The History of Video Games

Aug 13, 2024

History of Video Games

Definition

  • Video Game: An electronic game with an interface for human interaction on a video device.

Early Development

  • Video games originated in science labs.
  • First U.S. Video Game Patent: 1948 (cathode-ray tube amusement device).
  • Some of the earliest video games include:
    • Nimrod computer
    • OXO
    • Tennis for Two
    • Spacewar! (favorite of the speaker)
  • Early games were not sold to the public due to high costs and size.

The Breakthrough

  • Ralph Baer: Pioneered the idea of a home video game console.
    • Released Odyssey in 1972, allowing play on TV.
  • Atari: Founded by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney, coinciding with the rise of home gaming.
    • Pong: Released in 1972, first commercially successful video game.
    • Home version of Pong launched in 1974.

The Golden Age of Arcade Games

  • Competition: Growth between Atari and Midway.
  • Midway licensed Space Invaders from Taito, released in 1978.
    • Became the second highest selling arcade game.
    • Initiated the Golden Age of Arcade Games.
  • Atari's Response: Released Asteroids (6th highest selling arcade game).
  • 1980 Milestones:
    • Pac-Man by Namco (brought to U.S. by Midway).
    • Pac-Man's cultural impact included music, TV shows, and merchandise.
    • Generated over 1 billion dollars in quarters in one year.

Rise of Nintendo

  • 1981: Nintendo entered the U.S. market with Donkey Kong.
    • First video game with a storyline.
    • Jumpman (later renamed Mario) as main character.
  • Other notable 80s arcade games:
    • Frogger
    • Dragon's Lair
    • Mario Brothers
  • Double Dragon (1987): Successful in the beat-them-up genre, featuring a damsel in distress theme.

Conclusion

  • By mid-90s, the Golden Age of Arcade Games began to decline.
  • Rise of home game consoles marked a new era in video gaming.
  • Further history of video games will be discussed in part two.