History of Pixel art in Timeline

Pixel art is a digital art form where images are constructed using pixels. It is closely linked to the low-resolution graphics of older computers, arcade games, and consoles with limited color palettes. Despite technological advancements, pixel art remains a popular style among artists and game developers. Its defining characteristics include its reliance on individual pixels and the aesthetic of retro gaming systems.

1937: Monochromatic Light Bulb Matrix Displays

Around 1937, simple monochromatic light bulb matrix displays were extant. These displays were some of the earliest examples of analog electronic advertising displays, found in places like New York City.

1972: Richard Shoup's SuperPaint system

In 1972, Richard Shoup created the SuperPaint system at Xerox PARC. This system served as an early example of pixel art practice, predating the formal naming of the art form.

1978: Release of Space Invaders

In 1978, the arcade video game Space Invaders was released. This game is considered a key title from the golden age of arcade video games and an early example of pixel art's influence.

1980: Release of Pac-Man

In 1980, the arcade video game Pac-Man was released. Like Space Invaders, it is a key title from the golden age of arcade video games and contributed to the development and recognition of pixel art.

1982: Term 'Pixel Art' Published

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: Release of Nintendo Entertainment System

In 1983, the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was released. This 8-bit console played a significant role in popularizing pixel art as a dominant aesthetic in video games.

Original NES System by Nintendo (Renewed)

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1985: Release of Deluxe Paint

In 1985, Deluxe Paint was released for the Commodore Amiga. This software, along with others, inspired many later pixel artists to create digital 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. These software programs, along with others, inspired many later pixel artists to create digital art.

1987: Pixel Graphics at Lucasfilm Games

In 1987, when an artist was hired by Lucasfilm Games, pixel graphics were not yet considered an art form. The use of pixels was viewed as an obstacle rather than an aesthetic choice.

2011: Releases of Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP and Terraria

In 2011, Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP and Terraria were released. These 'retro' pixel art games contributed significantly to the popularity of pixel art during the 2010s.

2012: Release of Fez

In 2012, Fez was released. This 'retro' pixel art game contributed significantly to the popularity of pixel art during the 2010s.

2012: Smithsonian Institution's 'The Art of Video Games' Exhibition

In 2012, the Smithsonian Institution museum of Washington created an exhibition called 'The Art of Video Games', which was attended by almost 700,000 people, indicating the increasing recognition of video games as an art form.

2013: Release of Papers, Please

In 2013, Papers, Please was released. This 'retro' pixel art game contributed significantly to the popularity of pixel art during the 2010s.

2014: Release of Shovel Knight

In 2014, Shovel Knight was released. This 'retro' pixel art game contributed significantly to the popularity of pixel art during the 2010s.

2015: Release of Undertale

In 2015, Undertale was released. This 'retro' pixel art game contributed significantly to the popularity of pixel art during the 2010s.

2016: Releases of Owlboy and Stardew Valley

In 2016, Owlboy and Stardew Valley were released. These 'retro' pixel art games contributed significantly to the popularity of pixel art during the 2010s.

2018: Releases of Deltarune, Celeste, and Octopath Traveler

In 2018, Deltarune, Celeste, and Octopath Traveler were released. These 'retro' pixel art games contributed significantly to the popularity of pixel art during the 2010s.

2021: Releases of Eastward and Loop Hero

In 2021, Eastward and Loop Hero were released. These releases demonstrate the continued popularity of pixel art in games across various platforms.

2022: Release of Vampire Survivors

In 2022, Vampire Survivors was released. This release demonstrates the continued popularity of pixel art in games across various platforms.

2022: Pixelation Announces Webforum Closing

In the early fall of 2022, Pixelation announced the closing of its webforum and a transition to Twitter, illustrating the shift of pixel art communities to different social media platforms.

2023: Releases of Pizza Tower, Blasphemous 2 and Dave the Diver

In 2023, Pizza Tower, Blasphemous 2, and Dave the Diver were released, demonstrating the continued popularity of pixel art in games across various platforms.