video game
Unicode: 1F3AE
Description
A classic arcade game machine with a joystick and buttons, and a screen displaying a retro-style game. Often depicted in various colors.
Group:
Activities > game
Status:
fully-qualified
Emotion:
Typically represents fun, gaming, nostalgia, entertainment, or a playful mood. Can evoke feelings of excitement and childhood memories.
Backstory
This emoji was introduced in Unicode 6.0 (2010), representing classic video game arcades which were a significant part of entertainment in the late 20th century. It quickly became a symbol for video games in general, and retro gaming culture.
Usage Examples
- Inviting someone to play games: 'Let's play some video games tonight! 🎮'
- Expressing love for gaming: 'Gaming is my life! 🎮 addict'
- Referring to an arcade: 'Spent all day at the arcade, so much fun! 🎮'
- Sharing an old game memory: 'Remember this classic? 🎮 throwback'
Cultural Differences
Western culture:
Strongly associated with retro gaming culture, arcades, and a playful, nostalgic sentiment for '80s and '90s entertainment.
East Asian culture:
Also popular, but perhaps less exclusively tied to 'retro' as arcade culture remained more prevalent for longer in some parts. Still represents fun and gaming.