From 1997 to 1999, the gaming industry underwent a series of significant transformations that redefined its landscape. In 1997, as 3D gaming continued to revolutionize the industry, Sony's PlayStation emerged dominant, but it wasn't without challenges, as both Nintendo and Sega grappled with changing dynamics. A notable highlight was the intriguing saga of "Duke Nukem Forever" and its impact on the perception of game development. By 1998, the gaming world celebrated a milestone as it was recognized as a bona fide art form, with awards honoring its creative achievements. This was juxtaposed with controversies surrounding violent game content, even as Sega's Dreamcast ushered in the sixth console generation with its cutting-edge features. The year 1999 witnessed the meteoric rise of indie developers and the massive success of Pokemon, a phenomenon that transcended the gaming sphere. Additionally, Hollywood's foray into gaming, exemplified by Stephen Spielberg's "Medal of Honor", signaled a major shift, while legal battles like Sony Corporation v. Bleem LLC emphasized the importance of intellectual property and sparked debates on emulation.

Featured Games:
Final Fantasy VII, Oddworld: Abe's Oddysee, GoldenEye 007, The Curse of Monkey Island, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, Age of Empires, Ultima Online, Sonic Jam, Croc: Legend of the Gobbos, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Half-Life, Unreal, Pokemon Red and Blue, Metal Gear Solid, Silent Hill, Super Smash Bros, StarCraft, System Shock 2, Age of Empires II, and RollerCoaster Tycoon.

• (00:00) - Episode 5