Today in Nerd History | September 15

Today we’re celebrating the birth of a search engine that reshaped the internet, a charming village full of animal neighbors, and an indie game that broke the rules of RPGs while winning our hearts.

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 September 15, 1997, Google.com was registered as a domain name by founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin. This marked the beginning of what would become the world’s most popular search engine, transforming how people access information online.

Nerdy Facts:

• Origin of the Name: The name “Google” is a play on the mathematical term “googol,” which refers to the number 1 followed by 100 zeros. This reflects the founders’ mission to organize the seemingly infinite amount of information on the web.
• Humble Beginnings: Google started as a research project at Stanford University. The initial version of the search engine was hosted on the university’s website before becoming the standalone site we know today.
• Global Impact: Since its launch, Google has grown from a simple search engine to a tech giant, offering a wide range of services and products, including YouTube, Google Maps, Android, and more, shaping the way we interact with technology.

“Animal Crossing,” developed and published by Nintendo, was released in North America for the GameCube on September 15, 2002. This life simulation game lets players move into a village of anthropomorphic animals, where they can customize their homes, interact with villagers, and enjoy a peaceful, open-ended experience.

Nerdy Facts:

• Real-Time Gameplay: “Animal Crossing” operates in real-time, meaning the in-game events and seasons change according to the player’s real-world clock and calendar, making each day in the game unique.
• Global Phenomenon: Although it started as a niche title, “Animal Crossing” became a global phenomenon, particularly with the release of “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” in 2020, which provided comfort and connection during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Endless Creativity: The game encourages creativity through customization, allowing players to design their homes, create their own clothing patterns, and even terraform the landscape in later titles, leading to a thriving online community that shares designs and experiences.

“Undertale,” created by indie developer Toby Fox, was released on consoles on September 15, 2018, after its initial PC release in 2015. This RPG is known for its unique combat system, quirky characters, and the ability to play through the game without killing any enemies, offering a different kind of gaming experience.

Nerdy Facts:

• Moral Choices: “Undertale” is famous for its morality system, where the player’s decisions—whether to fight, spare, or befriend enemies—directly influence the story, leading to different endings and character interactions.
• Homage to Classics: Toby Fox was inspired by classic RPGs like “EarthBound” and “Mother” series. “Undertale” incorporates retro graphics and music, with a nostalgic yet fresh twist that appeals to both old-school gamers and new players.
• Cultural Impact: The game’s innovative design and emotional storytelling earned it a massive fanbase, leading to numerous fan works, merchandise, and even live concert performances of its memorable soundtrack.

September 15th is a day that celebrates the creativity and innovation that have shaped our digital world, from groundbreaking search engines to video games that encourage us to think differently and connect with others. Happy Nerd History Day to all who enjoy these iconic and influential releases!