The quest to identify the very first video game ever created is a fascinating journey through the annals of technology and entertainment. This exploration is not just about pinpointing a single origin but about recognizing a series of innovative milestones that collectively sparked the video gaming revolution. As we delve into the history of video games, we uncover a narrative of pioneering inventions that laid the groundwork for an industry that has since become a cornerstone of digital culture. This article, the first in a series dedicated to video gaming history, seeks to shed light on these early innovations and their lasting impact.
The history of video games is a tapestry woven from the threads of technology, creativity, and the human desire for interactive play. The definition of a "video game" can vary, leading to multiple contenders for the title of the first video game. These early games were not driven by profit but by curiosity and the pursuit of technological advancement. They were the harbingers of an industry that now captivates millions worldwide and generates substantial economic impact.
Regarded as the first electronic game device, the Cathode Ray Tube Amusement Device was the brainchild of Thomas T. Goldsmith Jr. and Estle Ray Mann. Patented in December 1948 (US Patent 2,455,992), this analog device used knobs to control a dot on a CRT display, simulating a missile aiming at a target. The concept was inspired by WWII radar displays, and while it lacked detailed graphics, it set the stage for future games like Atari's "Missile Command" (source).
NIMROD, a digital computer designed to play the strategy game NIM, was showcased at the 1951 Festival of Britain. Created by engineers from the British company Ferranti, NIMROD used a panel of lights for its display. Although it lacked a traditional video display, it was the first digital device built exclusively for playing a game (source).
In 1952, Alexander S. Douglas developed OXO, a digital version of Tic-Tac-Toe, for the EDSAC computer as part of his PhD research at the University of Cambridge. It featured a 35x16-pixel CRT display and was one of the earliest examples of a computer game (source).
William Higinbotham's "Tennis for Two," created in 1958 at the Brookhaven National Laboratory, was an electronic game designed purely for entertainment. Played on an oscilloscope, it featured realistic physics and was controlled by two custom-built controllers. This game is often cited as a precursor to Atari's "Pong" (source).
"Spacewar!" was a collaborative effort by a group of MIT students, led by Stephen Russell, in 1961. Designed for the DEC PDP-1 computer, it featured two spaceships battling in the gravity well of a star. "Spacewar!" is recognized as the first game intended for computer displays and is considered a direct ancestor of arcade games (source).
These early games were not just technological experiments; they were the vanguard of a new form of entertainment. While it's challenging to crown a singular "first video game," the collective contributions of these pioneers are undeniable. They laid the foundation for an industry that has evolved into a multi-billion dollar enterprise, with the global video game market projected to reach $159.3 billion by 2020, according to Newzoo's Global Games Market Report (source).
As we reflect on these milestones, it's essential to recognize that the journey of video gaming is ongoing, with each new innovation building upon the last. The true significance lies not in which game came first but in the enduring legacy of these early forays into the realm of digital play. As Stephen Russell, the creator of "Spacewar!," once remarked, the inevitability of progress meant that if he hadn't created the game, someone else would have soon after. The spirit of innovation is what truly drives the video game industry forward.
