Video games came of age in the 1980s, with the decade's rapid technological progress paving the way for more complex plots and mechanics. Even though the hardware was incredibly limited by modern ...

While video games were around before the '80s, this was the decade where the medium truly found its footing. Consoles like the NES took gaming out of the arcades, and '80s franchises like Super Mario.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Mike Stubbs covers esports, competitive games and the creator economy. Considering the rise of home consoles that we saw within ...