1971, the world’s first arcade video game was born: Computer Space.This game, developed by Nolan Bushnell, who would later go on to establish Atari, played a crucial role in the history of arcade gaming.
However, Computer Space was not a commercial success and was soon overshadowed by Pong (1972).So why is this game important? What was it like? Can you still play it today? Let’s dive into its history.
(Photo by Wikipedia)
1. The Birth of Computer Space
Nolan Bushnell and the Dawn of Arcade Gaming
In the early 1970s, video games were mostly limited to research institutions and mainframe computers.At that time, Nolan Bushnell saw the potential for video games to become a business and set out to develop an arcade game.
He took inspiration from MIT’s 1962 computer game Spacewar!, a two-player space combat game designed for large computers.Bushnell adapted the concept for arcade machines and released Computer Space in 1971 through Nutting Associates.
2. Gameplay and Features
Computer Space is a space shooter where the player controls a spaceship to battle against flying saucers.
Game Features
Controls
Four buttons for movement (rotate, thrust, fire).
The spaceship moves with inertia, similar to Asteroids.
Objective
Shoot down the enemy saucers and achieve a target score.
If you fail to reach the required score within the time limit, the game ends.
Cabinet Design
A futuristic, curved design available in multiple colors.
One of the first arcade games to feature color graphics using a color overlay technique.
Although revolutionary for its time, the complex controls made it difficult for casual players, limiting its success.
3. Commercial Performance and Reception
Despite being the first-ever arcade video game, Computer Space failed to become a major hit.
Why Did It Fail?
The controls were too difficult for general audiences.
The arcade gaming industry was still in its infancy.
It was soon overshadowed by Pong (1972), which was much simpler and easier to play.
The success of Pong was a turning point. With its intuitive paddle controls and simple gameplay, it quickly gained popularity, leaving Computer Space behind.Ultimately, Computer Space became known as “a game ahead of its time” rather than a commercial triumph.
4. The Legacy of Computer Space
Despite its failure, Computer Space paved the way for the arcade gaming industry.
Bushnell founded Atari in 1972 and released Pong, marking the true beginning of arcade gaming.
Computer Space influenced later space shooter games, such as:
・Asteroids (1979)
・Gradius (1985)
・Star Luster (1985)
・R-TYPE (1987)
Without Computer Space, the history of arcade gaming might have taken a different course.
5. Can You Still Play Computer Space Today?
Many retro game enthusiasts wonder, “Can I still play Computer Space?“Here are some possible ways:
① Find an Original Machine
Original Computer Space cabinets are extremely rare. However, some are displayed at gaming museums such as:
・The Strong Museum of Play (USA)
・Computer History Museum (USA)
② Play on an Emulator
Currently, accurate emulation of Computer Space is difficult, but:
The “DICE” emulator may support it in the future.
You can play Spacewar! (the original inspiration) as an alternative.
③ Wait for a Re-release
So far, no official ports or re-releases exist, but with the rising interest in retro games, it might be revived in the future.
6. Conclusion: The Significance of Computer Space
Though not a commercial success, Computer Space was a groundbreaking innovation and the first step toward the modern gaming industry.
Without it, Pong might never have existed, and arcade gaming could have developed differently.If you’re interested in gaming history, Computer Space is a fascinating piece of the past worth exploring.
Did You Know About Computer Space?
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