Top 5 August 2020 Gaming Anniversaries

Our list of August 2020 gaming anniversaries proves that publishers are sometimes willing to launch major titles during the late summer, especially if it means avoiding competition later in the year. As the gaming industry continues to shatter our perception of technology, it's important to look back and appreciate its origins.

August 2020 Gaming Anniversaries

While August may be popularly considered a slow month for the video game industry, the following list of August 2020 gaming anniversaries proves that publishers are sometimes willing to launch major titles during the late summer, especially if it means avoiding competition later in the year. From Until Dawn to Mario Tennis, check out all of our picks below:

1. Until Dawn (5th Anniversary)

Supermassive Games’ Until Dawn launched exclusively on PlayStation 4 on August 25, 2015. The survival horror game has players determine the fate of eight teens as they lodge in a mysterious cabin on Blackwood Mountain. Stylized as a slasher film, the title arguably helped put Supermassive on the map thanks to its brilliant implementation of a meticulously-designed butterfly effect system. Here’s hoping that a sequel arrives sooner rather than later.

2. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game (10th Anniversary)

Ubisoft Montreal’s Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game released August 10, 2010, exclusively on PlayStation 3 in anticipation of the film adaptation of Bryan Lee O’Malley’s celebrated comic book series. The best part of this side-scroller is its soundtrack, produced by electronic pop band Anamanaguchi. Aside from this, the game is a wonderful throwback to the NES era of gaming. Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game arrived on Xbox 360 later on August 25, 2010.

3. Nintendogs (15th Anniversary)

Nintendogs succeeded in attracting people who typically don't play games to Nintendo's handheld system.

Nintendogs succeeded in attracting people who typically don’t play games to Nintendo’s handheld system.

True to its eccentric self, Nintendo surprised everyone when it released pet simulation game Nintendogs on August 22, 2005, on the original Nintendo DS in North America. The title succeeded in attracting people who typically don’t play games to Nintendo’s handheld system, thus founding, in part, a trend that would later blow up with the Wii and its motion-based software offerings.

4. Chrono Cross (20th Anniversary)

Chrono Cross is often lauded as one of the best JRPGs on the original PlayStation, and it’s not hard to see why. Released on August 15, 2000, in North America, the game pushed boundaries with its intricate narrative, fresh battle system, and incredible production values. The most praiseworthy aspect of the title is its brave departure from the precedent established by predecessor Chrono Trigger. Chrono Cross serves as proof that sometimes risks do pay off splendidly.

5. Mario Tennis (20th Anniversary)

Mario Tennis' best feature is its accessibility.

Mario Tennis’ best feature is its accessibility.

Mario Tennis sparked a racket addiction that many Nintendo fans still have today when it launched on August 28, 2000, on Nintendo 64 in North America. Its best feature is its accessibility, allowing people who don’t play games often the chance to pick up a controller and learn the game’s mechanics quickly. Though Mario Tennis Aces on Switch may be a more popular pick in modernity, Nintendo aficionados shouldn’t forget the spin-off’s series’ forward-thinking beginnings. 

As the gaming industry continues to shatter our perception of technology, it’s important to look back and recognize how much the medium has evolved since its humble start half a century ago. With this monthly series, we’ll continue to go back in time to celebrate the games and franchises that shaped video games as we know them today.

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