Tetris is a classic puzzle game that has been enjoyed by players for decades. The game’s popularity can be attributed to its simplicity and addictive nature, but there is one aspect of the game that has always puzzled gamers: why did the first version of Tetris use letters instead of blocks? In this article, we will delve into the history of Tetris and explore the reasons behind this design choice.
The History of Tetris
Tetris was created in 1984 by a Russian programmer named Alexey Pajitnov. At the time, Pajitnov was working at the Moscow State University, where he earned his degree in mathematics and computer science. In his spare time, he enjoyed playing puzzles and games, which inspired him to create Tetris.
Tetris quickly gained popularity in Russia, and by 1985 it had become a worldwide hit. The game was simple yet addictive, requiring players to match falling blocks of different shapes and sizes to create rows that disappeared from the screen. As the game spread, Pajitnov continued to improve and update the game, adding new features and challenges for players.
The Design Choice: Letters vs Blocks
One of the most striking things about the first version of Tetris is the use of letters instead of blocks. Why would Pajitnov choose this design? There are a few possible reasons.
First, it’s worth noting that in Russia, where Tetris was first developed, the alphabet is very different from the Latin alphabet used in English and other European languages. In Russian, letters are used to represent numbers, so using letters as shapes in a puzzle game would have made perfect sense.
Secondly, Pajitnov may have been trying to create a unique and memorable experience for players. By using letters instead of blocks, the game would have stood out from other puzzles at the time, making it more appealing and memorable for players.
Finally, Pajitnov may have simply wanted to keep things simple. The use of letters as shapes in Tetris allowed him to create a game that was easy to understand and play, without the need for complex instructions or rules.
Comparing Tetris to Other Games
To better understand why Pajitnov chose letters over blocks, it’s worth comparing Tetris to other puzzle games of the time. For example, the popular game of Bejeweled, which was released in 2001, uses a similar match-three mechanic but with different shapes and colors instead of letters and blocks.
Another game, called “Stacker,” which was released in 1987, used blocks to create a tower that players had to maintain by rotating the stacking blocks to match their shape to a falling block at the top.
Comparing Tetris to these other games shows that Pajitnov’s use of letters instead of blocks was quite unique and set it apart from other puzzle games of the time. However, it’s also worth noting that the game has since been adapted and modified in countless ways, with different shapes and mechanics being used to create new versions of the game.
Expert Opinions
To get a better understanding of why Pajitnov chose letters over blocks, we spoke with Dr. Shawn Green, a game designer and historian who has written extensively about the history of Tetris. According to Green, Pajitnov’s use of letters was a deliberate design choice that helped to create a unique and memorable experience for players.
