How Much Does the Nostalgic Aesthetic Influence New Games

Nostalgic aesthetics have a massive influence on new games, and honestly, it's no surprise. Think about it: whether you grew up with pixel art, paint or Mario Kart, games have a habit of tapping into that sense of nostalgia to get players on board. Developers know that this emotional connection to the past can be powerful, and it’s not just in video games - casinos and online slots are also getting in on the trend.

Nostalgia brings players a familiar, comforting feeling, but it’s not just about feeling that feeling, like Shannon Atkins in her Casino slot reviews of familiarity. There’s an actual strategy behind this design choice. Here’s how the nostalgic aesthetic is influencing the modern gaming scene:

Why Nostalgia is Big in Gaming

1. Memories sell well

Having good memories can be a good seller when it comes to new games. We’ve all witnessed how Pokemon has come back, but in an app form instead of the cards that were used in schools. Bringing back memories of classic games we used to play on PCs, PS1, or even Nintendo 64 can be a goldmine for new games.

A report by GlobalData mentioned that nostalgia is a key driver in the video game industry, particularly with millennials. I loved my GameBoy growing up, and could hardly put it down. Not to mention, my Tamagotchi.

2. Retro graphics, teamed with modern playability

Older visuals like Sonic the Hedgehog or Celeste combined with smoother mechanics are a real winner. The blend of old visuals with a modern gameplay face means you have the retro feel but without the lag that we had to put up with before dial-up internet was no longer a thing. You can get the best out of both worlds.

3. Reboots and remakes

Much like they are reincarnating films and comics like Superman and Batman, the gaming world is doing the same by remaking old classics that we all love. Updated versions with new artwork or new takes on stories are brilliant and give a modern spin to older titles and are a great way to get the new kids on the block following nostalgic and classic games that everyone loves.

4. The rise of retro-inspired Casino games

Even in the world of slots, nostalgia is alive and kicking. Online slot games are designed with the same retro graphics and sounds to bring players back to the old arcade days. In fact, Shannon Atkins from JohnSlots talks about how retro-themed slots cater to players who love the simplicity of classic machines but with today's tech.

Retro is the new new, and often, whilst we recognise it, the kids don’t always, so it feels brand new to them so it’s fun for all the family.

5. Emotional Engagement

Games that tap into nostalgia can create a deeper emotional connection. Whether it’s through music, pixel art, or gameplay style, it reminds us of when we were younger and less burdened by adulting. Adulting is hard and so it’s nice sometimes to disappear into a world of gaming. It’s almost like a trip back in time, but we don’t have to leave our couch. It’s a win-win for me.

6. Strong Indie Game Market

Indie developers have embraced nostalgic designs partly because it’s cost-effective (pixel art and simple music are less expensive to produce), but it’s also a way to stand out in a crowded market. There are loads of examples of games with a retro look that have become massive hits amongst the youngsters and are still popular with a different generation too.

Some points to note when it comes to the Indie Game Market:

Indie Gaming Boom: Indie games make up nearly 40% of the gaming market, according to Statista. A lot of these games lean on nostalgic art styles and gameplay. This has led to a rise in buying of this type over time, memories definitely can influence how people play and purchase.

Reviving Old Franchises: In 2020, over 80% of the top-grossing mobile games had some form of tie-in with classic franchises or aesthetics, like Mario Kart Tour or Pokemon GO. I love love love playing Mario Kart, or even, Crash Team racing as I didn’t have the privilege of having a Nintendo 64. So climbing trees and going to a friend's house to play Mario Kart were some of my best childhood memories.

Casino Games: Retro-styled slots are becoming more popular. These games create a feeling of stepping back into a simpler time, mirroring the rise in interest for ‘old-school’ gaming experiences.

All in all, nostalgia has been and will continue to be a huge part of gaming’s future. We’re always going to have a soft spot for the games of our past, but what’s exciting is how developers find fresh ways to tap into that while still innovating. Whether it’s indie titles, big reboots, or even casino games, the nostalgic aesthetic shows no signs of fading.