The history of video games can be traced back to the 1940s when computers were first developed. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that video games became a popular form of entertainment. In this article, we will explore the early days of video gaming and find out when the first ever video game was created.
The Birth of Video Games
In the early days of computing, programmers would often create simple games as a way to test their skills and show off their creativity. One such game was called “OXO” or noughts and crosses, which was developed in 1952 by Alexander S. Douglas at the University of Cambridge in England.
OXO was a simple tic-tac-toe game that could be played on a Cambridge University computer called EDSAC (Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator). The game was designed to demonstrate the capabilities of the EDSAC, which was one of the first general-purpose computers in the world.
The First Commercial Video Game
Although OXO was an important milestone in the history of video games, it wasn’t until the 1960s that video games became a commercial product. In 1962, a company called Brown Box Manufacturing released the first commercially available video game, called “Computer Space.”
Computer Space was a simple space shooter game that could be played on a television screen. The game was designed by Steve Russell, who later went on to create the popular game Pong.
The success of Computer Space paved the way for the growth of the video game industry. In the years that followed, many other companies began to develop and release their own video games. Some of these games were successful, while others failed.
The Rise of Arcade Games
One of the most popular forms of video gaming in the 1970s was arcade games. These games were typically played on large screens in public places like shopping malls and bars. One of the most famous arcade games of all time was Space Invaders, which was released in 1978 by Taito.
Space Invaders was a fixed shooter game that featured a horde of aliens attacking the player’s spaceship. The game was a huge success and became an icon of the 1980s video game era.
The Rise of Home Video Games
In the early 1980s, home video games began to take off in popularity. This was largely due to the release of the Atari 2600, a popular home video game console that could be connected to a television screen.
The Atari 2600 was released in 1977 and quickly became one of the best-selling video game consoles of all time. It featured a wide range of games, including Space Invaders, which had already become a popular arcade game.
The popularity of home video games led to the growth of the video game industry and paved the way for the development of more advanced gaming technology. In the years that followed, many other companies began to develop and release their own home video game consoles and games.
Conclusion
The history of video games is a fascinating story of innovation and creativity. From the early days of OXO to the modern era of high-tech gaming, video games have come a long way. Today, video games are an important form of entertainment that is enjoyed by people all over the world. Whether you’re a fan of classic arcade games or the latest virtual reality experiences, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in the world of video games.
