Computer Games History Part 1

A Review of the early history of computer games

The ultimate beginning of computer games happened in 1947. It was in 1947, that the Cathode-Ray Tube Amusement Device was filed for patent. The device was used in missile defence systems using eight vacuum tubes to simulate a missile being fired. The missile speed and curve were controlled using a series of knobs. However, this was not designed for entertainment purposes only. 1952 saw A.S. Douglas create a graphic Tic-Tac-Toe game to illustrate his thesis on Human-Computer interaction. Tennis for Two was the next computer based game to be created in 1958. This was played using an oscilloscope. It allowed two players to compete against each other using hand controls.

For many, the game ‘Spacewar!’ is considered the very first video game. However, as it did not use a video display it cannot be counted as the first video game. It was created in 1962 and consists of two players controlling a spaceship each and trying to destroy each other before their opponent.

So it is believed that the very first video game is indeed ‘Chase’ as it was played on a television set. Created in 1967 by Ralph Baer, the game consisted of two squares chasing each other. Baer came up with the concept of playing a computer game on a Television set in 1966; he had the idea of having an alternative and interactive use for the television in millions of homes.

In the 1970’s video games began to become more popular as arcade versions of games were created for the general public to play worldwide. The first game to have major success was ‘Pong’ created by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney in 1972. ‘Pong’ was a simple table tennis game, but it a global phenomenon that led to successors including ‘Space Raiders’ and ‘Asteroids’ becoming available as arcade games. This popularity was increased as the first consoles were being created around this time. Ralph Baer and his associates created the very first console in 1972; it was called the ‘Magnavox Odyssey’. This allowed the people to play video games on a console for the first time ever. Throughout the 1970’s more games and consoles were created with added improvements to each one as they were released.

After researching the history of video games, it seems to me that the creation of video games was almost by accident. The birth of the video game came out of the need to display the way a missile defence system could work and as a result one of the most popular form of modern entertainment was born.

My Computer Game History

My history of playing computer games started with ‘Alex the Kid in Miracle World’ for the Sega Master system. I regard it still as one of the most legendary games ever as it just gave me so many hours of fun as a kid. And if anyone can suggest a more random way to beat a boss than rock, paper, scissors, I’ll be keen to hear how. From then on I have never been without a computer console. The games always presented a challenge and could always infuse emotions in me. I was always interested and amazed through each generation by the quality of the graphics. Even now I still admire the graphics and quality in computer games. The most memorable games in my history include Sonic the Hedgehog (mega drive), Crash Bandicoot (Playstation 1), Grand Theft Auto(PC), Jade Cocoon(Playstation 1), The Lord of the Rings- The Two Towers(Game Cube), Halo 1 & 2(Xbox), Ninja Gaiden(Xbox), Guitar Hero 2(Xbox 360) and Assassin’s Creed(Xbox 360). The most recent game I have played to date is Bioshock for the Xbox 360. I am enjoying the game so far as I find it incredible how games are able to infuse fear and suspense into the player.

Bibliography

http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blcomputer_videogames.htm

http://www.jesperjuul.net/thesis/2-historyofthecomputergame.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_computer_and_video_games

http://www.designboom.com/eng/education/pong.html

http://www.pong-story.com/