The Rise of "New-Nostalgia": When Does Recent Become Retro?

What is your favorite video game ever? How do you feel when you think of that game? Do you reminisce about your experience with the game? Video games have a unique ability to make players long for the past, transporting gamers to ‘a simpler time’ through memories of playing. This phenomenon is known as nostalgia. With the progression of the digital age, and specifically gaming, the concept of “new-nostalgia” is on the rise. Rapid advancements in technology and trends have created a sense of longing for past gaming experiences for gamers. To understand why we feel nostalgia toward video games, we must explore what it is and what games meet the criteria.

Unveiling Nostalgia

In an article from Kaplan, he defines nostalgia as an uplifting mood and attitude toward particular past memories. He says that these memories are infused with a “glowing feeling.” Furthermore, he claims that there is also an acceptance that the past can never return, which is bittersweet (Kaplan, 1987). Picture yourself as a child huddled around the TV to play your favorite game console. These memories become part of our identity and provide us with constant happiness despite understanding that we cannot go back. Everyone experiences nostalgia, and gamers are no different.

Elements of Nostalgic Games

For nostalgia in video games, there are three additional factors to consider:

1. Timeframe – When was the game originally played? Was it during childhood, adolescence, or a specific ‘golden age’ of gaming?

2. Personal Significance – How did the game connect to the player’s own life? Did it represent a period of carefree fun with friends, or the first game that sparked a lifelong passion for gaming?

3. Cultural Context – How did the game fit into the general trends of the time? Did it have relevant references or technological features that are generally considered nostalgic?

Retro graphics, sound design, and gameplay mechanics are all examples of parts of games that can transport players to a past experience through nostalgia. 8-bit graphics could be indicative of the retro games from the 80s, a game’s sound design might represent a player's childhood routine, and certain gameplay mechanics could be a reminder of the charming limitations of past technology. Iconic characters and storylines fulfill all of these factors and rekindle excitement from a simpler time. These elements transport us back to specific moments in our gaming history, causing a powerful feeling of nostalgia for gamers.

“New-Nostalgia” in Video Games

The rapid pace of technological advancement has led to a unique phenomenon in the gaming industry: nostalgia for even recent gaming experiences. This concept is known as “new-nostalgia” and is fueled by the constant improvements and changes in gaming, making even a few years ago seem like a bygone era. Moore’s Law is a concept proposed in 1965 (later revised in 1975) that states that the number of transistors within hardware doubles every two years (Moore’s Law, n.d.). This rapid improvement in processing power, graphical fidelity, and overall functionality has changed the way that people play games. Gamers who grew up with less complex games might long for the days of local multiplayer battles between their friends, despite some of these games being released within the last ten years. The constant push for innovation has created a landscape where titles begin to feel dated just a short time after they are released, inducing nostalgia quicker than expected.

While nostalgia is generally regarded as a positive feeling, there is a potential risk with “new-nostalgia”. Commercializing nostalgia can overshadow the real connection that players have with the games. There have been many remakes and reboots that try to capitalize on the desire to go back to an old game yet fail because they do not understand the true reason for feeling nostalgic. It is important to understand the balance between celebrating the past and accepting the desire for innovation. The true power of nostalgia is in the ability to truly reconnect us with past memories, not just replicate a similar experience.

A Walk Down Memory Lane: Top 3 Nostalgic Games:

1. Super Mario 64 (1996) - Mario is one of the most iconic video game characters ever, and many can relate to playing Super Mario on their Nintendo 64 in the 90s. This was the cornerstone of many people’s childhood memories, and many would love to experience one last level. The revolutionary 3D platformer format redefined a generation of gaming and was some people’s first experience with video games. Players everywhere agree that the gaming world would not be the same without Super Mario 64.

2. Halo: Combat Evolved (2001) - This sci-fi first-person shooter redefined console FPS games. With its timeless campaign and state-of-the-art multiplayer, many people learned what an FPS was from Halo: CE. Gamers from around the world know who Master Chief is because of Combat Evolved, and hearing the iconic soundtrack induces amazing memories for those who experienced it in its prime. 

3. Minecraft (2011) - Despite being relatively young, Minecraft might be one of the most universally nostalgic games. The blocky graphical style, its open-ended gameplay, and amazing soundtrack provide something for any gamer. The game’s ability to flex to the player makes it a nostalgic cornerstone for the modern gaming era. Minecraft appeals to all ages and has provided life-long memories for millions of players.

References

Kaplan, H. A. (1987). The psychopathology of nostalgia. Psychoanalytic review, 74(4), 465.

Moore’s Law. (n.d.). Intel. https://intel.com/content/www/us/en/newsroom/resources/moores-law.html#gs.7wl840