A Fond Farewell to a YouTube Pioneer
Norman Caruso, known to millions as the Gaming Historian, has announced that he will step back from creating YouTube videos after a remarkable 15-year run. With over a million subscribers, Caruso has captivated audiences with his detailed explorations of gaming history, from beloved classics like Mario and Tetris to quirky oddities like the infamous Power Glove.
Despite his channel’s growing success, Caruso faced burnout, ultimately choosing to step away rather than compromise his standards. "Today I’m announcing I will no longer be making Gaming Historian videos," he stated in his farewell recording. "There’s nothing dramatic behind it, I promise." His decision comes after a period of feeling drained and struggling to maintain the high quality his viewers expect.
In his announcement, Caruso reflected on his last video, which focused on the Oregon Trail. Since then, he found it increasingly difficult to muster the energy for new content. "I assumed that after a few months I’d get the itch again and make new videos," he shared. However, that 'itch' never returned, prompting him to acknowledge that pushing through could lead to a decline in the quality of his work.
The Gaming Historian channel debuted in 2008, charting the ups and downs of retro gaming with a commitment to thorough, first-hand research. His approach set a standard in the genre, elevating the discourse around gaming history. Caruso’s dedication to accuracy and detail often took years of painstaking research, and he felt that continuing under his current circumstances would not do justice to his established reputation.
As a final gift to his fans, Caruso planned to release a video discussing the lawsuit between Nintendo and Universal Studios from 1984, revolving around the arcade classic Donkey Kong. While this video won’t be released, the in-depth research he conducted will be made available to the public. Caruso is donating his scans, including court documents and design bibles, to the Internet Archive and the Video Game History Foundation.
Although it’s disappointing to see Caruso leave, he has chosen to do so on his own terms. The landscape of online gaming content has changed dramatically during his time. When he began, the YouTube scene was often dominated by chaotic reviews and humor. Now, it features a variety of voices, with many dedicated historians offering unique perspectives. Channels like Basement Brother and NoClip showcase the rich tapestry of gaming history, illustrating just how much the community has grown.