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Creation of Computer Games
Physicist Willy Higinbotham invents the first video game. The first computer game was played on an oscilloscope. It was a very simple tennis like game that required the player to knock a ball back and forth. -
Invention of first video game
Spacewar was a video game invented by Steve Russell. It involved gravity and torpedoes. Two spaceships would battle with a limited amount fuel and torpedoes. The players would die if they touch the star or got hit by the torpedoes. -
Introducing Games to Televisions
Ralph Baer and his team are successful in creating two interactive TV games - a chase game and a tennis game. They were also able to manipulate a toy gun into detecting dots of light on the TV screen. -
Founding of Atari
Nolan Buschnell and Ted Dabney found Atari. They created their game "PONG" and named it after the sound of the paddle hitting the ball. -
Magnavox vs. Atari
Atari's pong was similar to the Odyssey's electric ping-pong. They sued for legal action and Atari had to pay 700,000 in reparations. -
Release of Pong
Pong is released by Sears Roebuck, 150,00 units were produced. Becomes the hottest new Christmas present. The first "computer" game, called "Gunfight", is released. -
Atari releases new Technology
Atari introduces its first cartridge-based home video system which becomes known as Atari 2600. Retail price is $250.00 -
Highscore!!
Midway introduces space invaders to the arcades. First game to track and display highscores. -
New Competition
Mattel's Intellivision debuts and is the first real competitor of the Atari.This new device has better graphics, but it is more expensive. Retails for $300.00 -
3-D
The first 3-D game invented, called Battlezone, was enhanced by the U.S. government for combat training. -
Universal Studios vs. Nintendo // Donkey Kong
Universal Studios filed a lawsuit against Nintendo because they thought that Donkey Kong and it's story was based on King Kong. The court ruled against Universal Studios and it's claims saying that their was nothing special about a man saving a princess from a monkey. -
Tetris
Tetris is developed by Russian programmer Alex Pajitnov. Played on PC. The game becomes popular and people around the world play it. -
Gameboy
Nintendo releases the hand held device called a gameboy. It retails for $109. Atari tries to enter the race with the Lynx for $149 -
Investigated
Violence in video games is investigated by US Senator Joe Lierberman. Causes video games to be rated by their content of violence. -
Playstation
Sony brings the Playstation to the US. It sells for $300. Nintendo also releases the Nintendo 64 -
Most Popular
Playstation is considered by many to be the best gaming console in the world as the 20 millionth unit is sold. Arizona attempts to restrict the distribution of violent video games by making it illegal to display or distribute violent material to minors. -
Playstation 2
Playstation 2 sales launch off as it sells out by the early morning. $300 for retail price. The Sims is relaeased becoming more popular than Myst -
X-Box and Game-Cube
Microsoft and Nintendo release the next generation gaming consoles within days of each other. X- Box offers a new experience with an Ethernet port. Game-Cube offers new interactive gaming for players and makes it easier for game creators to create new games. -
GTA4
Breaks charts as gamers buy more than 6 million copies. The Wii Fit is also launched helping gamers get physical activity. -
Elder Scrolls V
The new elder scrolls shows the massive video game world of Skyrim.It has endless quests and experiences to explore as gamers are enthralled by it
