The Entertainment Industry Before the Digital Revolution

Before computers became the standard in the 20th century, everything had to be done analog. This affected everyone, no matter what industry you were in. The video game and internet industries would not be here if it weren’t for the computer, tablets, and smartphones.

Having been born at a time when the digital revolution was getting ready to take place, it is no secret that computers have shaped my life in every way possible. Becoming interested in video games also furthered my interest in computers, and made me want to make my own. Even during the time I was a kid, I still did some things analog.

Think of the industries that don’t rely on computers. Before cameras were invented, every bit of history had to be drawn and illustrated. It was complicated and expensive too. Imagine if we had Photoshop before the 20th century. The live performing arts industry doesn’t rely on computers for the most part. Same thing goes for music. Musical scores had to be written or notated and was distributed physically.

The story of Mythos of Phantasmagoria takes place during the Edo Period, where there were no computers. The game actually serves as the origin story for the Chuhou Joutai trilogy, which takes place in the present day. Most fantasy stories, unless it’s not science fiction or in the present day, don’t involve use of computers. How they appear vary depending on the story.

Daily writing prompt

Your life without a computer: what does it look like?