How did Gaming Begin?

The Beginning of it All

This page will cover events that occured from 1950-1980.

In 1957, Alex Bernstein created the first computer chess program. The program was very advanced, and you could even plan 4 moves ahead!

And then in 1962, Steve Russell invents Spacewar!, the first ever computer-based video game, and it spreads to computers across the country.

Another event that occured was in 1966, when the first ideas of playing a video game on a television came to light. These ideas were jotted down.

1971, a game you yourself have probably heard of came out-- The Oregon Trail.

In 1972, Atari released Pong as a coin operated machine, the game gained great popularity in many public spaces.

Pong is rereleased in 1975, it can now be played at home, interest for video gaming outside of arcades grows. William Crowther also created the game Adventure that year.

Atari launched the Atari 2600 in 1977, this cartridge-based console came with joystick controllers. It became the first widely accepted home console.

And then finally, in 1980, The classic Pac-Man, created by Namco becomes a global icon.

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