through various levels, collecting rings and defeating enemies along the way.
NiGHTS into Dreams…
NiGHTS into Dreams… is another platformer game created by Sega and Yuji Naka. The game was first released in 1996 for the Sega Saturn and features a unique art style that incorporates hand-drawn illustrations. The game follows the story of two children, Elliot and Claris, who enter a dream world and must navigate through various levels while battling against a villain named Wizeman.
Phantasy Star
Phantasy Star is a science fiction-themed platformer game created by Sega and Yuji Naka. The game was first released in 1987 for the Sega Master System and has since spawned multiple sequels. The game features a team of characters who must navigate through various levels, battling against monsters and other enemies. The game also features a unique system where players can choose to play as different characters, each with their own unique abilities and strengths.
Other Creators of Platformer Games
Ron Gilbert
Ron Gilbert is a prominent game designer who has contributed significantly to the world of platformer games. He is best known for his work on the classic game “Maniac Mansion,” which was released in 1987 by LucasArts. The game was a groundbreaking title that featured a unique non-linear storyline and a variety of characters with their own strengths and weaknesses.
Gilbert’s later work, “The Secret of Monkey Island,” also made a significant impact on the platformer genre. Released in 1990, the game featured a young adventurer named Guybrush Threepwood on a quest to become a pirate. The game’s success led to a series of sequels, further cementing Gilbert’s place as a key figure in the platformer game industry.
Ed Boon
Ed Boon is another influential game designer who has made a significant impact on the platformer genre. He is best known as the creator of the iconic fighting game franchise “Mortal Kombat,” which was first released in 1992. The game’s over-the-top violence and unique character designs helped to establish it as a household name in the gaming world.
Boon has continued to work in the platformer genre, serving as the creative director for the fighting game “Injustice: Gods Among Us.” Released in 2013, the game features a roster of DC Comics superheroes and villains battling it out in a dark and mature world. Boon’s contributions to the platformer genre have earned him a reputation as one of the most innovative and influential game designers of all time.
The Impact of Platformer Games
The Success of Platformer Games
The success of platformer games cannot be overstated. These games have captured the hearts and minds of gamers around the world, leading to a thriving industry that continues to grow to this day.
Commercial Success
Platformer games have been a commercial success since their inception. Some of the earliest platformer games, such as “Pitfall!” and “Super Mario Bros.”, sold millions of copies and helped to establish the video game industry as a viable form of entertainment. In the decades since, platformer games have continued to be best-sellers, with franchises like “Mario”, “Sonic”, and “Crash Bandicoot” consistently selling millions of copies.
Critical Acclaim
In addition to their commercial success, platformer games have also been critically acclaimed. Many platformer games have been considered among the greatest video games of all time, with titles like “Super Mario Bros.” and “The Legend of Zelda” being recognized for their innovative gameplay, memorable characters, and iconic soundtracks. These games have also been praised for their ability to capture the imagination of players, transporting them to fantastical worlds filled with danger, adventure, and discovery.
Furthermore, platformer games have inspired countless imitators and innovations, with developers constantly striving to create new and exciting experiences for players. As a result, the platformer genre has become one of the most beloved and enduring in all of gaming, with new and exciting games still being released to this day.
The Legacy of Platformer Games
Influence on the Gaming Industry
The first platformer game, created by a pioneering developer, had a profound impact on the gaming industry. It established a new genre of games that would go on to become one of the most popular and enduring in video game history. Platformer games were among the first to incorporate jumping and running mechanics, and their success paved the way for a wide range of other games that built on these innovations. Many modern games, including some of the most popular and beloved franchises, owe a significant debt to the innovations of the first platformer game.
Impact on Popular Culture
The first platformer game was not just a success in the gaming industry, but also had a significant impact on popular culture more broadly. It helped to establish video games as a legitimate form of entertainment, breaking down barriers and challenging preconceived notions about what games could be. The game’s iconic characters and catchy music became part of the cultural lexicon, and its influence can be seen in a wide range of media, from movies and TV shows to music and art. Even today, the legacy of the first platformer game can be seen in the countless games and other media that draw inspiration from its innovations and influence.
The Future of Platformer Games
Technological Advancements
As technology continues to advance, platformer games are poised to benefit from improved visuals, smoother animations, and more sophisticated AI. These advancements will enable developers to create more immersive worlds, with intricate details and seamless environments that draw players into the game. Furthermore, technological advancements in controllers, such as haptic feedback and motion control, will enhance the gaming experience by providing more intuitive and responsive controls.
Evolving Gameplay Mechanics
Platformer games will continue to evolve their gameplay mechanics, incorporating new features and challenges that push the boundaries of player skill and ingenuity. For example, we can expect to see more dynamic environments that react to the player’s actions, with destructible terrain and interactive objects that can be used as weapons or tools. Additionally, platformer games may explore new genres, such as incorporating elements of puzzle-solving, exploration, or even multiplayer co-op.
Continued Popularity
Despite the rise of other genres, platformer games remain a beloved staple of the gaming industry. Their simple yet addictive gameplay, charming characters, and iconic music have captivated players for decades. As long as there is a demand for challenging, engaging, and entertaining games, platformer games will continue to be popular, with new titles and remastered classics keeping the genre alive for years to come.
Overall, the future of platformer games looks bright, with technological advancements, evolving gameplay mechanics, and continued popularity ensuring that these classic games remain relevant and exciting for players of all ages.
FAQs
1. Who created the first platformer game?
The first platformer game was created by a Japanese company called Nintendo. The game, called “Donkey Kong,” was released in 1981 and featured a character named Jumpman (later renamed Mario) who had to navigate a series of platforms to rescue a princess from a giant ape named Donkey Kong. The game was a huge success and established the platformer genre as a staple of video game culture.
2. Who invented the platformer game genre?
The platformer game genre was invented by a company called Nintendo. The first platformer game, “Donkey Kong,” was released in 1981 and featured a character named Jumpman (later renamed Mario) who had to navigate a series of platforms to rescue a princess from a giant ape named Donkey Kong. The game was a huge success and spawned numerous sequels and imitators, cementing the platformer genre as a beloved staple of video game culture.
3. When was the first platformer game released?
The first platformer game, “Donkey Kong,” was released in 1981 by Nintendo. The game featured a character named Jumpman (later renamed Mario) who had to navigate a series of platforms to rescue a princess from a giant ape named Donkey Kong. The game was a huge success and established the platformer genre as a staple of video game culture.
4. What is the significance of the first platformer game?
The first platformer game, “Donkey Kong,” was released in 1981 by Nintendo and marked the creation of the platformer genre. The game featured a character named Jumpman (later renamed Mario) who had to navigate a series of platforms to rescue a princess from a giant ape named Donkey Kong. The game was a huge success and spawned numerous sequels and imitators, cementing the platformer genre as a beloved staple of video game culture. It also established Nintendo as a major player in the video game industry.
5. What is the difference between a platformer game and other types of games?
A platformer game is a type of video game in which the player controls a character who must navigate a series of platforms to reach a goal. Platformer games are known for their challenging gameplay, precise controls, and iconic characters. They differ from other types of games, such as puzzle games or first-person shooters, in that they focus on precise timing and movement to navigate obstacles and enemies. Platformer games are often considered some of the most classic and beloved genres in video game history.