The history of video games is a fascinating journey that spans over six decades. From simple pixelated games to modern-day open-world adventures, video games have come a long way.
But who was the inventor of video games? In this article, we will explore the origins of video games and the pioneers who made it all possible.
The Beginning of Video Games
In 1940, British engineer Thomas T. Goldsmith Jr. and Estle Ray Mann developed the first electronic game called “Cathode-Ray Tube Amusement Device.” The game was a simple display of two lines moving across the screen, which the players had to guess which line would cross the other first. Although this device did not have any interactive elements, it laid the foundation for video games as we know them today.
In 1952, American engineer A.S Douglas developed another early version of a video game called “OXO,” also known as noughts and crosses. The game had two players taking turns to mark spots on a grid, with the winner being the first to get three in a row. This game was one of the earliest games that used a computer and a display screen.
The Birth of Video Game Consoles
In 1972, Magnavox released the first home video game console called “Magnavox Odyssey.” The console was expensive, and it only had two games: “Pong” and “Spacewar!” Despite its limitations, the Magnavox Odyssey marked the beginning of the home video game era.
In 1976, Atari released the first commercially successful video game console called “Atari 2600.” The console was a huge success, with millions of units sold worldwide. It featured popular games like “Space Invaders,” “Pac-Man,” and “Donkey Kong.”
The Golden Age of Video Games
The 1980s were the golden age of video games, with the release of many iconic consoles and games. Nintendo released the NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) in 1985, which featured classics like “Super Mario Bros,” “The Legend of Zelda,” and “Metroid.” Sega released the Genesis console in 1989, featuring popular games like “Sonic the Hedgehog,” “Phantasy Star,” and “Street Fighter II.”
During this time, personal computers also emerged as a popular platform for video games. Games like King’s Quest, Ultima, and WingX were among the most popular on PC. The rise of arcade machines also made video games more accessible to the public, with games like “Pac-Man,” “Space Invaders,” and “Donkey Kong” becoming cultural phenomena.
The Inventors of Video Games
While many people have contributed to the development of video games, there are some key figures who can be considered as the inventors of video games.
- Shigeru Miyamoto: Miyamoto is a Japanese video game designer and producer, best known for his work on the Mario franchise. He is often credited with popularizing video games in Japan and the world. Miyamoto’s innovative approach to game design has earned him numerous awards and accolades.
- Ralph Baer: Baer is an American inventor and engineer who is considered the “father of home video gaming.” In 1972, he designed the first home video game console, the Magnavox Odyssey. Baer’s work laid the foundation for the modern video game industry.
- Nolan Bushnell: Bushnell is an American entrepreneur and video game pioneer who co-founded Atari in 1972. He is credited with bringing the first commercially successful home video game console, the Atari 2600, to market. Bushnell’s leadership and vision for Atari helped shape the modern video game industry.
