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Platform games are an extremely popular video game genre. They are generally recognized by the use of platforms, in which characters utilizes to complete levels while jumping over obstacles and obstructions.  It is essential for the player to be able to jump and fall from these platforms. Without these, the game would have a low level of difficulty, aim or focus.  Since jumping is the key focus for platform games, many of the player’s moves and advances rely on the “jump” button.

The genre of platform games began in the 1980s and became integrated into popular culture in the 1990s (Greenslade 2006).  As previously mentioned, these games involve jumping from platform to platform through space.  They also include other forms of movement such as swinging, bouncing, floating, walking, running, and swimming.  For a game to be considered a platform game, these concepts must plays an important role or element in the game. 

Platform games made their debut in  arcades, then it eventually moved to the handheld system, computers, and finally home consoles.  It is important to note that the genre does not fit a specific theme such as a first person shooter or sports game.  Platformers are widespread, but usually involve elements of science fiction, fantasy, and cartoonish visuals and aesthetics (BBC 2003).

The genre was at one time the most popular amongst gamers.  It has been estimated that between one third and one quarter of console games were platformers during the genre’s prime (Silvergames.com 2008).  The advent of more advanced games involving more complex technologies have attributed to its decline.

In addition to the history of platform games, this website also aims to relate the genre to time and space.  Platform games are generally time-based.  The game’s animation and video is not controlled by the player, as the screen moves when the character moves without giving the player a chance to go backwards or look at a map (Mactavish 2009).  The player is also an element of time as they can move though the game and accomplish levels at their own pace, take breaks, and hit the pause button.

Platform games also involve the element of space. Space is important to the genre as most platform games are outlined by certain boundaries of what the player can and cannot do (Mactavish 2009).  If the player falls off a platform, they fall off the screen and out of the player’s sight.