There's no arguing that gaming in the 2000s was different to what we have today. Whether it be because of the hardware used or the games that were popular at the time, all gamers hold some nostalgia about this golden period of gaming.
If you were a gamer during the 2000s, this post will be a walk down memory lane!
Popular PC Games of the 2000s
Some games during this period dominated, and some are still played to this day and show no signs of slowing down. Others may be a bit laughable to look back on. The 2000s was a time where simple flash games really took off, but it also completely changed the way we interact with each other socially - thanks to online gaming.
Elf Bowling Series
During the early 2000s, the video game “Elf Bowling” became a sensation around the internet. At first, people actually thought that it was a computer virus. It was an EXE file that was very easily circulated through email attachments.
Millions of people were playing the game on a daily basis and it was a phenomenon. Kids nowadays may have absolutely no idea what it is, but for those born in the 90s, there is a chance that this game lives in your subconscious.
You play as Santa, bowling over small elves which act as bowling pins. The series spanned a series of games, with the most recent instalment being from 2008. There was even a movie released a year prior, although it is often said to be one of the worst animated movies of all time.
The Sims
If you have ever wanted to feel like a god - The Sims was for you. This game series is easily one of the most played in the world, and to this day, The Sims 4 has a strong following.
You create your own “sim” character and make sure that they are able to survive and thrive. You can build whatever house you want, create families and even allow your sims to follow their own career paths.
World of Warcraft
In 2004, Blizzard released their show-stopping MMORPG that took the world by storm, and chances are you have heard of it. The game has created many memes since its launch, such as the viral YouTube video “Leeroy Jenkins”.
The game is seemingly endless and has regular expansion updates. You choose a class and level up your character as best as you can. It really has changed MMORPG games forever, and many people believe that it simply cannot be beaten.
RollerCoaster Tycoon Series
Another huge hit that many people may remember is the RollerCoaster Tycoon games. RollerCoaster Tycoon is a theme park simulator that got insanely popular, and was extremely addictive! You spend your time trying to build the best theme park that you can, and many parents had to pry their kids away from the computer monitors in order to get them to stop.
Computer Hardware & Software of The Time
During the 2000s, technology was advancing at a rapid rate. Thus, a lot of tech became “outdated” very quickly. Here are some of the most memorable trends in computer hardware for the 2000s:
Windows XP
For many years, Microsoft has been a leader and a powerhouse for releasing new software. But released in 2001, Windows XP is a fan favorite. Whether it is the default background or the startup sound, the operating system brings back so many memories.
Boxy Monitors
Before our curved monitors and super flat curved screens, big, bulky, and heavy displays were used all throughout the 2000s. It was only until the late 2000s and early 2010s that we started to adapt thinner screens, and now the boxy monitors can be found in landfill.
Paint
Without a doubt, anyone who grew up in the 2000s would remember Microsoft’s Paint. It was an extremely simple program that was used for drawing and creating art. If you were in school, chances are the computers had Paint. Some artists have even accepted the challenge and have created high quality artwork with Paint, and some people have even made animations!
Conclusion
Thanks to the 2000s, we were able to enjoy the birth of many important things to the world of gaming, such as games like The Sims and World of Warcraft, as well as having Windows software that changed the way we use computers to this day.
If you love gaming, MouseOne has got you covered, Browse our website to see our highly rated equipment made for PC gaming.
