What appealed to people and especially kids of the 70s and 80s about gaming? What parts of early gameplay, and which aspects of the games are still relevant today?
What are the major aspects in which gaming has improved since then?

question 1- it appealed as the ultimate playthings and competed to master them and set the high score, or the record for longest time playing.

question 2- Gameplay is arguably the most important aspect of a game. You can have breathtaking graphics and an enthralling storyline, but if the main game mechanics the player will be performing aren't fun, your project may as well have been a movie.

question 3- Gaming is really a workout for your mind disguised as fun. Studies have shown that playing video games regularly may increase gray matter in the brain and boost brain connectivity. (Gray matter is associated with muscle control, memories, perception, and spatial navigation.)

hope this helps :)