The first video game I ever played was PONG, but what was the world’s first video game?
(photo is Tennis for Two by Brookhaven National Laboratory(BNL))
1. Introduction: Tracing the Beginnings of Video Games
Video games have become an everyday part of modern life, with home consoles and mobile games enjoyed by millions. But have you ever wondered, “What was the first video game in the world?“
The history of video games goes back further than you might think, and there are multiple candidates for the title of the “first video game.” In this article, we’ll introduce these early games and explore how video games came into existence!
2. What Was the First Video Game? The Main Candidates
There isn’t a single definitive answer to this question, as several early inventions could be considered the first video game. Let’s take a look at some of the key contenders.
① Cathode Ray Tube Amusement Device (1947)
This was a game-like device that used radar technology. Players turned dials to aim and shoot at a target, but the visuals were not displayed on a screen. Instead, it used a film overlay, so it doesn’t fully meet the definition of a “video game.”
② Oxford University Computer Chess (1951)
Developed at Oxford University, this early chess program allowed a computer to calculate and respond to player moves. While it was an early example of computer-based gaming, it did not feature any visual display, so it falls short of being a true video game.
③ Tennis for Two (1958)
Created by American physicist William Higinbotham, this game was designed for a science exhibition. It used an oscilloscope to display a bouncing ball that players could hit back and forth. Since it featured interactive visuals on a screen, many experts consider it the first true video game.
④ Spacewar! (1962)
Developed at MIT, this two-player game allowed players to control spaceships and battle each other. It was one of the first games to closely resemble modern video games and had a significant impact on the future of the industry.
3. The Most Likely “First” Video Game: Tennis for Two
Among these candidates, Tennis for Two is widely regarded as the most likely candidate for the title of the world’s first video game. Let’s take a closer look at this groundbreaking game.
Developer
William Higinbotham was a physicist at Brookhaven National Laboratory in the U.S. He created Tennis for Two in 1958 as a fun way to showcase science at an exhibition.
How the Game Worked
Screen: The game was displayed on an oscilloscope, a device used to visualize electrical signals.
Controls: Players used a dial and a button to hit the ball back and forth.
Objective: Similar to tennis, the goal was to return the ball to the opponent’s side.
Impact on Gaming
Although Tennis for Two was never intended for commercial purposes, it paved the way for future video game development. Its interactive display and simple yet engaging mechanics influenced later games.
4. How Video Games Evolved from Here
About a decade after Tennis for Two, the first commercially successful video game, Pong (1972), was released. This arcade game, which also featured a table tennis concept, became a massive hit and marked the beginning of the video game industry.
From there, arcade games and home consoles emerged, leading to the release of iconic titles like Space Invaders (1978) and Super Mario Bros. (1985). Over time, video games have continued to evolve, incorporating online multiplayer, virtual reality, and more.
5. Conclusion: The Fun of Learning Video Game History
The first video game depends on how we define it, but Tennis for Two is the strongest candidate.
Over time, video games evolved from experimental projects to a massive global industry.
Understanding gaming history helps us appreciate how modern games were shaped by the past.
The games we enjoy today exist thanks to decades of innovation and experimentation. Learning about the origins of video games can deepen our appreciation for the industry and its evolution.
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