Article
Shutterstock.com
Paired Texts,

The History of Video Games

The fascinating story of how video games have changed over time

By Kristin Lewis
From the February 2023 Issue

Learning Objective: Students will synthesize information about the history of video game innovations from an article and a timeline.

Complexity Factors
  • Structure
    An article about the history of video games is mainly chronological, with some narrative passages. The second text is an illustrated timeline about the history of video games.
  • Language
    The article and timeline contain domain-specific vocabulary about video games.
  • Knowledge Demands
    No prior knowledge is required, although some familiarity with video games might be helpful. Certain video game companies and individual games are mentioned.
Lexiles: 600L-700L, Easier Level
Guided Reading Level: N
DRA Level: 28-30
Featured Skill: Synthesizing,
Other Key Skills: vocabulary, text features, key details, compare and contrast, cause and effect, explanatory writing
Standards
  • Common Core
    RI.1, RI.2, RI.3, RI.4, RI.5, RI.9, W.2, SL.1, L.1
  • TEKS Grade 3
    1a, 1c, 3a, 3b, 6a, 6c, 6g, 6h, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7f, 7g, 9d, 12b

Presentation View
See Student View

Story Navigation

Lexile® measure

  • On Level
  • Easier Level
Download and Print
Easier Level

All About Video Games

You’re going to read an article about the history of video games! How much do you know about the wild world of gaming? Take this quiz to find out. (Don’t worry if you don’t know the answers. By the time you’re done, you’ll be an expert!)

You’re going to read an article about the history of video games! How much do you know about the wild world of gaming? Take this quiz to find out. (Don’t worry if you don’t know the answers. By the time you’re done, you’ll be an expert!)

1. One of the first video games was called Pong. Which sport was Pong designed to look like?

1. One of the first video games was called Pong. Which sport was Pong designed to look like?

Pong is a video game that looks like table tennis, or Ping-Pong. As a player, you controlled a tiny paddle that you could move up or down on the screen. The goal was to hit a ball to the other side of the screen. If your opponent missed the ball, you scored a point!

Pong is a video game that looks like table tennis, or Ping-Pong. As a player, you controlled a tiny paddle that you could move up or down on the screen. The goal was to hit a ball to the other side of the screen. If your opponent missed the ball, you scored a point!

2. True or false: The video game character Mario is a plumber.

2. True or false: The video game character Mario is a plumber.

True! Before he became famous for fighting the evil Bowser and collecting gold stars, Mario had a job as a plumber. His twin brother, Luigi, is also a plumber! Both Mario and Luigi are characters in the beloved Super Mario video game series.

True! Before he became famous for fighting the evil Bowser and collecting gold stars, Mario had a job as a plumber. His twin brother, Luigi, is also a plumber! Both Mario and Luigi are characters in the beloved Super Mario video game series.

3. Pac-Man is one of the most popular video games of all time. What device could you play Pac-Man on?

3. Pac-Man is one of the most popular video games of all time. What device could you play Pac-Man on?

You could play Pac-Man on all of these. In fact, there are more than a dozen different ways to play Pac-Man. Companies made sure gamers could play Pac-Man on most new devices that came out. They still do this. That’s how popular the game still is!

You could play Pac-Man on all of these. In fact, there are more than a dozen different ways to play Pac-Man. Companies made sure gamers could play Pac-Man on most new devices that came out. They still do this. That’s how popular the game still is!

4. One of the most popular video game series of all time is Sonic the Hedgehog. In it, Sonic battles the evil Doctor Eggman. Which U.S. president is Doctor Eggman based on?

4. One of the most popular video game series of all time is Sonic the Hedgehog. In it, Sonic battles the evil Doctor Eggman. Which U.S. president is Doctor Eggman based on?

The idea for how Sonic’s villain would look came from a cartoon version of President Theodore Roosevelt wearing pajamas. Doctor Eggman wears eyeglasses and has a big mustache, just like President Theodore Roosevelt.

The idea for how Sonic’s villain would look came from a cartoon version of President Theodore Roosevelt wearing pajamas. Doctor Eggman wears eyeglasses and has a big mustache, just like President Theodore Roosevelt.

5.  What is the name of the main character in the Legend of Zelda video game series?

5. What is the name of the main character in the Legend of Zelda video game series?

 Link is the name of the main character in the Legend of Zelda. Zelda is the name of the princess in the series who goes on epic adventures with Link to save the magical land of Hyrule from evil. Fun fact: Link never speaks in the games! The creator of the Legend of Zelda wanted players to be able to imagine their own thoughts and words while they played. (Bowser is a character from the Super Mario video game series.)

 Link is the name of the main character in the Legend of Zelda. Zelda is the name of the princess in the series who goes on epic adventures with Link to save the magical land of Hyrule from evil. Fun fact: Link never speaks in the games! The creator of the Legend of Zelda wanted players to be able to imagine their own thoughts and words while they played. (Bowser is a character from the Super Mario video game series.)
Take the quiz again
Think and Read: Connecting the Texts

As you read, think about how the way people play video games has changed over time.

The History of Video Games

Let’s take a trip back to 1980. You’re wearing short gym shorts and long socks pulled up to your knees. You’re ready to hang out with your friends!

Your mom drives you to the mall. You enter a dark room filled with noisy machines and find your friends huddled around a machine as big as a refrigerator. Loud noises come from it. Ping! Ding! You rush over, coins jingling noisily in your pocket.

Where are you? At your favorite place to play video games with friends—an arcade!

Let’s take a trip back to 1980. You’re wearing short gym shorts and long socks pulled up to your knees. You’re ready to hang out with your friends!

Your mom drives you to the mall. You enter a dark room filled with noisy machines. You find your friends huddled around a machine as big as a refrigerator. Loud noises come from it. Ping! Ding! The coins in your pocket jingle as you rush over.

Where are you? At your favorite place to play video games with friends—an arcade!

Epic Games (Fortnite); Urbanbuzz/Alamy Stock Photo (Minecraft); Cb2/Zob/Wenn.Com/Newscom (Fifa); Thanos/Mega/Newscom (Madden); Courtesy Of Nintendo (Splatoon); Shutterstock.Com (All Other Images)

In the Arcade

In the Arcade

Today, you can play video games almost anywhere—in your room, waiting for the school bus, or in the back seat of a car. The people you play with don’t need to be right next to you.

But in 1980, most kids went to an arcade to play video games with friends. Each game cost a quarter or two to play. The goal of the games was simple: Score points. You could do that by hitting a ball in Pong or by gobbling up dots in Pac-Man.

These early games were nothing like the flashy video games we have today. They had few colors and their pictures looked flat. Even so, people couldn’t get enough of them. By 1981, there were thousands of arcades across America. But this was about to change.

Today, you can play video games almost anywhere—in your room, waiting for the school bus, or in the back seat of a car. The people you play with don’t need to be right next to you.

But in 1980, most kids went to an arcade to play video games with friends. Each game cost a quarter or two to play. The goal of the games was simple: Score points. You could do that by hitting a ball in Pong. Or you could gobble up dots in Pac-Man.

These early games were nothing like the flashy video games we have today. They had few colors. Their pictures looked flat. Even so, people couldn’t get enough of them. By 1981, there were thousands of arcades across America. But this was about to change.

The End of Gaming?

The End of Gaming?

After a while, people got bored of playing the same games over and over. By 1983, people stopped spending as much time in arcades. Many arcades closed. Was this the end of gaming?

Nope! Something sensational happened: A new way to play video games came out. It was called the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). 

This console—and others like it—was fast and easy to use. You could play new and better games on it. And best of all? You didn’t need to go to an arcade. You could use it at home!

After a while, people got bored of playing the same games over and over. By 1983, people stopped spending as much time in arcades. Many arcades closed. Was this the end of gaming?

Nope! Something sensational happened: A new way to play video games came out. It was called the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). 

This console—and others like it—was fast and easy to use. You could play new and better games on it. And best of all? You didn’t need to go to an arcade. You could use it at home!

Staying Connected

Staying Connected

Thanks to the NES, video games became more and more popular. Companies made smaller consoles—you could even hold some of them in your hand! And all kinds of new games were created. There was John Madden Football for sports fans, while puzzle lovers could play Tetris.

Today, there are millions of different video games. You can play them on a TV, a computer, a tablet, or even a phone. And thanks to the internet, video games help us stay connected with friends all over the world. You and your cousin across the country can play the same video game at the same time.

As for arcades? They’re still around—just a lot harder to find. But if you see one, go in. Say thanks. Without arcades, we wouldn’t have the video games we love today.

Thanks to the NES, video games became more and more popular. Companies made smaller consoles. You could even hold some of them in your hand! And all kinds of new games were created. There was John Madden Football for sports fans. Puzzle lovers could play Tetris.

Today, there are millions of different video games. You can play them on a TV, a computer, a tablet, or even a phone. And thanks to the internet, video games help us stay connected with friends all over the world. You and your cousin across the country can play the same video game at the same time.

As for arcades? They’re still around—just a lot harder to find. But if you see one, go in. Say thanks. Without arcades, we wouldn’t have the video games we love today.  

Video Games Through Time 

Check out how video games have changed over time.

Check out how video games have changed over time.

1980: In Arcades

1980: In Arcades

Most kids play simple video games on giant machines in a dark arcade.

Most kids play video games in a dark arcade. Simple games are played on giant machines.

1986: At Home

1986: At Home

A fast, easy-to-use console comes out: the Nintendo Entertainment System. Kids can play exciting new games from their couches!

A fast, easy-to-use console comes out: the Nintendo Entertainment System. Kids can play exciting new games from their couches!

1989: On the Go

1989: On the Go

People start playing video games everywhere they go with the Game Boy, a small device that can fit in your pocket!

People start playing video games everywhere they go with the Game Boy, a small device that can fit in your pocket!

2000: Around the World

2000: Around the World

The internet changes gaming forever. Players from around the world can now play video games together online.  

The internet changes gaming forever. Players from around the world can now play video games together online.  

Today: Anywhere with Anyone

Today: Anywhere with Anyone

Thanks to smartphones and tablets, you can play video games anywhere with anyone! Apps make it easy to download games and connect with friends.

Thanks to smartphones and tablets, you can play video games anywhere with anyone! Apps make it easy to download games and connect with friends.

THINK AND WRITE

Write a paragraph explaining how inventions have changed the way we play video games over time. Use details from both texts. 

THINK AND WRITE

Write a paragraph explaining how inventions have changed the way we play video games over time. Use details from both texts. 

video (1)
Slideshows (1)
Audio ()
Activities (8)
Skills Activities
Quizzes (1)
Answer Key (1)
video (1)
Slideshows (1)
Audio ()
Activities (8) Download All Quizzes and Activities
Skills Activities
Quizzes (1)
Answer Key (1)
Can't-Miss Teaching Extras

For more articles on video games, check out “Minecraft and Lego History” and “Are You Playing Too Much Among Us?” Ask students: What’s your favorite video game to play?

 

Have a class discussion. Now that your students know about the history of playing video games, ask them what they think the future of video gaming will be like. 

Step-by-Step Lesson Plan
Download the Lesson Plan

Table of Contents

1. Preparing to Read

2. Close Reading

3. Skill Building and Writing

4. Differentiate and Customize

Striving Readers, Multilingual Learners, Advanced Readers

1. Preparing to Read

Set a Purpose for Reading/Preview Text Features/Build Background Knowledge

  • Instruct students to study the title, subtitle, and illustration on pages 16-17. Ask them to describe the illustration and predict what the story will be about. Review the predictions after reading.
  • Call on volunteers to read aloud the Think and Read box on page 17 and the Think and Write box on page 19.

Introduce Vocabulary

  • Show or assign the Vocabulary Slideshow to preview challenging words. Then assign the Vocabulary Skill Builder before or after reading.

2. Close Reading

  • Read the story as a class or have students follow along as they listen to the Read-Aloud. 
  • Project or assign the Close-Reading and Critical-Thinking Questions. (Alternatively, use all or part of the Learning Journey Slide Deck.)

Close-Reading Questions

  • Read the first section of the article. Describe where kids played video games in the early 1980s. (key details) In the early 1980s, kids played video games in dark, noisy arcades. Arcades were often located in malls.
  • Read “In the Arcade.” What are two differences between arcade video games of the 1980s and video games we play today? (compare and contrast) Answers will vary. Sample answer: Two differences between arcade video games and games today are that arcade video games were played on big machines and there weren’t many options. Games today are played on smaller devices, like phones and laptops. Also, there are millions of games available now.
  • Read “The End of Gaming?” How did the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) change how people played video games? (cause and effect) The NES changed how people played video games by letting them play at home instead of going to an arcade.
  • Read “Staying Connected.” How did the internet change the way people play video games? (cause and effect) The internet changed the way people play video games because it makes it possible to play games with anyone anywhere in the world.
  • Read the timeline “Video Games Through Time.” How did the size of the devices that people used for playing video games change between 1980 and 1989? (compare and contrast) The size of the devices got smaller over time. In 1980, people played video games on giant arcade machines. In 1986, they played at home on the NES, a console that was much smaller than the arcade games. In 1989, people started playing on the Game Boy, an even smaller device. It could fit in your pocket.
  • Which details from the timeline explain how today’s smartphones and tablets have changed the way you can play video games? (key details, text features) Smartphones and tablets make it possible to play video games anywhere and with anyone. Apps make it easy to download games and connect with friends.

Critical-Thinking Questions

  • Study the photos and read the labels on pages 16 and 17. How are they the same? How are they different? (compare and contrast, text features) Both photos show kids playing video games. In the photo on page 16, kids are playing video games on large machines in a dark arcade. The label on this photo is “Then.” In the photo on page 17, a girl plays a modern video game. She wears a virtual reality headset and uses two joysticks. Pictures of characters from popular video games surround her. The label on this photo is “Now.”
  • How have the devices we use to play video games and the kind of games we play changed over time? Use details from both the article and the timeline in your answer. (synthesizing) Over time, the devices we use to play video games have become smaller and easier to carry. More video games are now available. You can choose from many different kinds of games, instead of the few games that were available at arcades. Also, these games look better than the older games and are more exciting to play.

3. Skill Building and Writing

Featured Skill: Synthesizing

  • Distribute or digitally assign the Putting Ideas Together Skill Builder.  
  • Ask students to write a response to the prompt in the Think and Write box on page 19. 

Differentiate and Customize
For Striving Readers

Before reading the paired texts, show students the video “Video Games: Then and Now,” which details many of the same developments in video game history that are in the texts. Then read the Easier level of the story aloud as students follow along, or have students listen to the audio read-aloud.

For Multilingual Learners

The paired texts contain domain-specific terms that might be unfamiliar to your multilingual learners. Before having students read the articles, call attention to the following words: gaming, arcade, console, tablet, smartphones, and apps. With your students, go over the definition of each word. Showing images for the words will aid understanding. Ask students to share video game terms from their first languages and compare them with the equivalent English terms.

For Advanced Readers

Have students imagine what the future of video games might look like. Encourage them to create an advertisement for a new kind of video game or video game console. What is going to be different about it? What’s the point of the game? How do people play?

Text-to-Speech