With games becoming more and more popular, have you ever wondered where it all started? What is the history behind electronic video games? Games in general have an interesting history that goes back long before computers became so popular. Board games have been around for thousands of years, but the first idea to discover a way to use games in conjunction with the television came in the 1950s. Ralph Bauer is responsible for this unique idea and the invention of the “brown box”, which later led to the invention of game console systems. He introduced it to a television company called Magnavox, who also thought it was an excellent idea.
In 1971, Nolan Bushnell released the first commercial arcade video game. Although the game was considered a great invention, it was confusing to play, so it did not become very popular. Bushnell then formed Atari Inc., which led to the introduction of Pong. Alan Alcorn and Bushnell joined forces and created this successful arcade game that was introduced in 1972. This invention paved the way for commercial arcade games and launched the home video game industry with the creation of home versions of Pong.
Based on Bauer’s “brown box prototype” from the 1950s, the “Magnavox Odyssey” was also introduced to the public in 1972. It was exciting at the time, but compared to today’s technology, it would be considered primitive. It was not a great success because this type of technology still needed a lot of improvement. Improvements were made and by 1978 the Atari 2600 home console system was making headlines with Space Invaders. Games for the Apple II and TRS-80 computer were also designed during this time and received much attention.
Of course, between 1972 and 1978 several more successful commercial arcade games were designed and introduced to the public. Some of these included Tank, Gunfight, Night Driver, Breakout, Football, and Space Invaders. The commercial arcade game Space Invaders was so popular that it inspired designers to create the home Atari 2600 that allows gamers to play in the comfort of their own homes.
By 1979 and throughout the 1980s, technology continued to improve greatly in the graphics department, making it possible to create more successful video games including Asteroids, Battlezone, Defender, Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Centipede, Tron, Star Wars. , Dragon’s Lair and street fighter. All of these were designed for commercial and home entertainment.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, many more improvements were made to games and computer systems that paved the way for the exciting and entertaining games that are available today. Pac-Man and Mario Brothers remain popular games that have been enhanced into adventures that take you through a variety of worlds and challenges.
Games have much more to offer today than ever before. Game consoles are not only designed with the latest technology including excellent graphics and precision control, but improvements made to computer systems and the Internet have opened up a whole new world of entertainment. Now you have the possibility to download games on your computer, play free games online, join MMORPGs and even participate in tournaments with other players from all over the world. Electronic games have certainly come a long way since those first arcade games that set the gaming world in motion.
