Gaming is a part of our everyday lives, and its joys are instilled in us at a very young age. It’s a great way to spend time with family and friends or just relax on your own after a day at work.
The wealth and variety of games available have changed with technology and time, as powerful gaming consoles and online gaming become more prominent. But the reason we play games hasn’t changed in all those years.
Competition, rivalry, enjoyment, and spending time with other people, are all part of what draws us– no matter our age – to gaming.
Despite the dominance of digital and online gaming, classic games remain as popular as ever, and many have even transitioned into the online world. Casino classics like poker and blackjack, plus chess, Risk, Uno and many more, are now finding new and appreciative audiences online.
So which games have stood the test of time and what exactly makes a game a classic? Here’s our round up of the greatest games of all time.
Monopoly
Created: 1935
Monopoly can trace its origins back to the early 20th century, before finally being released as the game we know and love today. The game is still going strong, with so many versions of the game being released its almost impossible to keep up with them all.
Whether it’s your favorite football team, Star Wars, or Disney princesses, there’s a monopoly themed board game for that. Its success has also seen the game turned into electronic and on-the-go versions, plus console and smartphone adaptations.
Buy and sell property, make loads of money and crush the competition. What’s not to like?
Slot Machines
Created: 1894
The first slot machine was invented in 1894 in San Francisco by Charles Fey. Called the Liberty Bell, it included three spinning reels, a single pay line, and a fully automated payout system. Its success saw the humble slot grow in popularity, but it wasn’t until 1964 and the first electromechanical slot called ‘Money Honey’, with its bottomless hopper, that slots really took off.
The first video slot machine, ‘Fortune Coin’, came out in 1976 and gave slots a whole new following amongst video gamers. But it was the advent of the internet and smartphones that saw them become the phenomenon that they are today.
Microgaming developed the first online casino in the mid-1990s, marking the beginning of the online gaming industry. As technology advanced, casino games became more exciting, creating the immersive slots on offer to gamers today.
Now, players can pay for their casino games through online e-wallets such as PayPal, and their cutting-edge secure system, giving gamers piece of mind and added security. A variety of casino providers accept PayPal payment methods, with this being the most preferred payment method for most players.
Chess
Created: Sixth century A.D.
Any game that was invented so long ago and remains popular to this day, deserves a place on this list. One of the oldest and most famous games in the world, chess started life in India before it’s popularity spread around the world.
Despite the initial hurdle of potentially complicated rules, the game continues to thrive. Several online chess versions are available for gamers, highlighting the board games unique appeal across all age groups.
Space Invaders
Created: 1978
This game changed the cultural landscape when it was first introduced to a sci-fi loving public enthralled by the success of Star Wars. Space Invaders was the first ever fixed shooter game and is often cited as the most influential video game of all time, while in 2008, the Guinness World Records called it the ‘top arcade game of all time’.
The graphics may seem dated now, but the game has a nostalgic and hugely playable charm, despite the plethora of more immersive games now available.
Pac-Man
Created: 1980
A smash hit when it was first released, Pac-Man makes the list thanks to its continued popularity. It is one of history’s longest-running, best-selling, and highest-grossing video game franchises.
Much like the modern day ‘Minecraft’ game, Pac-Man wasn’t just a success as a game, it’s images made it onto pencil cases, t-shirts, bags, and more, becoming a part of pop culture.
The game spawned lots of spin offs, and its success has seen it released online for more gamers to enjoy, bringing this classic to a whole new audience. All you have to do is munch all the pills in the maze and avoid the chasing ghosts. A true classic.
Clue (Cluedo)
Created: 1943
Who doesn’t love a murder mystery? Clue is an incredibly popular board game that turns players into detectives as they try and work out who amongst them is the murderer. The game has spawned numerous editions, online and console versions, and even a film.
Loved by all ages – who knew murder was appropriate for kids? This classic game remains popular worldwide, as would be Sherlock Holmes put their detection skills to the test.
