Today in Nerd History | March 16

March 16 brings us the birth of a legendary MMORPG, the rise of trick-shot legends, a reboot of an iconic adventurer, and a charming indie adventure. Let’s explore some Nerdy Facts about EverQuest, Dude Perfect, Tomb Raider (2018), and Tunic!

Inclusion on this list does not imply that the entry is family friendly, only that it was a nerd culture milestone. Parents should, of course, use discernment.

On March 16, 1999, EverQuest launched as one of the first 3D MMORPGs, pioneering online multiplayer fantasy gaming.

Nerdy Facts:

• MMO Revolution: EverQuest helped define the MMORPG genre, influencing later games like World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy XIV.
• Endless Content: The game has received over 25 expansions since launch, keeping the world of Norrath alive for decades.
• “EverCrack”: Some fans jokingly called it “EverCrack” due to its highly addictive gameplay, which led to marathon gaming sessions.

On March 16, 2009, five college roommates uploaded a backyard basketball trick-shot video—and Dude Perfect was born.

Nerdy Facts:

• World Record Holders: Dude Perfect has set multiple Guinness World Records for basketball trick shots, including the world’s highest basketball shot achieved at the Stratosphere in Las Vegas, NV.
• Bigger Than Sports: Their YouTube channel has grown into one of the largest sports entertainment brands, with billions of views and their own TV show.
• Celebrity Collaborations: They’ve worked with sports legends like Aaron Rodgers, Serena Williams, and even Ant-Man himself, Paul Rudd.

On March 16, 2018, Tomb Raider rebooted Lara Croft’s cinematic journey, taking inspiration from the 2013 video game.

Nerdy Facts:

• Game-Inspired Story: The film is heavily based on Tomb Raider (2013), featuring similar survival-based storytelling and action sequences.
• Lara’s Training: Alicia Vikander went through intense physical training to prepare for the role, including rock climbing, MMA, and archery.
• No Sequel Plans: Despite setting up a sequel, plans for a follow-up stalled when MGM lost the rights to the franchise.

On March 16, 2022, Tunic was released, captivating players with its mix of Zelda-style exploration and cryptic puzzles.

Nerdy Facts:

• Solo Developer: The game was primarily developed by a single person, Andrew Shouldice, over six years.
• A Language of Its Own: The game’s in-game manual uses a fictional script, encouraging players to decipher it as part of the experience.
• Hidden Depths: Despite its cute and colorful aesthetic, Tunic features deep, Souls-like combat mechanics that challenge even veteran players.

March 16 celebrates legendary games, mind-blowing trick shots, and the return of an adventurer. Happy Nerd History Day!