While The Sims series has been basking in the glory of its latest release, The Sims 4, it’s important to remember where these gibberish-speaking characters first lived: SimCity. The first SimCity game was released just about 25 years ago, on October 3, 1989, and has left a major mark on the video game industry.

SimCity was born of the mind of Will Wright, and took off in popularity upon its initial release for various home computers. It eventually was ported to other video game consoles such as the Commodore 64 and the Super Nintendo. Unlike many other games at the time, which followed a set storyline and had a linear end goal, SimCity was one of the first true “sandbox” experiences. It allowed players to build and design their city however they liked.

Players could also select a scenario to tackle, which had more of a goal-centered focus to it. These scenarios ranged from dealing with a nuclear meltdown in Boston and an earthquake in San Francisco, to cleaning up the aftermath of a giant lizard attack on Tokyo.

By 1992, SimCity had sold a million copies and won several awards. Wright went on to develop several other games under the Sim name, including SimCopter, SimAnt, and SimSafari before developing The Sims.

While The Sims life simulation franchise has sold more than 175 million copies worldwide, making it one of the bestselling PC games in history, the classic city builder that started it all 25 years ago is still fondly remembered. Will Wright and SimCity revolutionized what a “video game” could truly be, and a generation of gamers is forever grateful for it.