Rolling enrollment open. Courses prorated.
Explore now.Does your teen think video games are more than just entertainment? Do they care about how we got from Pong to open-world RPGs, and why it matters? Video Game History takes students on a deep dive through the evolution of gaming, from arcade cabinets to modern masterpieces. They'll study the designers, the technology, and the cultural shifts that made gaming what it is today. Finally, a course that takes their passion as seriously as they do.
This course is not currently being offered. Please check back later or explore our other available courses.
Do you love video games? Have you ever wondered how we went from simple pixelated adventures to the massive, immersive worlds we play today?
From Pinball to Today, you'll take a journey through the history of gaming, exploring the consoles, games, and technological breakthroughs that shaped entire generations. From the earliest arcade machines to modern gaming systems, you'll discover how video games evolved alongside computer technology and helped inspire many of the innovations we use today.
You'll investigate the stories behind iconic games, legendary consoles, and the creative people who pushed technology to its limits. Along the way, you'll learn about the challenges developers faced, the technological revolutions that made new types of games possible, and how video games became one of the most influential forms of entertainment in the world.
Most importantly, this course provides a welcoming and supportive space where you can share your interests, connect with other gaming enthusiasts, and explore what makes video games meaningful to so many people. Whether you're a lifelong gamer or simply curious about gaming history, you'll be encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, and celebrate your passion for games.
Knowledge of the major consoles, games, and milestones in video game history An understanding of how gaming technology has evolved over time Insight into the relationship between video games and computer technology Knowledge of the innovations that made modern gaming possible Greater appreciation for the creativity, design, and engineering behind games Exposure to the history of computing through the lens of video games Stronger critical- thinking skills through analyzing technological and cultural changes Opportunities to discuss and share your favorite games in a supportive environment Increased confidence participating in discussions and expressing your ideas A deeper understanding of why video games are important to culture, entertainment, and technology A fun, welcoming classroom where curiosity, creativity, and individual interests are valued Get ready to press start on an adventure through gaming history as you discover the games, consoles, and innovations that changed the world-one pixel at a time!
Video game history is also the history of computing, design, and cultural change. Your child learns to think historically and analytically about a subject they already love. Parents tell us their kids start making connections between gaming innovations and broader technology trends on their own.
Studying how games evolved teaches students to analyze decisions, trace cause and effect, and understand how technology shapes culture. These are the same analytical skills that show up in history classes, media studies, and any course that asks students to think critically about the world around them.
YSA is a UC-registered online publisher and WASC-accredited Supplementary Education Center, which means our courses can count toward official college credit requirements. State schools can recognize the courses your student takes here, adding real legitimacy to your homeschooling journey or building on top of your student's existing transcript. That unlocks two ways to enroll: For Credit -- Your student earns official, accredited credit toward their transcript. For-credit students complete weekly assignments that build toward their transcript grade. Outside-of-class work ranges from 1-2 hours per week. Perfect for families who want documentation that reflects what their child is actually capable of -- to show the world how brilliant they are. For Enrichment -- Your student takes the very same course purely for the love of learning. No grades, no outside-of-class work, no credit attached. Just the content, the community, and the growth. Same course. Same mentor. Same experience in class. You choose what fits your family.
If you homeschool, this works seamlessly. If your student attends another school full time, we create a report card and transcript that we share with you, and you share with the school. It is up to your primary school to accept it and add it to your student's official transcript.
Trace the full arc of gaming history, from the earliest arcade machines to the immersive worlds of today 
Understand how gaming technology evolved alongside computing breakthroughs, and how each era built on the last 
Discuss iconic games, legendary consoles, and industry-changing moments with peers who share their love of gaming 
Build a deeper appreciation for the medium they love, seeing gaming not just as entertainment but as a cultural and technological force 
Hello! I'm Robert, a professional videographer with over a decade of experience bringing stories to life behind the camera. I've always been fascinated by the art of storytelling, whether it's through film, television, video games, or creative writing. When I'm not working on video projects, you'll probably find me exploring history, learning about space, diving into a new game, or discovering some other fascinating topic. I love sharing that sense of curiosity with my students and helping them find subjects that spark their own excitement. My goal is to create a welcoming, supportive environment where students feel comfortable being themselves, asking questions, sharing ideas, and exploring their creativity. Whether we're analyzing stories, learning new skills, or creating something entirely original, I want students to discover that learning can be both fun and rewarding. Most importantly, I hope every student leaves class not only with new knowledge and creative skills, but also with greater confidence in their own unique way of thinking and learning. Some of the world's most interesting ideas come from people who see things differently - and I can't wait to see what your child creates!
WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING
Parents don't just see happier kids. They see sharper thinking, stronger friendships, and a child who actually wants to log on.
★★★★★
"My son can now trace gaming from pinball to today, and he explains it all at dinner. Mr. Rob turned his hobby into real history."
Kelsey W.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"Mr. Rob connects old consoles to the technology we use now, and my daughter suddenly cares about how computers evolved. Brilliant sneaky learning."
Omar H.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"My son can now trace gaming from pinball to today, and he explains it all at dinner. Mr. Rob turned his hobby into real history."
Kelsey W.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"Mr. Rob connects old consoles to the technology we use now, and my daughter suddenly cares about how computers evolved. Brilliant sneaky learning."
Omar H.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"My 2e son has deep gaming knowledge and few places to share it. Mr. Rob made him feel like an expert among peers who finally get him."
Bridget A.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"Every week my daughter quizzes us on the games and consoles Mr. Rob covered. I have never seen her this eager to log on."
Trevor M.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"My 2e son has deep gaming knowledge and few places to share it. Mr. Rob made him feel like an expert among peers who finally get him."
Bridget A.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"Every week my daughter quizzes us on the games and consoles Mr. Rob covered. I have never seen her this eager to log on."
Trevor M.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"Mr. Rob respects that gaming matters to my son and treats it as a serious subject. That respect changed how he sees his own interests."
Lucia F.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"My son found his people in Mr. Rob's course, a whole group that loves gaming history as much as he does, guided by a mentor who does too."
Andre P.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"Mr. Rob respects that gaming matters to my son and treats it as a serious subject. That respect changed how he sees his own interests."
Lucia F.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"My son found his people in Mr. Rob's course, a whole group that loves gaming history as much as he does, guided by a mentor who does too."
Andre P.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"My son can now trace gaming from pinball to today, and he explains it all at dinner. Mr. Rob turned his hobby into real history."
Kelsey W.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"Mr. Rob connects old consoles to the technology we use now, and my daughter suddenly cares about how computers evolved. Brilliant sneaky learning."
Omar H.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"My 2e son has deep gaming knowledge and few places to share it. Mr. Rob made him feel like an expert among peers who finally get him."
Bridget A.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"Every week my daughter quizzes us on the games and consoles Mr. Rob covered. I have never seen her this eager to log on."
Trevor M.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"Mr. Rob respects that gaming matters to my son and treats it as a serious subject. That respect changed how he sees his own interests."
Lucia F.
YSA parent
★★★★★
"My son found his people in Mr. Rob's course, a whole group that loves gaming history as much as he does, guided by a mentor who does too."
Andre P.
YSA parent
If you’re not 100% in love with the course, you have options depending on how you enrolled:
You can switch to another course of equal or lesser value that’s a better fit or get a credit to use toward a future course.
You can either get credit toward a future course, switch to another course of equal or lesser value that’s a better fit, or stop all future payments after a 30-day processing period.
No risk. No stress. Just the learning and belonging you have been looking for.
We can offer this because we know what we do works for thousands of other families. Kids become more self-confident. They find their people. And families tell us this is the place where their student finally feels welcome. We know it will work for your family, too.
All-Access Passes have separate terms and conditions. Please see the All-Access Pass pages.
It goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway... to qualify for the satisfaction guarantee policy, you have to actually attend the classes. This is not a cancellation policy. It’s a satisfaction guarantee. You can’t be satisfied or dissatisfied if you don’t attend.
Young Scholars Academy is a virtual village that offers one-of-a-kind, engaging enrichment courses and community for 5-18-year-old bright, quirky kids to empower them to develop their strengths, make like-minded friends, cultivate life skills, build confidence, and feel great about themselves under the loving care of expert mentors. description2: >- Picture a place where your child fits in, is celebrated, mentored, and loves learning the unique content their beautiful brain craves. That happens every day at YSA for over 1,200+ families, and it can happen for your family, too.
WASC Accredited · 1,200+ Families · 93% Re-Enroll · 47+ States, 17 Countries, 6 Continents
Learn more about YSAQUESTIONS ABOUT THIS COURSE
Everything you need to know before enrolling your child.
Many of our strongest writing students started as reluctant writers. The difference is topic choice and audience. When a gifted kid writes about something they actually care about, for peers who share their interests, the resistance disappears. Our mentors create a safe space where your child writes freely, gets constructive feedback, and builds confidence in their voice.
Yes. YSA families join from 47+ states and 17 countries across 6 continents. All you need is an internet connection. We schedule sections across multiple time zones so families worldwide can find a time that works.
Video Game History meets once per week for 50 minutes, every week from August through December. Your child joins the same tight-knit group of up to 8 students and the same mentor all semester long. Same friends, same mentor, a new challenge every week.
Our gifted and 2e students experience such asynchronous development that hard age limits rarely tell the full story. If your student should be aged up or aged down, contact us at support@youngscholarsacademy.org or click the chat in the bottom right corner of the screen. We do this all the time.
Please don't confuse reactive distance learning with what happens at YSA. When a kid is engaged in a course they chose, with a mentor who gets them and peers who share their interests, the screen disappears. They're not on a screen. They're with their people. Parents tell us their children fight to log on to YSA.
If your child isn't loving a course by the end of the first week, swap into a different course. Same semester. No questions. Not the right fit within the first month? We'll stop payments, switch courses, or issue credit toward any future course. The credit never expires. And you keep every bonus you've received. Over 93% of YSA families don't just stay. They add more courses.
No. Cameras are always optional. Always. Many of our students start with cameras off and turn them on when they're comfortable. Our mentors engage every student equally, cameras on or off.
No. If you're here, you're in the right place. We don't require paperwork, evaluations, or labels. Whether your child has been formally identified as gifted or twice-exceptional, whether you suspect it but haven't pursued testing, or whether you just know your kid's brain works differently and nothing else has fit, they're welcome here.
Yes. YSA is an approved vendor with 10+ state ESA programs including Arizona ESA, Utah Fits All, ClassWallet, My Tech High, Florida Step Up, and others. Enroll directly to secure your child's spot, submit the invoice to your ESA, and your payment method is refunded when funds transfer. Many families pay zero out of pocket.
Click "See Available Times" on this page, pick the section that fits your schedule, and your child's spot is secured immediately. No phone call. No placement test. No prerequisite.
Right now, a kid who thinks like your kid is in a course they chose, with a mentor who was once just like them, surrounded by friends who don't think they're weird... they think they're interesting.
Your child is one click from finding out what that feels like.
An internet connection and a can-do attitude!