History of Pixel art in Timeline
Pixel art is a digital art form where images are constructed using individual pixels. It's closely linked to the low-resolution graphics of older computers, arcade games, and consoles with limited color palettes. Despite technological advancements, pixel art remains popular among artists and game developers for its retro aesthetic and unique charm.
1937: Early Monochromatic Light Bulb Matrix Displays
Circa 1937, simple monochromatic light bulb matrix displays appeared in New York City, representing some of the earliest examples of analog electronic advertising displays that resemble pixel art.
1972: Richard Shoup's SuperPaint system
In 1972, Richard Shoup created the SuperPaint system at Xerox PARC, demonstrating the practice of pixel art at least 11 years before the term's official publication.
1978: Space Invaders Release
In 1978, Space Invaders was released. It's an arcade video game that is considered a key origin point of pixel art.
1980: Pac-Man Release
In 1980, Pac-Man was released. It's an arcade video game that is considered a key origin point of pixel art.
1982: Publication of 'Pixel Art' term
In 1982, the term "pixel art" was first published in a journal letter by Adele Goldberg and Robert Flegal of Xerox Palo Alto Research Center.
1983: Nintendo Entertainment System Release
In 1983, the Nintendo Entertainment System was released. It's an 8-bit console that contributed to the development of pixel art.
1985: Release of Deluxe Paint
In 1985, Deluxe Paint for the Commodore Amiga was released, inspiring many later pixel artists to create digital art.
1985: Master System Release
In 1985, the Master System was released. It's an 8-bit console that contributed to the development of pixel art.
1986: Release of DEGAS Elite and Deluxe Paint 2
In 1986, DEGAS Elite for the Atari ST and Deluxe Paint 2 for the Commodore Amiga were released, inspiring many later pixel artists to create digital art.
1987: Lucasfilm Games hire
In 1987, an artist was hired by Lucasfilm Games, and at the time pixel graphics were not considered an art form.
2011: Releases of Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP and Terraria
In 2011, 'retro' pixel art games such as Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP and Terraria were released, contributing to the popularity of pixel art.
2012: The Art of Video Games Exhibition
In 2012, the Smithsonian Institution museum of Washington created an exhibition called The Art of Video Games, attended by almost 700,000 people, which showcased pixel art's presence in mainstream culture.
2012: Release of Fez
In 2012, the pixel art game Fez was released, contributing to the increasing popularity of pixel art.
2013: Release of Papers, Please
In 2013, the pixel art game Papers, Please was released, contributing to the increasing popularity of pixel art.
2014: Release of Shovel Knight
In 2014, the pixel art game Shovel Knight was released, contributing to the increasing popularity of pixel art.
2015: Release of Undertale
In 2015, the pixel art game Undertale was released, contributing to the increasing popularity of pixel art.
2016: Releases of Owlboy and Stardew Valley
In 2016, the pixel art games Owlboy and Stardew Valley were released, contributing to the increasing popularity of pixel art.
2018: Releases of Deltarune, Celeste, and Octopath Traveler
In 2018, the pixel art games Deltarune, Celeste, and Octopath Traveler were released, contributing to the increasing popularity of pixel art.
2021: Releases of Eastward and Loop Hero
In 2021, pixel art games such as Eastward and Loop Hero were released, demonstrating the continued popularity of the style.
2022: Release of Vampire Survivors
In 2022, the pixel art game Vampire Survivors was released, demonstrating the continued popularity of the style.
2022: Pixelation announces forum closure
In the early fall of 2022, Pixelation announced the closing of its webforum and a transition to Twitter.
2023: Releases of Pizza Tower, Blasphemous 2, and Dave the Diver
In 2023, pixel art games such as Pizza Tower, Blasphemous 2, and Dave the Diver were released, demonstrating the continued popularity of the style.
2024: Releases of Balatro and Antonblast
In 2024, pixel art games such as Balatro and Antonblast were released, demonstrating the continued popularity of the style.
