Your perception of video games is often a reflection of your age. For instance, those born in the 80s will have vivid memories of arcade games. As we move towards the 90s, computer or PlayStation 1 games begin to dominate the scene. Titles such as the first Doom, Unreal Tournament or Half-Life might spring to mind. On the other hand, the younger generation is more likely to associate with Minecraft, Fortnite or Roblox. But what if we delve even deeper into the past? Could we pinpoint the first video game ever?
We’re talking about the realism of Unreal Engine 5 right now. But video games weren’t always this advanced. The initial version of Super Mario caused a global uproar due to its perceived complexity. To trace the origins of the first video game, we must journey even further into the past. If you’re considering Pong, unfortunately that’s not the right answer.
Also read: How to Open Map in Elden Ring?
First Video Game Ever
From this point on, we will begin to move away from our day quite a bit. The first video game was developed 65 years ago. In 1958, the game called Tennis for Two was the first game developed to save scientists’ scientific work from boring. Its creator, as officially acknowledged in later years, is Doctor William Higinbotham. It was brought to life at Brookhaven National Labs on Long Island, a stark contrast to the game studio environments we’re familiar with today.
It’s normal that you haven’t heard of Tennis for Two before. Because – although this is misinformation – Pong is often described as the first game created. Interestingly, the two games look pretty similar to each other. But the development of Pong was in 1972, which means more than 14 years later.
So, did this game wield any influence over future developments? Absolutely. William Higinbotham initially didn’t feel the need to patent his creation. However, he did recognise the throngs of people who were keen to play (Or at least observe) the game in the lab. This led to a flurry of lawsuits in later years, when similar games like Pong emerged. Ultimately, all games developed using analogous systems ended up paying a small sum to Higinbotham.
The visuals in the above video might appear antiquated, but they actually pertain to a later version of the game. To commemorate the game’s 50th anniversary, a remake of Tennis for Two was created, replicating the original mechanics. Bearing in mind that this video was uploaded to YouTube 15 years ago, it’s evident that even the remake is quite vintage by now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pong the First Video Game?
Contrary to what most people think, Pong wasn’t the first video game ever made. It’s easy to see why some might think so, as it came out in 1972. But in fact, Tennis for Two holds the title for being the first game designed for electronic devices that could be played with a controller. This game wasn’t just a one-hit wonder either – it even got a bit of a makeover soon after its creation in 1958, with new versions featuring the gravity levels of Jupiter or the Moon.
How Old Is Half-Life 1?
Half-Life 1 burst onto the scene back in 1998. Available for PC, PlayStation 2, and Linux, this game didn’t just revolutionise the first-person shooter genre – it also made a significant mark on gaming history, securing its place as one of the most legendary games ever. Fast-forward to 2023, and Half-Life, now a quarter of a century old, carries a unique distinction: Its long-awaited third instalment seems like it will never see the light of day. Valve, we implore you to take action on this matter. Your move, Gaben!
What Was Atari’s First Game?
There’s a common mix-up about Pong. Many people say it’s the first video game ever – but that’s wrong. Pong is the first game on Atari, released in 1972. But the real first game ever was Tennis for Two, made by scientists in 1958. Along with Pong, Atari’s early games include Asteroids, Adventure, Missile Command, Centipede, and Battlezone.
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- My journey into the world of video games began at four, when I was first introduced to arcade machines in 1996. Over the past decades, I've been fortunate enough to witness the incredible evolution of gaming, as it has grown from a niche hobby to a thriving art. Today, I'm dedicated to creating content that celebrates all genres of games. We will talk about them at Player.me.