More than one in four French people play video games daily, a passion constantly fueled by the release of hundreds of new titles each year. With increasingly realistic graphics and intricate storylines, modern games are true gems compared to the simple, two-dimensional games of the past. Yet these classic games remain popular among nostalgic players and young gamers who love their simplicity.

Where does this fascination with old pixels come from? Get ready for a true journey back in time!

Video games are more than just entertainment—they have their own codes, eras, and pioneering works, from arcade machines to consoles: Pong (1972), Space Invaders (1978), Pac-Man (1980), Mario (1983), Zelda (1986), Double Dragon (1987), Final Fantasy (1987), Mortal Kombat (1992), Metal Gear (1998), and many more. These foundational games shaped the history of gaming.

The history of video games is also marked by fierce competition among manufacturers trying to win over players, sometimes scoring big, sometimes facing a “game over.” Atari, Nintendo, and Sega competed with ingenuity from the 1970s until 1995, when the dramatic entry of Japanese electronics giant Sony reshuffled the deck and won the game.

Which characters, consoles, and games left a lasting mark and stood the test of time—or didn’t? What is their story?

Step into a pixelated universe where even adults will feel like children again.