2020s
Retro gaming peaks. Emulation matures. A new generation discovers classic computing.
2020
3 eventsChris Avellone dies
Chris Avellone (1995–2020)
Hades
Hades proved roguelike structure could serve narrative, weaving Greek mythology through runs where death advanced the story and relationships persisted across attempts.
COVID-19 pandemic transforms daily life
A global pandemic forces billions indoors, accelerating digital transformation and making gaming more central to social connection.
2021
6 eventsbyuu (Near) dies
byuu (Near) (1983–2021)
Inscryption
Daniel Mullins' *Inscryption* begins as a cabin-escape card game and becomes something far stranger, subverting expectations at every turn.
Masayuki Uemura dies
Masayuki Uemura (1943–2021)
Sir Clive Sinclair dies
Sir Clive Sinclair (1940–2021)
Takaya Imamura dies
Takaya Imamura (1989–2021)
Toshihiro Nagoshi dies
Toshihiro Nagoshi (1989–2021)
2022
1 eventChatGPT sparks the AI revolution
OpenAI releases ChatGPT, bringing large language models to the mainstream and triggering a race to integrate AI into everything.
2023
1 eventRetro gaming reaches mainstream acceptance
Classic gaming moves from niche hobby to mainstream culture, with official re-releases, preservation efforts, and record auction prices.