Press start — the story of how pixels became the world's biggest entertainment industry.
In 1972, two white paddles and a bouncing dot earned more money than the bar they were installed in. Half a century later, the video game industry generates more revenue than film and music combined. This timeline traces the full arc — from Pong's overflowing coin box through the crash that nearly killed gaming, Nintendo's resurrection, the PlayStation revolution, the rise of online worlds, and the cultural dominance of Fortnite and Minecraft. Along the way, games evolved from quarter-eating diversions into the defining art form of the 21st century — a medium that can make you cry, think, compete, create, and connect with millions of strangers across the planet.
A curated dispatch of forgotten moments, pivotal turning points, and the stories behind the dates.