Based on a century years old card game, Microsoft Solitaire was first introduced more than 30 years ago and ended up becoming one of the most played video games in history. This game has been entertaining and introduced computer games to more than 500 million players all around the world.
Microsoft’s Paul Jensen, studio manager for Microsoft Casual Games, said the induction of Microsoft Solitaire was historic in a blog post. “We are humbly honored to have the opportunity to work on a game that has such broad appeal, is localized into 65 languages, and played in over 200 markets around the world, including Antarctica.”
Microsoft Solitaire, originally known as Windows Solitaire, was first bundled with Windows 3.0 and appeared in every subsequent version of the software up until Windows 8.1. But because of the devoted fanbase of this game, Microsoft brings it back in Window 10 along with Minesweeper and Hearts.
Solitaire seems simple enough for everyone but there is another reason why Windows included it. The developers felt that this was the perfect way to teach users to relatively new computing concepts at that time such as using the mouse or drag-and-drop movement, which we still use today no matter what operating system. By playing Solitaire, users improve their card skills, entertained themselves, and learning new skills at the same time.
Microsoft intern Wes Cherry initially programmed the game, and Susan Kare – pixel artist and Mac GUI pioneer-designed the original card deck. Fun fact: In Cherry’s initial version, there was a “boss mode” with a fake spreadsheet designed to fool bosses and coworkers so players can slack off at work. Microsoft made Cherry remove the boss mode from the game before its release.
The game proved that there is a market for analog games to be successful in the digital world that appeals to many people. In many ways, it helped pave the way for the growth of the casual gaming market that remains so popular today. Microsoft Solitaire is now available across Windows, IOS Android, and even as an online game.
Cites
Warren, Tom. “Microsoft Solitaire Turns 30 Years Old Today and Still Has 35 Million Monthly Players.” The Verge, The Verge, 22 May 2020, www.theverge.com/2020/5/22/21266718/microsoft-solitaire-30-years-old-history-birthday-record-attempt.
Vincent, James. “Microsoft Solitaire Inducted into World Video Game Hall of Fame.” The Verge, The Verge, 6 May 2019, www.theverge.com/2019/5/6/18530946/microsoft-solitaire-world-video-game-hall-of-fame.
Tuttle, Will. “Microsoft Solitaire Inducted into The World Video Game Hall of Fame.” Xbox Wire, 2 May 2019, news.xbox.com/en-us/2019/05/02/microsoft-solitaire-world-video-game-hall-of-fame/.
This totally threw me back to playing solitaire on my moms old computer. I liked your insights on solitaire helping designers realize there was interest for analog games. I also like how you included the fun fact about boss mode, ha!
I had no idea that Susan Kare was the original designer for Solitaire. Learn new things everyday.
Wow I can’t believe this is the most played game, I used to play too. It’s so interesting how we all interconnected to all these early innovations.
This is so fun to read, my dad is still playing this game haha!