On Oct. 8, 1990, Microsoft put a dent in global productivity when it released Minesweeper as part of the Microsoft Entertainment Pack for Windows. It was aimed at those who used Windows 3.0. For the last 30 years, Minesweeper has thrilled millions with its simple, but deep, strategic gameplay. Here’s why people love it.
The Secret? Strategic, Addictive Gameplay
Minesweeper is a logic puzzle game set in a grid-based minefield. The goal is to clear (reveal) every square in the grid without accidentally clicking a mine—and to do so as quickly as possible. As you reveal squares, clues appear in the form of numbers that represent the number of mines located in the eight adjacent squares around them.
Along the way, you can mark where you think mines are located with a flag with just a right-click of your mouse. Be careful, though! If you click even a single mine by accident, the game is over.
Even if you hit a mine, it’s hard to give up once you grasp the basic numerical strategy of the game. Minesweeper makes you feel smart, but the thrill of danger is palpable. It’s a bit like Sudoku with explosions. So, you try again and, if you succeed, you might want to shave some seconds off your score.
You’re now in Minesweeper’s addictive grasp.
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