Key Takeaways
1. The Commodore C64 was hugely popular in the 1980s, selling between 12.5 and 30 million units globally.
2. The C64 was known for its extensive library of games, featuring iconic titles like Donkey Kong and Pac-Man.
3. Game development continued for the C64 into the early 1990s, with new games still being created by hobbyists today.
4. Many notable game publishers from the C64 era have disappeared, while some like Activision and Electronic Arts remain active.
5. The Internet Archive offers a vast collection of nearly 99,000 free games and applications, allowing users to explore the history of gaming.
The Commodore C64, a home computer, became extremely popular during the 1980s, especially due to its wide range of games, which were key selling points. It is believed that between 12.5 and 30 million units were sold globally over the 11 years following its launch in 1982.
Sales Success
While there are no exact sales numbers, the C64 is regarded as the top-selling computer of its era. Jack Tramiel, the founder of the company, captured the essence of its mission well: “We need to build computers for the masses, not the classes!”
Game Development
The C64 was home to nearly every significant computer game of the 1980s, with famous titles like Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, the Mario-inspired Great Giana Sisters, International Soccer, Katakis, and many arcade games being developed for it. Even in the early 90s, the C64 continued to be a dominant force in gaming, and current hobbyists still create new games for the platform. If you’re interested in the beginnings of the gaming industry, check out the Internet Archive, which boasts nearly 99,000 games and applications that are free to play directly in your browser. There are also a few games available for the Amiga and Atari. This collection of free games is not a new concept, but it remains largely unknown to many.
Notable Titles
Compiling a list of standout games is challenging, as the vast selection means various titles resonate differently with each person. For those who enjoy action games, we suggest Airborne Ranger, Apocalypse Now, Choplifter, and Wings of Fury. Sports fans should check out Ballblazer, Summer Games, Decathlon, Hyper Sports, or Winter Games.
The Legacy of Publishers
Numerous publishers from that era were trailblazers that defined the C64 landscape, but many have since vanished, like Epyx, System 3, Mastertronic, and Ocean Software. However, some, such as Activision, Electronic Arts, and Konami, are still around today. If you have a passion for retro games, want to learn more about their history, or simply wish to revisit the golden days of computing, the Internet Archive offers an extensive library of games for you to enjoy.
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