People Are Going Crazy Over How Old These Games Really Are
We won't feel that old until we realize how old some of the things we played are.
Some people think “old” means your grandma’s photo albums, but 2013 is out here getting treated like ancient history. Flappy Bird wrecked the internet back then, and now we’re watching new generations react like, “Wait, that was real?”
It gets weirder when you stack it all up. Gangnam Style hit one billion views twelve years ago, GTA V dropped in 2013, and even the iPhone 5C and the PlayStation 4 are now part of the “remember when” conversation. Meanwhile, kids going into secondary school weren’t even born for most of it, which makes the whole timeline feel fake.
So yeah, it started with a few iconic releases, and it somehow turned into a full-on “how is time real?” situation.
First off, the mobile game Flappy Bird, which totally broke the internet, came out in 2013, which is literally eleven years ago.
Kids who are going into secondary school weren't even born when Flappy Bird was released.
In addition to this, Gangnam Style was the first song ever to pass one billion views on YouTube, but now we see videos all the time getting a billion or more views on the platform. This song was released twelve years ago.
It's insane to think that we were all listening to this and playing these games years ago when it doesn't even feel like it's been that long.
Believe it or not, Grand Theft Auto V was released in 2013, and we are just now getting Grand Theft Auto VI after eleven years.
On top of this, the iPhone 5C was released in 2013, and the class of '25 won't have even been born yet when this iPhone came out. Not long after this release, the PlayStation 4 was launched.
This is actually pretty insane because the PlayStation 4 doesn't seem like an old console at all, but it's more than ten years old. For the Disney fans out there, Disney's Frozen, featuring characters Elsa and Anna, turned ten years old in December of last year.
It seems that 2013 was a year of releasing some of the most iconic games, songs, and movies of our time.
That’s when Flappy Bird’s 2013 release starts sounding less like a memory and more like a time-travel glitch for anyone who can’t even picture the old phone screens.
Then you remember Gangnam Style was the first YouTube video to pass a billion views, and suddenly “a billion views” doesn’t feel like a milestone anymore, it feels like the bare minimum.
After looking at this list, we definitely feel old, and it's crazy to imagine that some of these kids weren't even born yet when these were released. Let's appreciate some of the old, nostalgic games and things that we used to have back in the day because they are truly getting older than we realized.
What else belongs on this list?
It’s like those historical snapshots that make the past feel personal, except with games and music instead.
The GTA V to GTA VI wait makes it worse too, because eleven years is long enough to grow up twice and still be stuck in the same game era.
The resurgence of nostalgia for 90s games highlights their potential beyond mere entertainment. These games encapsulated vital skills such as problem-solving and teamwork, making them not only fun but also valuable educational tools. By integrating classics like 'Super Mario Bros.' into modern curricula, educators can bridge the gap between students' interests and essential learning objectives.
Engaging students through familiar games can enhance their spatial reasoning and critical thinking skills. The emotional connections students have with these nostalgic titles can be leveraged to create a more interactive and enjoyable learning environment, transforming the classroom into a space where learning feels more relevant and engaging.
Cultural Reflections
A cultural historian highlights that the enduring popularity of nostalgic games speaks volumes about our collective memory and identity. These games, often tied to pivotal childhood experiences, evoke strong emotional responses that shape our sense of belonging.
For those feeling overwhelmed by time's passage, revisiting these games can be a therapeutic practice, reminding us of simpler times and fostering a sense of community.
And when you add the iPhone 5C, the PlayStation 4 launching right after, and Frozen hitting ten years old, the 2013 lineup stops looking “recent” and starts looking like a whole museum exhibit.
The nostalgia surrounding childhood games serves as a poignant reminder of how swiftly time passes. For many who grew up in the 90s, revisiting these games can evoke a mix of joy and bittersweet reflection. The article highlights the sheer age of these beloved games, illustrating how they not only shaped our past but also forge connections in the present.
Engaging with these memories offers more than just a trip down memory lane; it allows individuals to reconnect with their identities and communities. As people share stories about their favorite games, they tap into a collective experience that fosters emotional well-being and strengthens social ties. While time may indeed fly, the cherished memories of these games remain a constant source of comfort and connection.
Nobody wants to feel old, but 2013 is doing it to all of us anyway.
Want more “how is this even real?” finds? See what people discovered in long-forgotten rooms of old houses.
