An Ode to Video Games: How to Celebrate National Video Games Day (Aside from Playing)

An Ode to Video Games: How to Celebrate National Video Games Day

Happy National Video Games Day! Not to be confused with National Video Game Day (in July and without the “s”), this 12 September calendar date celebrates the eponymous electronic exuberance in all its glory. Being dedicated to people experiencing the thrill of the artistry that is video games, its essence is allowing everyone interested to both find works with which they resonate and enjoy the fantastic fun they contain. for everyone who has ever experienced the magical world of this electronic entertainment medium to enjoy the artistry and passion that makes it so spectacular.

That there is virtually a game for everyone to be found within the world of video games only enhances this delightful day. Truly, from “Turochamp” to “Tetris,” “Asura’s Wrath” to “Zone of the Enders” and beyond, everyone can find something to play. So, may all who seek celebratory solace in the game live their best lives by collecting currencies, solving puzzles, besting those villains and otherwise exploring this electronic entertainment medium in personally meaningful ways!

What is National Video Games Day?

While not an official holiday, National Video Games Day is celebrated annually in September in recognition of all the amazement that both has and continues to come from video games. Although this medium in general is on display, an emphasis on playing this works of wonder is apparent, and people of all ages partake in the revelry.

National Video Games Day is essentially a product of the video game industry. Following its history of early games like Turochamp and Bertie the Brain and continuing to the present from Pong‘s landmark success, an entire day was dedicated to video games in the 1990s. There remains some speculation as to how exactly the September date came to be as well as why there is the similarly named National Video Game Day in July. Based on the available information, the consensus is these two days are really the same, and that any possible distinction between the two calendar dates is negligible. As such, National Video Games Day is largely a product of this medium’s history itself.

How to Celebrate (Besides Playing Games)?

The immediate answer to the question of how best to celebrate this day to most people would likely be to play games. While doing so is indeed an excellent — and possibly the purest — way to honor this occasion, there are several other ways to appreciate this art form. Namely, interested individuals can look into one of the increasingly prominent video game adaptations found throughout popular culture. Screen productions, music and books are particularly prevalent, offering exciting experiences that transcend the pixel.

Consequently, some of the most notable releases of this type are included as recommendations below. They all have been chosen based on their popularity, faithfulness to the source material, legacy and general appeal.

Watching Films and/or TV Series

Screen adaptions of video game stories are perhaps the closest entertainment form to playing the original products. They involve incredible plots, characters, settings and all the other components that make games great. Notably passive experiences, compared to active gaming, however, they differ as such largely by presenting their stories to viewers without much input. The result is a fun time for those interested in the tales being told.

Recommendations:

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023) — Mario, the world’s favorite portly plumber, is one of the most cherished characters not only in video games but in history. A survey confirmed as much in the early 1990s, when it was found children overall recognized him more than Mickey Mouse. Fittingly, the 2023 animated film is an excellent example of a video game adaptation done properly. Everything about it, from its portrayal of the characters and story to the guest appearances and climactic ending, is exceptional. far cry from its 1993
Assassin’s Creed —A mix of historical fiction, science fiction and action, the 2016 Assassin’s Creed movie did justice for the critically acclaimed stealth games by placing the plot involving the Animus, Assassin Brother and Templar Order within the dual settings of late-15th-century Spain during the Inquisition and the present day during the continuing struggle between the two factions. The result is an intriguing, suspenseful work worth watching.
Uncharted — Based on the eponymous video game series, this film follows a younger Nathan Drake as he embarks on his first grand treasure hunting adventure. His hunt for the treasure of the Magellan expedition leads him to Spain, Germany and other locales. Drake’s amiable personality and interactions with the various allies and enemies he makes along the way are faithful to the source material, and the type of action shown throughout yield an outstanding production.
Video Games: The Movie — Although not technically a video game adaptation, this documentary explores the industry from its inception to the present (or at least its release year of 2014). Without video games becoming as powerful a force as they have, many of the adaptations available today would not exist, hence the importance of documenting its development.
Pokémon — Arguably the quintessential animated video game TV series, Pokémon features the adventures of Ash Ketchum and friends as they travel to different regions in hope of Ash becoming a Pokémon Master. While many similar shows exist, Pokémon is often the de facto title of its type. With its rich history as a cultural touchstone of pocket-sized monster works spanning trading cards, shows, games and more, it is worth viewing as least a few episodes from the early seasons.
Twisted Metal — An absolute standout and one of the best series of its type, Peacock exclusive Twisted Metal is based on the titular games. One of PlayStation’s oldest first-party IPs since the original game’s 1995 release, this adaptation crafts an exhilarating story involving cars, carnage and unerring hope in the face of increasingly and ostensibly insurmountable odds. Watching John and Quiet take on Sweet Tooth and Agent Stone in the first season is exciting, and seeing the Twisted Metal tournament, this series’ linchpin, is a dream come true, given how perfectly the clashes with Mr. Grimm, Axel and others unfold under Calypso’s reign only enhances the already masterful material.
Fallout — Based on the beloved games, Prime Original Fallout follows three characters, Vault dweller Lucy MacLean, Brotherhood of Steel Squire Maximus and mutated ghoul/former actor Cooper Howard, as their individual paths intersect. This blend of action and drama, with the occasional dose of zany, dark humor, is lovingly absurd and just works.
The Last of Us — One of the most successful productions on this list, HBO’s The Last of Us tells the tale of Joel and Ellie as they trek across the post-apocalyptic country filled with infected, mushroom-esque creatures. Joel’s longing to make up for his late daughter’s death and Ellie’s innocence as the sole human known to be immune to the Cordyceps brain infection (CBI) that ravished the nation en route to the Fireflies’ hospital make for a suspenseful drama worthy of viewing.
Shenmue: The Animation — Shenmue is something of a rare beauty of its breed. Following the story of Japanese teenage martial artist Ryo Hazuki as he experiences a life-changing journey on his quest to avenge his father’s murder. The games, the first two of which released originally on the SEGA Dreamcast, encourage — and in some cases require — players to explore their surroundings to find clues, further the story and just have fun (e.g., by playing classic SEGA arcade games on a physical arcade machine at the local in-game arcade), an increasing rarity in the present game market consisting largely of objectives, waypoints and other markers being given to players with varying amounts of assistance to progress plots quickly. While the official anime does not account for all possible player interactions due to realism as well as time constraints, it encapsulates Ryo’s grit and determination into 13 episodes. By the conclusion, this production manages to induce within viewers similar sensations and emotions in support of Ryo’s personal growth and development in tumultuous times.
Persona 4: The Golden Animation — An anime based on the PS Vita version of the fourth main Persona game, it retells the same story, just as a TV show. It is particularly apt since a TV motif runs throughout the game. Also, this title is especially nice to watch because the time required to see it in full is far less than that of finishing the game to view all the cutscenes. Regardless, this unique tale captures the imagination, not letting go until the end.

Listening to Music

An aural experience involving taking in stellar sounds to listen to stories told entirely by instruments, machines and humans, depending on the song in question, music is a rather special form of entertainment for many people. It is not uncommon to hear others explain certain genres, musicians and/or songs hold special connotations, and that music is as much a part of what makes a person whole as his or her own DNA. Similarly, game scores and soundtracks — and songs about gaming in general — can evoke equally powerful emotions within listeners that become entwined with their own beings.

Recommendations:

Metal Gear Solid — The Metal Gear Solid games are considered some of the greatest ever made. Indeed, their stealth-based action gameplay, numerous twists and mind-shattering moments help them stand out as paragons of gaming perfection. Auteur Hideo Kojima, prior to his departure from Konami, showed the world time and again what brilliance looks like in video games. Appropriately, the accompanying music is equally legendary. With such vocal tracks as “The Best is Yet to Come” and “Heavens Divide” as well as unforgettable instrumentals like “Encounter” and the “Sons of Liberty” theme, Metal Gear Solid has no shortage of virtuosic pieces. That the perfect franchise features perfect music only reiterates its position in the upper echelon of the video game world.
Final Fantasy VII — A game as expansive and iconic as Final Fantasy VII deserves an appropriately composed soundtrack to match. Fortunately, Nobuo Uematsu exceeded all expectations, delivering to listeners an 85-track masterpiece. Each song reflects certain parts of the story, eliciting fitting emotions from fans throughout its entire runtime. Final Fantasy VII was a beast at what it did at the time, and its soundtrack only elevates the experience. Similarly wonderful works can be heard throughout this franchise — and each one could easily swap places with VII — but this particular game’s music takes players to new heights to immerse them in a unique, futuristically ethereal experience so perfectly that it could also be considered criminal to eschew this entry.
Quake — Developed by id Software, the same studio as Wolfenstein and Doom, Quake combines science fiction and fantasy elements to tell a unique tale of experiment-based terror. Only one band could possibly compose the soundtrack to this cerebral game: Nine Inch Nails. Indeed, this famous industrial group produced a score replete so apt it is clear the correct choice of music was made. Part of what stands out about this music is the fact silence as well as agonizing screams and other sounds are used as instruments in their own rights. An experimental decision made for an experimental game, it works since each blood-curling cry and absence of noise contributes to an atmospheric, psychologically terrifying title that remains one of the best of its kind.
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City — The Grand Theft Auto games have long been lauded for many reasons, with one being the music. This series had shown the world it knew how to pair quality tunes with rising action, but Vice City blew all expectations out of the water when it became the first entry to feature licensed tracks. Set in a fictional 1980s Miami, its entire soundtrack consists of music either released during the decade or purposely for this game. The result was infinite fun listening to memorable songs while cruising around the seedy yet alluring Vice City. Subsequent entries have only built upon the music component, and GTA VI‘s several trailersprove this trend will only continue.
Batman: Arkham City — The Arkham series is renowned for its take on the superhero action genre, giving players the ability to control the Dark Knight as though they are really him. It only makes sense, then, the accompanying soundtrack is marvelous. Namely, the second game’s score is unadulterated bliss, including music that teases out, heightens and relaxes a firestorm of emotions over the course of its runtime. Its main theme is considered one of the greatest in all video games, drawing players instantly into the story. The ride does not stop until the plot concludes, and even then, the tracks are likely to be played repeatedly due to their memorable, heroic sounds.
Ghost of Tsushima — For Sucker Punch’s epic samurai tale that follows fallen samurai turned ghost Jin Sakai, it is only appropriate its accompanying soundtrack is equally excellent. Composers Ilan Eshkeri and Shigeru Umebayashi put together the outstanding soundscape through their respective Japanese folk inspirations and sweeping suites to produce an entity that is as much a character in this world of dwindling honor and difficult decisions amid the Mongol’s first invasion of Japan in the late 13th century as Lord Sakai, Lord Shimura, Khotun Khan and company. Everything from traditional Japanese instruments to more modern orchestral pieces are included in this Akira Kurosawa-esque story’s stellar soundtrack from the developer of the similarly iconic Sly Cooper and InFAMOUS games — and this landmark title honors Japan, the studio’s previous releases and PlayStation simultaneously in an ode to all that is glorious about video games. As a result, Ghost of Tsushima‘s music is as masterful as its perennial tale of navigating two opposing worlds to save one’s society.
The Greatest Video Game Music (Vols. I-III) — This music series comes in three parts, with the first two by the London Symphony Orchestra and the third by MOD, Myrra Malmberg & Orphei Drängar. Each entry is produced masterfully, containing tracks reflective of each game’s popularity as well as legacy. Whereas the first two volumes are largely instrumental, the third underscores the choral element by featuring more vocal sections in many songs. In the end, these three releases make for a smashing success.
Game On! by Tina Guo — This album contains beautiful instrumentals by modern composer Tina Guo. Renowned for her mix of traditional, classical and electronic techniques, notably her electric cello, each song is successful in emphasizing the essence of each selected game. The selections, most of which are both named after the source games and medleys, range from earlier classics such as The Legend of Zelda to present staples like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, providing something for everyone to enjoy.
“Pac-Man Fever” by Buckner & Garcia — Released in 1981, one year after the famous, hungry blob’s debut, “Pac-Man Fever” underscored the widespread passion for video games on display. At the time, it was a common hobby to visit video arcades with friends and play games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong while enjoying the social camaraderie. This group also released other songs based on similarly popular titles, but “Pac-Man Fever” remains their best.
“Game On” (From Pixels) by Waka Flocka Flame (feat. Good Charlotte) — Released in 2015 as a promotional single for live-action comedy Pixels, this song, like its parent production, is about gaming in general. Featuring lyrics relating to several different consoles and characters throughout the generations, this song is a love letter to video games — just like its associated movie — and everyone can enjoy listening to it.
“Star Walkin’” (League of Legends: Worlds Anthem) by Lil’ Nas X — Similar to Waka’s “Game On,” Lil’ Nax X’s “Star Walkin’” is an example of a successful musician releasing a hit single to promote a particular work. In this case, the feature was League of Legends: Worlds, the annual professional championship related to its parent Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) in which gamers compete for real prizes. Packed with pure passion and bliss, this track is one to cherish.

Additionally, several streaming platforms offer audio amazement through their official playlists. Namely, Spotify’s Video Game Soundtracks playlist and Apple Music’s Gaming Soundtracks playlist contain a mix of terrific instrumental and vocal tracks from games throughout the generations.

You can listen to some video game greatness below:

Reading Books

The written word is one of the oldest forms of entertainment as well as information attainment. It is not surprising, then, video games are adapted to the page in addition to screen and sound. When written with proper intention and clear purpose, books based on video games can transport readers to enthralling places crafted from unique stores as well as takes on established lore, elevating given narratives to the point where the action on the page can be as exciting as the original, pixelated perfection.

Recommendations:

World of Warcraft: Arthas: Rise of the Lich King — As an examination of the series of events that led to the ruthless villain shown in the popular WoW game expansion, Arthas is all-around excellent. Before becoming the cold ruler depicted in the game, Arthas was a man on a mission. He strived to dispense justice at any and all costs, even when doing so cost him friends and family. The underlying transition from hero to villain due to the hamartia of his good-intentioned quest to see all his enemies vanquished so everyone else could live free of free elevates this work of fantasy to the highest level, resulting in a novel written so wonderfully fans as well as casual readers can enjoy it.
Star Wars Jedi: Battle Scars — An example of a prime video game novelization, Battle Scars is an interquel set between Fallen Order and Survivor. It reveals what happens during these pivotal moments, and while the action sequences are a blast to read, it is the authenticity with which the characters and their dialog are presented that shines brightest. Witnessing the development of Cal Kestis, Merrin, Cere and the Mantis crew at large, readers experience a whirlwind of emotions, challenges and tests of family and friends that would leave even the most stoic among us affected. At its surface, Battle Scars is about the classic Star Wars action; at its core, though, it is about the importance of family, and readers will appreciate the amount of meticulous thought and care involved.
Ready Player One — This novel is unique in that it is based not on one game but many. Set in 2045, Wade Watts and other young people spend time in the OASIS, a virtual reality universe drastically different than the grim reality of a planet on the brink of extinction in the real world. When he finds out he can win control of the OASIS as a gift from the late James Halliday, its creator, Wade sets his sights on this prize. A slew of 1980s songs and game Easter eggs abound, making this work a joy for everyone.
BioShock: Rapture — This book is somewhat of a prequel to the first BioShock game. Named after the infamous city where the first and second games occur, readers learn precisely Andrew Ryan decided to build it. His dissatisfaction with the state of affairs during his life is clear, and seeing how one man’s utopian vision turns dystopian over time is hauntingly fun. After all, who does not want to know the origins of Little Sisters and Big Daddies?
The Comic Book Story of Video Games — While an adaptation not of any one game but rather the history of video games overall, The Comic Book Story of Video Games provides an lovingly illustrated piece that belongs atop everyone’s favorite book lists. Starting with the advent of electricity in the 19th century and continuing through the present (2017, per this title’s publication year), it covers virtually all the major technological advances that led to video games as they exist today, including the Cathode Ray Tube (CRT), artillery firing tables during the Second World War, transistors from the late 1940s onward and microprocessors from the 1970s onward. Included as well are various key figures who influenced the course of history, such as Alan Turing, Vannevar Bush, John von Neumann, Ralph H. Baer and many others Everything about this publication is excellent, with perhaps the most wonderful aspect being the regular appearances of famous and beloved video game characters in certain panels alongside the individuals at hand. Often, these cameos accentuate the reading experience by being there to compliment the person and/or development being discussed. Ultimately, this books is one of, if not the absolute, best of its type and everyone who reads it will enjoy the experience.
A History of Video Games in 64 Objects — Second only to The Comic Book Story of Video Games, this release by the World Video Game Hall of Fame provides a different approach to the same history. Instead of presenting video games’ evolution in comic book form, it does so via 64 key artifacts in chronological order. By explaining each object’s significance in thoughtful essays, readers are exposed to a different type of history, one driven by physical entities that represent the otherwise intangible course of events that led to the video games available as they are today. Although most of the chosen items are relatively expected, like the Magnavox Odyssey and Zork, some less commonly known releases are also included, with the Nintendo Love Tester and the Densha de Go! train simulation controller being particularly curious entries. One of the many highlights of this book is that readers of all ages are likely to recognize and associate positively at least some of these artifacts. This object-based historical approach is successful, and this title deserves to be read with utmost interest.
Video Game of the Year: A Year-by-Year Guide to the Best, Boldest, and Most Bizarre Games from Every Year Since 1977 — Similar to the World Video Game Hall of Fame’s object-based approach to retelling the history of video games, this book emphasizes gaming’s development since 1977 by selecting one main game as well as several other contenders for each year. In doing so, readers learn about the industry, why certain games are considered so crucial and what it all means for gaming at large. Also like with the previous work, this one will likely lead readers of all ages and memories to recall fondly times from their pasts when they enjoyed experiencing particular products. The end result is a superb release worthy of collection addition by everyone interested in this content.

Following Your Heart (and Controller)

As with virtually all art forms, video games are subjective. Spanning the range of many of the same genres as other productions, providing a list of must-experience suggestions one could deem “definitive” is simply not possible due to the extensive interests at play. As such, those displayed here reflect what could be considered a plausible foundation instead of an exhaustive collection. Certainly, the wide array of interests found throughout the ever-growing video game fanbase cannot be confined to a single blog post of recommended entries — nor should it be. Rather, everything featured here is intended to generate interest and intrigue in videos games at large, with these suggestions merely serving as possible starting points. Everyone wanting to learn more about this day and what it entails will surely follow their own paths through the industry based on their interests. This diversity is one of many reasons why video games as well as their respective adaptations are such influential cultural artifacts. So, long live video games!

References/Further Reading

To learn more about National Video Game Day, National Video Games Day and the works suggested in this post, please visit the following links:

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this post as well as throughout this blog belong solely to Lord Trichechus Rosmarus of Premier Polygon Productions. Consequently, they represent the perspectives only of these entities and in no way aim to disparage the artists’ works cited.