As a game developer, it’s fascinating to learn about the history of video games and how they have evolved over time. One question that comes up regularly is “What was the first video game ever made?” The answer to this question is not as straightforward as you might think. In fact, there are several contenders for the title of the first video game, each with their own unique story.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular candidates for the title of the first video game and delve into their history and significance. We’ll also examine how these early games have influenced the modern gaming industry and what lessons we can learn from them as game developers.
OXO: The First Board Game Ever Created?
One of the earliest known examples of a video game is OXO, a simple tic-tac-toe game created by Alexander S. Douglas in 1952. Although it was not a digital game and did not require any electronic devices, it is considered to be the first game to use an electronic display for its game board.
Douglas designed OXO as part of his Ph.D. thesis at the University of Cambridge, where he was studying computer science. The game was implemented on a small electronic valve tube that displayed a 3×3 grid with two red and blue circles. Players would take turns placing their markers on the grid, with the goal of getting three in a row.
While OXO is not traditionally considered to be a video game, it is an important milestone in the history of computer science and gaming. It demonstrated that games could be programmed using simple logic and that electronic displays could be used to create interactive experiences.
Tennis for Two: The First Video Game with Artificial Intelligence
Another early contender for the title of the first video game is Tennis for Two, created by William Higinbotham in 1958. Although it was not the first game to be played on a computer, it was the first game to use artificial intelligence (AI) to control the behavior of the opponent.
Higinbotham developed Tennis for Two as part of an exhibition he created at Brookhaven National Laboratory, where he worked as a physicist. The game was designed to demonstrate the potential applications of computer technology in various fields, including entertainment.
Players would control a paddle on the left side of the screen, while the AI-controlled opponent would control a paddle on the right. The objective of the game was to score points by hitting the ball across the net and into the opponent’s court.
Tennis for Two is notable for its use of AI to create a dynamic and challenging opponent. It demonstrated that games could be made more engaging and interactive by incorporating intelligent behavior into the gameplay.
Spacewar!: The First Multiplayer Game
One of the most influential early video games is Spacewar!, created by Steve Russell in 1962. Although it was not the first game to be played on a computer, it was the first multiplayer game and the first game to be widely distributed outside of academic circles.
Spacewar! was designed as a two-player game where each player controls a spaceship that must navigate through space and fire at the other ship. The game was originally written in FORTRAN and was later ported to various computer systems, including the MITS Altair 8800.
What makes Spacewar! particularly significant is its widespread distribution and impact on the gaming industry. It was one of the first games to be widely distributed through online networks, making it easy for people around the world to play against each other. This led to the creation of a global community of gamers and paved the way for future multiplayer games.
Pong: The First Arcade Game
Another early contender for the title of the first video game is Pong, created by Atari in 1972. Although it was not the first video game to be commercially successful, it was the first arcade game and the first game to use solid-state electronics.