A new market

The second generation of game consoles is a defining feature of what is commonly referred to as “video games”. Games are no longer permanently installed in the consoles, but can be purchased on modules that no longer contain a processor, but only the actual game. The graphic is multicolored and the resolution is so high that objects and landscapes can be immediately recognized as such. Instead of simple signal sounds, the consoles now play multi-voice music.

The development of almost all genres that still exist today also falls into this epoch (sometimes first appearing in the arcades), whether shoot’em up (Space Invaders, 1978), adventure (Adventure, 1979) or platformer (Pitfall!, 1982).

The success of these consoles surpasses that of the Pong telegames by far. Within less than five years, this creates a billion-dollar industry that is characterized by creativity, diversity and innovation.