Whilst it’s hard to believe, it has now been approximately 38 years since the initial launch of the Microsoft Disk Operating System (MS DOS). For 80s and 90s kids, the mere mention of MS DOS gaming may bring back a flood of memories of all the many cases of games we used to keep.
From 3D Pinball Space Cadet, to Recoil, EverQuest and many more, MS DOS games bring back nostalgic memories and thanks to technology, are now firmly in the past. Whilst it’s no secret that today’s computer games are much more sophisticated than that of the MS system of the 80s and 90s, there was something about those games that has kept them popular, even today.
So, what made MS DOS games so popular with people of all ages back on the 80s, 90s and early 200’s, and how have these games helped to shape today’s gaming experiences? Keep reading to find out.
What is it made MS DOS games so popular?
After introducing their first range of personal computers in 1981, Microsoft soared to popularity with the introduction of the Disk Operating System. Dubbed as the most popular asset, it really put Microsoft on the map. DOS software was adopted by the majority of the market throughout this era and became a household name across the globe. Whilst it was the first of it’s kind, MS DOS enabled consumers to play classic games from the comfort of their own home, where they once would have had to travel to an arcade or a movie theatre to try their luck on one of the large console machines that only existed in public spaces. MS DOS was a game changer for the average consumer and responsible for the soar in popularity of computer gaming.
The rise of Business Opportunities through MS DOS
Computer games expanded from fun and entertainment into educational offerings, reaching a whole new market.
In addition, MS DOS created many commercial opportunities for small businesses, with the introduction of home-based learning being a major area of growth. The company were one of the businesses to hugely profit from the introduction of MS DOS, with their ‘Reader Rabbit’ series, which introduced primary school learning in the home.
In addition, more traditional educational play companies began to jump on the bandwagon, including New York based company, Fisher Price. Known for their classic dollhouses and baby games, this historic company began to profit from a seemingly brand new technology, which further grew their brand as a household name.
The benefits of MS DOS based games
Whilst we may not want to go back to MS DOS based games, there’s no denying that for previous generations they made up a great part of our childhood. So what were the benefits of MS DOS based games?
• They were easy to sell on to others
• Second-hand games were easier to come by for a fraction of the price
• You could build up an impressive physical collection to show off to friends
• Discounts were more frequent
• No need to worry about internet speeds
The rise of casino-based games in the home
PC based casino games started to become popular which was just the start of the amazing online casino offerings we have today.
Between 1990 and 1997, the number of households owning computers with MS DOS grew from 15 to 35%. This meant that there was a growing opportunity for even more industries to jump on the bandwagon, particularly gambling and betting companies.
By the early 2000s, casino-based pc games were popping up, left, right and centre with the likes of Casino Inc, Hoyle Casino, Slingo, Caesars Palace 2000 and many more.
Whilst these games may have lacked the fully stocked bars and buzzing atmosphere of Las Vegas style venues, there, have certainly been, and continue to be significant benefits to virtual based casino games. Some of the benefits include:
• Increased player convenience
• Amazing variety of games
• High quality graphics
• Enhanced customer safety and security measures
• Availability on multiple platforms
How do today’s casinos games differ from the MS DOS based games?
Today’s online casino games are significantly different from that of the late 20th and early 21st century, with more than 5.5 million people in the UK gambling online as of today.
Not only do they offer engaging live casino environments but also fun slots and scratch card games too. According to a study from gamble aware, out of all online gamblers, online slot games account for the highest expenditure compared to other betting-based games.
This is partly because the player experienced offered at some online casinos is nothing short of electric today. Take for example 888 Casino, which offers players an enhanced gaming experience online with an expansive variety of slots games to play. Experience free spins, themed games, mini bonus games and more when you try out their online slots games.
What is the appeal of online slot games?
Quick wins and engaging graphics make today’s slots games so exciting and popular.
Online slot games feature incredible graphics and are much more interactive than their predecessors, and whilst wins on MS DOS based games were purely simulated, today’s wins are 100% real and much more beneficial. With higher pay-outs, frequent promotions, and an abundance of bonuses, as well as free slots and a variety of games to choose from, it’s easy to see why they’re so popular.
Summary
Overall, whilst MS DOS based games may have set the scene for home-based casino games, online slot games have revolutionised a new wave of digital casinos, which continue to fund the betting, and gambling industry. Games such as Caesars Palace, Crazy Nick’s Leisure Suit Larry Casino and Trump Castle – The Ultimate Casino Gambling Simulation may have characterised the industry back in the 80’s and 90’s, have been replaced by a completely different gaming experience online.
But for some, the nostalgia of MS DOS means that today’s online casinos just can’t compete. So what will you choose? Will you be sourcing the classic MS DOS games to relive those childhood memories or will you be embracing online casino games?
posted by admin // 26-03-2020 // permalink
