It's a Guy Thing

Historic Games That Still Have a Big Following Today

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People who explore game platforms like Steam or even Xbox and PlayStation stores will know just how many different games there are on the market and how incredibly advanced they have become. We’re even getting a new GTA game that has been in development for a whole decade and this could push the boundaries of gaming even further. 

Not everyone is looking for the most ultrarealistic graphics or intelligent side characters and NPCs. Sometimes it is the historic games that still prove to be the best. Simple ideas for games can sometimes strike that perfect balance that people are looking for and don’t take decades to learn how to play properly.

Blackjack

One prime example of a game that has developed and changed as the internet has become so much more embedded in our lives is blackjack. The game has roots in Europe hundreds of years ago but has also thrived since the internet has meant that the game can be played pretty much anywhere and people tend to value the convenience. 

Playing online blackjack lets people test their strategic skills as this is a game where they can have a genuine impact on what might happen during the game and playing online blackjack is a popular hobby. Variations on the game have also sprung up as people look for new and modern twists on a historic game that has been around for centuries. Even the original rules still prove to be popular!

Baccarat – The Timeless Card Game

People still love to put a deck of cards in their bag when staying away from home or just to play these sorts of games online. It proves that high-tech games aren’t always the top option! Baccarat might be one of the most glamorous games associated with casinos but its roots are far older than some people realize.

Originating in Italy during the 15th century, the game made its way to France, where it gained popularity among the aristocracy. Its name, derived from the Italian word “baccara” meaning zero, reflects the game’s scoring system where face cards and tens are worth nothing.

Baccarat continues to command a loyal following and has grown due to online platforms. Its simplicity is part of the reason for this as players only need to decide whether to bet on the player or banker (or a rarer tie). The game has also been played in a lot of media such as James Bond movies which has helped it to stay super relevant and popular. 

Online gaming has breathed new life into baccarat and made it accessible to a wider audience. Playing online baccarat games is straightforward for those who want to and there are even choices of different interfaces or modern variations of the games. These can keep things fresh and ensure that players have options.

This is one of many card games we have found to still be popular. Online casinos have helped to keep card and table games super popular. Social media also sees a lot of streamers and influencers sharing content regarding their online gaming and baccarat (and its unpredictable nature) also remains really popular.

Chess

Chess is another historic game with a grip on the imagination of millions. Tracing its origins back over 1,500 years to India where it was known as chaturanga – the game evolved as it spread across Persia and Europe. 

It was sometime around the 15th century that the game developed into the chess we know today, with its iconic pieces and familiar rules.

Chess pits two minds against each other in a battle of foresight and mental capacity which means every game is a unique story. It’s not just a pastime but a discipline and even a huge industry with grandmasters playing professionally.

The rise of online platforms like Chess.com and the popularity of chess-themed shows such as The Queen’s Gambit spurred a modern renaissance for the game. Digital tools allow players to compete globally and improve their skills with AI trainers. Chess tournaments also continue to attract some pretty big audiences. This ancient game is anything but outdated.

Retro PC Games

Any PC game is not going to be that old in the grand scheme of things but it is interesting to see that games from the 90s still have a player base even as tech has come such a long way. 

Age of Empires is a title that needs no introduction and has been ported onto modern consoles. First released in 1997 this iconic game lets players build civilizations and armies to conquer their enemies across different historical eras. It would be easy to assume that strategy games have got better since and while there is a huge choice, there were things that AoE absolutely nailed. This is why it is still played!

AoE’s appeal also comes in the fact it is replayable and we’ve seen the same with other older PC games like the original Sims and SimCity games. Players can experiment with different strategies. There’s an element of nostalgia and iconic soundtracks and memorable voice lines only add to this. People still like to play the games that were once cutting edge and social media is definitely a part of this. People build an online audience by creating great video content and sometimes the older games lend themselves to this with the feelings of nostalgia some people have. 

A good game is a good game. It doesn’t matter whether it uses cards or chess pieces or code like all of the modern games do. These games all still have a huge following in 2025.