Microsoft Solitaire is officially going into the World Video Game Hall of Fame. The game officially launched on Windows 3.0 back in 1990, and continues to be a very popular game among all versions of the operating system.
The game served as multiple purposes for the still young operating system, including teaching consumers how to use the mouse. Since its first launch, it has become available on more than a billion computers, according to Microsoft.
“Microsoft Solitaire being inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame makes this a historic day! It’s incredible to think that one of the most played video games in the world got its start in 1990 as a way for Microsoft to teach users how to use a mouse,” said Paul Jensen, Studio Manager for Microsoft Casual Games in a statement. “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.“
Due to the game’s great success, Microsoft has also recently designated May 22 as “National Solitaire Day” to celebrate both the digital title and its tabletop twin. The classic game will join the other titles, Mario Kart, Mortal Kombat, And Colossal Cave Adventure as 2019’s winning titles for the World Video Game Hall of Fame.
Microsoft’s Solitair Collection is available in for free as an add-supported game, and includes the classic “Klondike” style play as well as other modes including Spider, FreeCell, TriPeaks and Pyramid. It’s available not just on Windows 10, but also mobile phones, too.
