Introduction: Robots in the Future
A was an incredibly fascinating artifact I discovered while cataloguing artifacts for the Computer Museum. The game from 1981 drew my attention because it discussed how in the 2000s robots would take over the world. Of course, as of 2025, that hasn't happened. But it inspired me to write a short blog about the future as imagined by game designers in the 1980s and 1990s.
Robotwar
In the classic computer game Robotwar from 1981, users control virtual robots to fight on their own in an arena.
Rather than having direct control, players specify their robot's actions, such as movement, targeting, and attacking, by writing instructions in a simple coding language similar to BASIC. After being programmed, the robots engage in combat on their own, and the player observes how well their tactics work against other robots.Â
Here's an example:
SCAN AIM + 5 TO AIM Â ; MOVE GUN AIM TO RADAR Â ; SEND RADAR PULSE LOOP IF RADAR < 0 GOSUB FIRE Â ; TEST RADAR GOTO SCAN FIRE 0 - RADAR TO SHOT Â ; FIRE THE GUN ENDSUB
Other games about futuristic robots
Below, I gathered some other games from the 1980s and 1990s that featured futuristic robots
Mega-Man (1987)
Details
In Mega Man, Dr. Wily reprograms six industrial robots to take over the world. To stop him, Dr. Light transforms his helper robot into Mega Man, a battle robot who defeats the rogue robots, gains their powers, and ultimately confronts Wily to save the world. This game was set in the year 20XX (not a typo!)
Electrocop (1989)
Details
In the futuristic year of 2069 in Washinton D.C. You, as the player, will take on the role of a cyborg police officer called Electrocop and you will go on a mission to save the daughter of the US president from the evil Criminal Brain. You have a set amount of time to avoid dangers, which is 1 hour exactly. On your mission to save the daughter you will also need to battle robots, and use computer terminals to collect information.
Ultrabots (1993)
Details
In Ultrabot (called Xenobot in Europe) you take control of a massive robot called Ultrabot as it battles to protect Earth from an alien invasion. The Ultrabot must fight through a variety of situations, destroy enemy bases, and ultimately repel the invasion of the aliens, who have deployed enormous robotic robots to take over the planet. In order to defeat the alien danger, you can upgrade and modify your Ultrabot with various weapons and abilities during the strategic combat gameplay. This game is set in the dystopian 2000s.
Iron Soldier (1994)
Details
A rogue military group has taken over Earth's defence systems and puts at risk international security in the futuristic world of Iron Soldier, where you operate a formidable mech known as the Iron Soldier. Through the completion of numerous combat missions in expansive 3D locations, your goal is to retaliate against this rebel group, destroy their bases, and bring back peace. As you equip your Iron Soldier with new weapons and armor to take on more formidable foes, the game emphasizes mech warfare, strategy, and exploration.
I War (1995)
Details
You’re a cyber tank pilot entering a corrupt virtual realm to retrieve important data pods. You will also need to defeat virus-infested enemies and system defences, and ultimately cleanse the AI network before humanity’s digital life collapses. The setting of this game is in the not too distant future, a massive global computer network known as the I War governs almost all of society’s daily operations. The year it was set to be is in the 23rd century.
Author thoughts on these games.
Each of these games discussed dystopian futures in which robots would do horrible things, such as take over the world or steal the president's daughter. While none of this really happened, that this was a common video game plot gives us a fascinating glimpse into what some believed might occur in the future.
Links to items in our collection
About the Author
Cristian is a Gr.12 high school student at Resurrection Catholic Secondary School and is the Computer Museum’s 2025 co-op student. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, going out with friends and learning new skills.