stepmania - On music games like Osu! (mania), why are the inputs

In many rhythm games (like step mania, Osu! mania, etc.), the inputs are arrow shaped. Where does this "standard" of rythm/music games come from ?

vsrg · GitHub Topics · GitHub

TGDB - Browse - Game - osu!

Rhythm game - Wikipedia

I made an updated version of my rhythm game difficulty chart (Can't please everyone) : r/rhythmgames

Rhythm game - Wikipedia

The best StepMania players in the world will melt your eyeballs

Steam Community :: Guide :: [How to] osu!

I've played a lot of rhythm games, so I decided to throw them into a tier list to rank them. : r/rhythmgames

Etienne recently made a community post. I rarely watch rhythm game content and I don't play clone hero so can someone elaborate on this paragraph : r/rhythmgames

Stepmania

osu! - Wikipedia

Rhythm Game Controller : r/fightsticks

Project OutFox rhythm game engine - Articles

osu! - Wikipedia