The Very First Computer Games: Did You Know?

The Very First Computer Games: Did You Know?

The video game industry has observed remarkable growth each year. In 2019, the industry generated a whopping $151.9 billion as its total revenue. But do you ever wonder how the very first computer games began to evolve? What were the first computer games, and who created them? These questions date back to several years ago, but unravelling this information is as enjoyable as it gets.

This article will outline the evolution of computer games, who created them, and what these games were all about. Stick with us until the end because you would want to unleash this if you love free pokies online.

The Very First Computer Game

During the early 1940s, Thomas T. Goldsmith Jr. and Estle R. Mann created a device. The device was nothing like modern-day video games. It didn't even resemble it. But it was a technology with screen overlays that allowed users to play basic games. This was known as Cathode-Ray Tube Amusement Device. Soon in 1958, William Higinbotham invented a game called Tennis For Two.

But the challenge was the game's limitation that barred the masses from playing the game at their convenience. So, after various trials and errors, Ralph H. Baer finally ended up with a relevant video game that people could play on Console. It came to be known as Magnavox Odyssey. It featured a list of essential games that focused on chasing and shooting with a rifle. Amidst all other video games, this one proved to be a massive success in the gaming industry. 

The Advent Of The Brown Box

One of the first games that were designed for people to play at home was The Brown Box. It was a prototype that Ralph Baer released in 1976. The 'Brown Box' could be synced with any television where two users controlled the tubes and chased each other in the game. This game could help people to play ping pong, checkers and many other exciting games from home. The game also contained a lightgun that helped with target shooting.

A special attachment was also used for golf games. So, the Brown Box went on to become a super hit among people all across the globe. This was when the world started realising the craze for video games and how they could be accelerated in time. Later in 1972, it went on to be licensed to Magnavox. 

 But the Magnavox did not last long as it got discontinued in the years to come. During this time, 300,000 consoles were sold. People thought that it didn't continue for long because the game was new to all Americans. So, people could not help but think twice before relying on it for too long. The marketing campaigns were also blamed for its poor growth in the market. But even today, people continue to believe that the brown box was the advent of the digital gaming industry. There is no doubt about that. 

The Evolution Of Atari and Arcade Gaming

Between 1966 to 1967, electro-mechanical games Periscope and Crown Special Soccer began to evolve. These were the products of the first companies that released these games. Sega and Taito were responsible for it. By 1972, Atari stood out to be the first gaming company that helped create a benchmark for the large-scale gaming sector.

During Atari's time, it did not just develop games but also focused on inventing arcade gaming. The sales went on to be a whopping $1095. Eventually, Pong was launched as the first-ever electronic video game, and arcade machines began to be installed in all shopping centres and public places. Once people started realising how much the masses enjoyed playing these games, nearly 15 companies created video games after that and began to expand their market in this industry. By now, people were familiar with the current concept of video gaming.

This was also when every company wanted to create the best video game and make their brand stand out. As a result, competition in this industry started improving. Soon, several gaming companies were waiting in queue to launch their video games and hit the market with something different.

The Onset Of MultiPlayer Gaming

Do you think the play free slots no download games erupted automatically? No! It was the product of several years of consistent hard work and automation. By the year 1970, chain restaurants in the USA had started to house video games. This was done to capitalise on this recent craze and enable the public to experience something different. By this point, people could record their gaming scores and be a part of the fast-pacing competition in the industry.

In the year 1973, the game Empire created the best player competition on different screens. This sparked an undying interest in the public's heart to try something as new and as fascinating as that. Empire was an intelligent game that allowed almost eight players to play the game simultaneously. From 1978 to 1985, intriguing statistics of people were involved in playing this game. It was reported that users nearly spent 300,000 hours on it.

By this time, the younger generation was thoroughly involved in the gaming industry and competed with each other in arcades. As a result, the gaming industry turned out to become a gradual success for many companies. 

Home Gaming - A Vision Transformed Into Reality

By the early 1970s, personal computers started developing worldwide, allowing people to access their private technological screens to play video games online. Intel's invention was a cherry on the cake at this point as it allowed the users to access the world of the Internet and take a closer peek into the creation of games.

By 1977, Atari launched Atari VCS that sold nearly 25,000 machines. But in 1978 it went on to sell almost 550,000 of them. However, the sales were not as good as they expected them to be. But as soon as the integration of microprocessors evolved, the new era of gaming began. At this point, Atari 2600 sales went up to a whopping 2 million units in 1980. 

Importance Of Video Games Today 

Video games continue to be a massive part of the gaming industry. Here are some benefits they offer:

1. Fun and social environment to interact;

2. Collaboration and teamwork;

3. Improves concentration and engagement;

4. Improves knowledge in technology;

5. Stimulates self-confidence and relaxes the mind;

6. Improves hand-eye coordination;

7. Develops unique problem-solving skill sets;

8. Comforts children and allows them to learn new things;

9. Encourages participation in games and sports.

Final Word

The video game industry is sure to grow exponentially in the years to come. Though some people consider video games as simplistic or the domain of couch potatoes, in reality, we can significantly benefit from them as they give us new experiences, entertainment and skills