Microsoft Solitaire: classic games to kill time

When we talk about the most succesful video games throughout history our mind will usually point towards the big names of the industry like Mario Bros, Tetris or even Minecraft, if we’re looking upon more modern times. But, although it has often been shoved into the forgotten corners of gaming history, Microsoft Solitaire might just be considered one of the most influential games of all time. Even though it’s hard to quantify now, we can safely asume it has also been one of the most played in the Western world.

Released in 1990 and developed for Windows 3.0, the reason behind Microsoft Solitaire being installed by default on every computer with that operating system was a strategy to soothe users into operating graphical interfaces and mouse handling, which was still a novel tool at the time. Being a digital version of the popular card game known to some as Klondike, many took up playing it intuitively, but the game also did include a manual since its original release.

Microsoft Simulator for Windows 3.0

As for the game it’s based on, its exact origin is unknown but some speculate it might have existed at least since the 19th century. So why was this centuries old game implemented into the popular operating system and why was it so popular then? Good design and the possibility for endless hours of distraction in the workplace are probably the two biggest reasons.

The rules of the game are hard to explain but easy to get play once you get a hang of it. Cards are placed face down in rows with a single card facing up. By drawing and switching up the cards, the player must make columns of numerically ordered cards that alternate between the two colors included in every deck. The challenge rating is very low, but offers a more challenging ‘3 card per draw’ version which will defy the player’s skill and luck. A monotonous game, perfect to pass the time, but with enough of a challenge to thrill the player every time they win. Also, in its digital version, we get rewarded by one of the best ending animations in video game history.

Microsoft Simulator for Windows 3.0

There is much to say about the game, but it would be amiss to not make a specific point about its amazing visual design, full of vibrating colors and memorable deck illustrations created by legendary designer Susan Kare, also known for creating many of Apple’s original Macintosh icons. Susan was part of a two-person team responsible for this massive hit of a game. The other half was programmer Wes Cherry, who was an intern at Microsoft at the time he wrote the code of what would become one of the world’s most popular time-consuming games ever.

Though the original card game is easy to play with a regular 52-card deck, the Microsoft digital game makes it extremely more convenient by laying out a new game for us with the click of a button. Saves time on shuffling cards and setting them in the right place. Besides, the controls for PC really serve its original purpose of educating its players on using a computer mouse, the game being entirely playable through either ‘drag and drop’ or ‘double clicking’.

Even though the game was developed for ‘educational’ purposes, there are hints its designers had the suspicion this game would be a huge hit in office spaces. Originally, a ‘Boss’ button was implemented that would minimize the game screen and pull up a fake Excel spreadsheet so the user could pretend to be working. Even though Microsoft asked to take down this feature, Solitaire’s legacy of procrastination withheld, being the digital embodiment of slacking off at work. Famously, the television show ‘The Office’ included shots of employees playing Solitaire in the background of basically every episode.

‘The Office’, NBC (WhatCulture.com)

So, why is this game so good? It’s easy to play and doesn’t demand much of the player. A one player game which can be played in a very paused style with endless replayability that, with a bit of stretching, we could nowadays call ‘roguelike’. Add breathtaking visual rewards for winning and we have ourselves a timeless hit.

Even though it never made it into any sales charts or competed for any awards, Microsoft Solitaire was inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame back in 2019 (29 years after its release) and according to some accounts, still had about 35 million active players by 2020. A timeless classic for all the good reasons.

Developer: Microsoft
Publisher: Microsoft
Release date: May 22, 1990
Platforms: Microsoft Windows
Genres: Virtual Card Game
Pegi: All ages