From augmented reality sensations like Pokémon Go to variations on Pac-Man and other classics, today’s mobile devices can store hundreds of games. But most weren’t created yesterday. In fact, they have a history dating back to the 1970s.

To understand that history, NC State’s Mobile Gaming Research Lab has launched the Retro Mobile Gaming Database (RMGD), an online, publicly searchable, rich database for game scholars and game enthusiasts of all ages. 

“Knowing the history of early mobile games helps us better understand today’s mobile gaming culture,” says Adriana de Souza e Silva, NC State professor of communication and director of the Mobile Gaming Research Lab. “But many of those old mobile consoles are hard to find. And because some of the early games were designed to be played in specific places, at specific times, they’ve all but disappeared. 

“This database helps us see that the games we play don’t come out of nowhere, but are products of years of experimentation within academic and industry circles.”

The public is warmly invited to contribute to or search the database. Among its features, the database provides a map identifying where games were developed and lists games with similar features.

For now, though, test your mobile gaming knowledge in this quiz developed by Adriana de Souza e Silva.

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