Inventing the Adventure Game details the history and design of early adventure games, including the first text-based game Colossal Cave, the action-adventure game Adventure for Atari 2600, and the educational simulation Rocky’s Boots. The manuscript discusses player interaction, game design principles, and the evolution of game mechanics and space.
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Type-in programs from original 101 BASIC Computer Games in DEC and Dartmouth dialects; not the same as BASIC Computer Games. This collection showcases various programming styles and dialects, with some programs running in RetroBASIC.
InvisiClues.org hosts Infocom’s games and comics, including Zork, with new browser-based Infocomics in beta testing.
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Extreme TLDR: RetroFab by Itizso offers browser-based 3D simulations of classic handheld electronic games with features like gameplay, box art, and instructions. Currently in early access, the collection supports gamepads, with a growing library of vintage games from various publishers.
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Fully documented 6502 source code for Elite (1984) online, covering BBC Micro, Acorn Electron, Commodore 64, Apple II, and NES. Includes original code, deep dives, hacks, and options to play or explore. GitHub repositories available for building source code versions. Educational site aims to appreciate the game’s legacy.
The Sims’ enduring popularity (25 years) stems from its unique blend of relatable, exaggerated life simulation, inclusive gameplay, and player-driven narratives. Initially launched in 2000, the game evolves through its updates, now boasting 85 million players post-transition to free-to-play. Its design encourages personal storytelling while avoiding strict definitions, allowing players to engage in diverse relationships and story arcs without labels. The franchise has adapted to make failure more forgiving, emphasizing emotional connection rather than survival, solidifying its appeal in a dehumanizing digital landscape.
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VGHF Library: Non-profit dedicated to video game history; offers collections of development materials, magazines, and artwork. Ongoing catalog updates; access digital archive.
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