The 2002 Edition

Key Points:

• Kotaku is hosting "Warp Week," a themed event revisiting gaming's past with stories and reviews presented as if it were 2002, blending nostalgia with modern insights.
• The event will feature multiple stories throughout the week, culminating in a list of the top 12 games from 2002, coinciding with the mid-summer news slowdown before Gamescom and fall releases.
• 2002 was a pivotal year in gaming, marked by the decline of Dreamcast, Xbox's rise fueled by Halo: Combat Evolved, and Nintendo struggling against PS2 dominance despite strong game lineups.
• The year also featured cultural moments like the debut of American Idol and collaborations between Jay-Z and Beyoncé, alongside gaming controversies such as criticism of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker's art style.
• Many trends from 2002, including excitement for new GTA titles and popular game franchises, remain relevant today, highlighting the enduring nature of gaming culture and consumer interests.