2020s
Retro gaming peaks. Emulation matures. A new generation discovers classic computing.
2020
2 eventsHades
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
5 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.
John Wilson dies
John Wilson (undefined–2021)
Masayuki Uemura dies
Masayuki Uemura (1943–2021)
Sir Clive Sinclair dies
Sir Clive Sinclair (1940–2021)
2022
2 eventsOliver Frey dies
Oliver Frey (1948–2022)
ChatGPT 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.