Keeping the past in the past may be a great saying overall, however, we’d argue that this isn’t applicable to everything. As many of us still hold a certain fondness for simpler times, we can see a resurgence of everything retro, be it Polaroid cameras or vinyl recordings.
This very nostalgia is one of the reasons why we’ve seen a major comeback of several games and gaming genres in recent years.
Resurging Classic Gaming Genres
Let’s start this off by taking a look at games of chance, which have been gaining plenty of traction thanks to the advent of online casinos.
More specifically, we can take a look at platforms like PokerStars, which has a vast library of digitized casino games like slots. Online casino sites have managed to recreate the retro feeling of the genre without requiring players to leave their homes, all in HD quality. Moreover, the popularity of this industry can be attributed to the addition of innovative aspects, like Live Casino, as well as offers like instant bonuses.
Meanwhile, platformers may date back all the way to 1981 when Donkey Kong was first released, but they’re still a clear cut fan favorite to this day. Here, we have chiefly Nintendo to thank for keeping the genre alive with releases like Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
These modern platformers have the same vibes as past ones but feature improved graphics, sounds, and controls. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to enjoy the most popular releases if you only own a gaming PC, as most of them are from Nintendo, making them exclusive to the Switch.
To round this list off, we have tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), which have gone through a similar process of digitization as the aforementioned casino games.
Nowadays, people can find options like Dungeons & Dragons Online and Baldur’s Gate III, removing the limitation of only being able to play in real life with friends. Now, TTRPGs can be enjoyed with AI-powered companions or online strangers from around the globe. In turn, this rise in popularity within the genre has led to an increase in demand for the analog versions not just within niche communities, but gamers of all types.
Remastered vs. Rebooted
As we’ve discussed the return of several classic games and genres, we also need to address the difference between remastering and completely rebooting titles. Both have their own pros and cons for gamers, so understanding this can ensure that when you pick up one of these games, you won’t be left disappointed.
Remastering a game simply means taking the source material and applying a modern polish to it. Typically, this would involve improved graphics and quality-of-life updates. However, at their core, they’re still the same game and retain the same feel. Online casino games, along with The Last of Us franchise are both examples of remasters.
On the other hand, rebooted games are quite different. They take inspiration from the original but apply plenty of creative license. Reboots, or remakes as they are also known, end up being a more current product, but this approach can also alienate die-hard fans who will claim the original was better. For this one, we can take a look at the 2011 release of Mortal Kombat or the 2013 Tomb Raider game.
Whilst both remastering and rebooting have a place in the gaming industry, we can see how one or the other may be preferred depending on the type of player you are. So, regardless of whether you value authenticity or crave innovation, the gaming sector readily offers both in equal measure.
And now, armed with information, you’ll be better primed to make the right gaming decision for you.
Conclusion
While the gaming landscape is everchanging, there’s a certain level of comfort in knowing that these classic genres aren’t just surviving in the modern era, but actually thriving in it. From the resurgence of classic casino games to the global popularity of TTRPGs, all of this has shown us that we can live in a world where the old and the new can coexist harmoniously.
