You don’t have to be a hardcore gamer to appreciate National Video Game Day. From retro arcades to sleek modern consoles, video games have shaped culture, connected people, and given us countless “just one more level” moments.
Today is the perfect excuse to grab a controller (or your phone) and dive in.
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A brief history of play
Video games have been around longer than most people realize. Pong made waves in the 1970s, but it wasn’t long before Mario, Sonic, and Link became household names.
Fast forward to today and the industry is bigger than movies and music combined, with players spanning all ages and backgrounds.
What makes 2025’s gaming scene special
This year’s gaming landscape highlights just how far the industry has come.
Right now, Battlefield 6 is topping Canadian search charts, showing the continued popularity of blockbuster shooters.
At the same time, highly anticipated releases are generating buzz with players eager for fresh experiences. This includes:
- Hollow Knight: Silksong
- Borderlands 4
- Dying Light: The Beast
- Silent Hill f
Indie titles in particular are enjoying record-breaking attention on platforms like Steam, proving that smaller studios can stand shoulder to shoulder with AAA franchises.
Industry reports also project gaming revenue in 2025 to hit around $260 billion worldwide, with mobile gaming accounting for nearly half of that total.
It’s clear that video games aren’t just entertainment anymore — they’re one of the most influential industries on the planet.
Why we love them
What makes video games so special? For starters:
- Escapism: A chance to step into another world.
- Challenge: That unbeatable boss fight or tricky puzzle keeps us coming back.
- Community: From multiplayer matches to Twitch streams, gaming brings people together.
- Creativity: Games aren’t just entertainment — they’re art, storytelling, and design.
"Games give you a chance to excel, and if you’re playing in good company you don’t even mind if you lose because you had the enjoyment of the company during the course of the game."
Gary Gygax
Past vs. present: The gamer’s perspective
If you could bring a gamer from the 1980s into today’s world, the leap would be almost unimaginable.
Back then, arcade cabinets and consoles like the Atari and NES offered pixelated characters, limited colour palettes, and local-only play.
Compare that to 2025, where photo-realistic graphics, sprawling open worlds, and real-time online multiplayer are the norm. Instead of inserting quarters at the arcade, players can now access thousands of games instantly through digital libraries, subscription services, or even cloud streaming.
Social features have evolved too ... what once required a trip to the arcade or a LAN party has become a global community connected by voice chat, Twitch streams, and esports arenas filled with cheering fans.
While veterans might miss the simplicity and charm of blowing on a cartridge before slotting it in, many are amazed by the scale, artistry, and social reach of modern gaming.
Ways to celebrate today
Looking to mark National Video Game Day? Here are a few ideas:
- Dust off the classics: Break out your old console or play an emulator of your favorite childhood game.
- Try something new: Download a trending indie title or explore a genre you’ve never played.
- Host a game night: Invite friends over (or hop online) for a friendly tournament.
- Go retro IRL: Visit a local arcade or barcade and relive the joystick glory days.
"Video games are bad for you? That’s what they said about rock and roll."
Shigeru Miyamoto
Gaming goes beyond the screen
Video games aren’t just about entertainment anymore. They’ve inspired movies, TV shows, esports tournaments with million-dollar prizes, and even fitness routines (yes, Ring Fit counts as exercise). The influence of gaming culture is everywhere ... in fashion, music, memes, and more.
Press start and join in
Whether you’re a casual Candy Crush fan or someone who can speedrun classics in record time, National Video Game Day is a reminder of how powerful play can be. So grab your favorite game, celebrate your inner gamer, and don’t forget: there’s always one more life left.
