Whatʼs the oldest video game? - Games Learning Society (2024)

What’s the Oldest Video Game?

The history of video games dates back to the 1940s, with the first computer game being developed in 1947. Since then, the industry has evolved significantly, with the introduction of new technologies, genres, and gameplay mechanics. But what is the oldest video game that still exists today?

The First Computer Game: "Cathode Ray Tube Amusement Device"

The first computer game was developed in 1947 by physicist William Higinbotham at the Brookhaven National Laboratory. The game, called "Cathode Ray Tube Amusement Device," was a simple tennis-like game played on an oscilloscope, which was used as a display device. The game was created to entertain visitors to the laboratory and to show off the capabilities of the oscilloscope.

The First Commercial Video Game: "Computer Space"

The first commercial video game was "Computer Space," developed in 1971 by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney, who later founded Atari. The game was a space-themed shooter that was released in 1971 and was the first coin-operated video game. However, it was not a commercial success, and the game is now considered a rare collector’s item.

The First Arcade Game: "Pong"

The first arcade game that gained popularity was "Pong," developed by Atari in 1972. The game was a simple tennis-like game played on a home console, but it was the first game to be released in arcades and was a huge success. "Pong" was released in 1972 and was the first game to be released in arcades, marking the beginning of the video game industry as we know it today.

The First Home Console: "Magnavox Odyssey"

The first home console was the "Magnavox Odyssey," released in 1972. The console was developed by Ralph H. Baer and his team at Sanders Associates, and it was the first home console to be released. The console came with a set of built-in games, including Ping-Pong, checkers, and a shooting game.

The First Handheld Game: "Tennis for Two"

The first handheld game was "Tennis for Two," developed in 1958 by physicist William Higinbotham. The game was a simple tennis-like game played on an oscilloscope, and it was the first handheld game to be developed. The game was created to entertain visitors to the laboratory and to show off the capabilities of the oscilloscope.

The First 3D Game: "3D Monster Maze"

The first 3D game was "3D Monster Maze," developed in 1981 by Malcolm Evans. The game was a 3D maze game that used a vector graphics display to create a 3D environment. The game was released in 1981 and was the first game to use 3D graphics.

The First Open-World Game: "Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar"

The first open-world game was "Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar," developed in 1985 by Richard Garriott. The game was a role-playing game that allowed players to explore a vast open world, complete quests, and interact with non-playable characters. The game was released in 1985 and is considered one of the most influential games of all time.

The First Online Game: "MUD"

The first online game was "MUD" (Multi-User Dungeon), developed in 1978 by Roy Trubshaw. The game was a text-based game that allowed players to interact with each other in real-time. The game was released in 1978 and was the first game to be played online.

The First Virtual Reality Game: "Virtus Walkthrough"

The first virtual reality game was "Virtus Walkthrough," developed in 1991 by VPL Research. The game was a virtual reality game that allowed players to explore a virtual world using a head-mounted display. The game was released in 1991 and was the first game to use virtual reality technology.

Conclusion

The history of video games is a long and fascinating one, with many significant milestones and innovations along the way. From the first computer game to the first virtual reality game, the industry has come a long way in a relatively short period of time. Whether you’re a retro gaming enthusiast or a fan of modern games, there’s no denying the impact that video games have had on popular culture and the entertainment industry as a whole.

Timeline of the Oldest Video Games

References

• "The History of Video Games" by David Sheff
• "The Ultimate History of Video Games" by Steven L. Kent
• "The Video Game Explosion: A History from PONG to PlayStation and Beyond" by Mark J.P. Wolf

Note: The information provided in this article is based on publicly available sources and may not be exhaustive.