Inspired by Dungeons & Dragons, adventure and role-playing computer games introduce unprecedented levels of choice and complexity to players.

Sega's Genesis console and its speedy new character, Sonic, hit the market. Electronic Arts kicks off a partnership with football legend John Madden.

Space Invaders and Pac-Man lead an arcade craze, while Atari's cartridge system dominates home gaming until a high-profile failure sparks a downfall.

Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat give rise to the head-to-head fighting genre, but the increasing graphic violence in games brings controversy.

A Japanese playing card company called Nintendo enters gaming and hits it big with Donkey Kong, then later takes over home gaming with the NES.

Nintendo goes 3D with Star Fox. Wolfenstein 3D popularizes the first-person shooter format, while Doom ups the ante with networked gaming.