This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about National Video Game Day (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. National Video Game Day is celebrated on July 8th.
Among the information you’ll find below: the history of National Video Game Day, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as captivating facts you should know about National Video Game Day.
📅 What day is National Video Game Day 2024?
In 2024, National Video Game Day is on Saturday, July 8th. It is the 2nd Saturday in July; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can learn all the exciting details and facts about July 8, 2023, that you might not be aware of.
Get ready to dig out your favorite collection of games and give your old Nintendo a good clean because July 8th is National Video Game Day! (Note: National Video Games Day is different and falls on September 12th.) While video games were initially created for leisure purposes (although professional gaming leagues now exist), they have gained immense popularity in recent decades. Video games are not only entertaining and exhilarating but also appeal to people of all ages, not just children. Interestingly, the first-ever video game developed was a simple table tennis game. Today, there are over five million games available, catering to various genres and interests, ranging from high-speed racing to intense virtual duels. If you’re interested in delving deeper into the world of video games, be sure to follow these top video game journalists for more insights.
📜 National Video Game Day History
In the 1950s, the first video games were created by academic institutions. These early games were virtual versions of traditional board games like tic-tac-toe. One notable example was a game exhibited at the New York World’s Fair in 1940, which was based on the mathematics game “Nim.” The computer program won over 90% of the games played by the 50,000 individuals who tried it.
In 1967, Ralph Baer, known as the father of gaming, released the “Brown Box,” the first game system designed for commercial use. This inspired Atari to create the popular game “Pong,” although they faced a copyright infringement lawsuit. Atari ultimately emerged victorious and went on to introduce the Atari 2600, leading to the creation of well-known games like “Donkey Kong” and “Pac-Man.”
In 1983, the video game industry experienced a collapse, but Nintendo from Japan made a breakthrough with hit series like “Super Mario Bros.” and “The Legend of Zelda.” The competition increased with Sega entering the market, leading to the rise of 3D games.
In the early 2000s, the Sony PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and Wii marked the beginning of the modern era of gaming. Video games have since expanded to all digital platforms, including mobile devices, and the internet gaming scene has flourished. Virtual reality has become the latest trend in gaming, with major corporations like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo working on advancing VR gaming technology.
✅ National Video Game Day Facts
🔖 More viewers than the Super Bowl!
The League of Legends World Competition Finals have garnered more viewership than both the NBA Finals and the Super Bowl, highlighting the immense popularity of e-sports.
🔖 Not just for teenagers
🔖 The worst video game of all time
The Atari game “E.T.” is often regarded as the absolute worst video game ever created, so much so that the game’s creators actually buried physical copies of it in the New Mexico desert.
👍 Why Is National Video Game Day Important
Despite our increasingly complicated technological environment (and the lack of flying automobiles), video games will never go out of style. They’re simply getting better and better.
One of the finest ways to spend time is to play video games. There are certainly other activities available, but let’s be honest: why would we consider these when video games are available? Furthermore, the adrenaline rush we get from saving Princess Peach from the evil Bowser is unparalleled.
Video games, believe it or not, may teach valuable life lessons. Many of the characters have different personalities, relationships, and goals. Through thought-provoking events, you get to shape their fates.
🙂 How To Observe National Video Game Day
⚡ Dress up
The joy of dressing up as your favorite character, whether it’s Luigi or Nathan Drake, lies not only in creating the costume but also in proudly displaying it for others to see.
⚡ Stage a marathon with friends
If you need a break from work, consider taking a sick day or informing your supervisor that you’ll be absent for a fun day of playing video games. Choose Mario Kart 64 as your game of choice and get ready to enjoy a nostalgic party. While you might spend a lot of time playing, it’s a good idea to have other games available for your enthusiastic guests to choose from.
⚡ Visit a themed bar
If your friends are busy with work, why not consider going to a pub with a video game theme (if you’re of legal drinking age) to socialize with other friends? You might even have the chance to make some new acquaintances!
📅 When is National Video Game Day?
| YEAR | DATE | DAY |
| 2023 | July 8 | Saturday |
| 2024 | July 8 | Monday |
| 2025 | July 8 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | July 8 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | July 8 | Thursday |
See all 🔗 July holidays, including 🔗 Special Interest and other 🔗 Activities holidays.
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