From a few simple pixelated shapes to hyper-realistic virtual worlds with complex shaders, and from black-white sprites drawn on 256x192 screens to 4K 3D models rendered in a million colours, video game graphics have undergone an astonishing evolution over the past 50 years.

This free 2-hour long lecture aims to teach you all about it. Video Game Graphics: A Brief History will take you on a journey through the history of video game visuals, exploring how technological limitations have often sparked artistic brilliance, and how old methodologies return as stylistic choices.

We’ll begin with the earliest days of gaming, where a few monochrome pixels told entire stories, and progress through the era of 8-bit and 16-bit masterpieces that defined a generation.

You’ll discover how the shift to 3D revolutionized gaming, the artistry behind pixel art, pre-rendered and real-time graphics, and how developers pushed hardware to its limits to create unforgettable experiences. Finally, we’ll examine contemporary techniques such as ray tracing, and photorealism, while also reflecting on why retro aesthetics continue to inspire.

More than just a history lesson, this course highlights how beauty is timeless and how looking back can fuel future creativity. Whether you're a visual designer, game artist, developer, or simply someone who loves games, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the artistic and technical milestones that have shaped gaming as we know it.