History of Pixel art in Timeline

Pixel art is a digital art form where images are constructed using individual pixels. It's strongly linked to the low-resolution graphics of early computers, arcade games, and consoles with limited pixels and color palettes. Despite technological advancements, pixel art remains popular among artists and game developers today, showcasing its enduring appeal beyond its original limitations.

1937: Monochromatic light bulb matrix displays extant

Circa 1937, simple monochromatic light bulb matrix displays were used in analog electronic advertising displays, such as those in New York City.

1972: SuperPaint system

In 1972, Richard Shoup developed the SuperPaint system at Xerox PARC, showcasing early pixel art practices.

1978: Release of Space Invaders

In 1978, Space Invaders was released, marking a significant moment in the golden age of arcade video games and pixel art's origins.

1980: Release of Pac-Man

In 1980, Pac-Man was released, contributing to the development of pixel art during the golden age of arcade video games.

1982: Pixel art term 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 was released, and it became influential in the development of pixel art.

Original NES System by Nintendo (Renewed)

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1985: Deluxe Paint released

In 1985, Deluxe Paint for the Commodore Amiga was released, inspiring many later pixel artists to create digital art by careful placement of pixels.

1985: Release of Master System

In 1985, the Master System was released, and it contributed to the development of pixel art.

1986: Releases 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 tools inspired many later pixel artists to create digital art.

1987: Hired by Lucasfilm Games

In 1987, someone was hired by Lucasfilm Games to do artwork for their computer games, at this time pixel graphics was not considered an art form.

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

In 2011, the release of retro pixel art games Superbrothers: Sword & Sworcery EP and Terraria contributed to the increased popularity of pixel art.

2012: Release of Fez

In 2012, Fez was released, contributing to the increased popularity of pixel art.

2012: The Art of Video Games exhibition at the Smithsonian

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.