Video Game Morgue File - User contributions [en-gb]

Computer Space

2025-10-16T20:19:42Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: /* Books */ Updated book section to feature the book template. Still needs cover art and paragraph spacing.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Computer Space
|image = ComputerSpaceFlyerFront.jpg
|developer = [[Syzygy Engineering]]
|publisher = [[Nutting Associates]]
|date = November 1971
|mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/game/arcade/computer-space}}

''Computer Space'' is a video game released by [[Nutting Associates]] in November 1971. It was created by the partnership [[Syzygy Engineering]] as single-player adaptation of the mainframe computer game ''[[Spacewar!]]''. The game is widely acknowledged as the first commercial video game ever available on the market.

== Previews ==

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=ComputerSpace1971MOA.jpeg
|title=Cash Box
|date=October 30, 1971
|country=US
|description=Photograph of the Nutting Associates booth at the 1971 MOA, showcasing ''Computer Space''.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1971-10-30 Cash Box pg 56 02 04.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=October 30, 1971
|country=US
|description=Blurb about ''Computer Space'' at the MOA.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1971-11-06 Cash Box pg 56 01 03.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=November 6, 1971
|country=US
|description=A report from the MOA show, speaking with [[Nolan Bushnell]] about the game's features.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Announcement ==

=== United States ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1971-12-04 Cash Box pg 45 02.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=December 4, 1971
|country=US
|description=Announcement of the availability of ''Computer Space''.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

=== Italy ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=ComputerSpaceItalyRelease01.jpg
|title=Automat
|date=1971
|country=US
|description=''Computer Space'' announcement in Italian coin-op magazine Automat.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Advertisement ==

=== Ads ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1971-11-27 Cash Box pg 54 04.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=November 27, 1971
|country=US
|description=First in-page advertisement for ''Computer Space'', announcing availability.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1972-07-01 Cash Box pg Part III 50 02.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=July 1, 1972
|country=US
|description=Revised in-page ad for ''Computer Space''.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1972-08-19 Cash Box pg 41 04.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=August 19, 1972
|country=US
|description=Illustrated in-page advertisement for ''Computer Space'' representing the gameplay.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

=== Flyers ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Computer Space (1971) Flyer 01.pdf
|title=Flyer
|date=c. 1971
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Computer Space (1971) Flyer 02.pdf
|title=Flyer
|date=c. 1971
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Photos ==

=== Production ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=ComputerSpaceProductionLine.jpg
|title=Cash Box
|date=February 12, 1972
|country=US
|description=Production of ''Computer Space'' at the Nutting Associates plant in Mountain View, California.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

=== On Location ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1973-06-17 Plain Dealer pg 6-E 02.jpg
|title=Plain Dealer
|date=June 17, 1973
|country=US
|description=Comedian Tony Bodanza poses with ''Computer Space''.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=ST-20003783-0018.jpg
|title=Families, couples, and friends enjoy indoor roller skating
|date=April 30, 1975
|country=US
|description=A boy in rollerskates plays ''Computer Space'' in a mall arcade.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Articles ==

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1972-01-29 Cash Box pg 62 01 04.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=January 29, 1972
|country=US
|description=Report on distributor acceptance of ''Computer Space'' on the West Coast. Bill Nutting advocates how the game opens non-traditional venues to coin-operated games.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1972-02-12 Cash Box pg 42 02.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=February 12, 1972
|country=US
|description=A report on Nutting Associates focused on ''Computer Space''. [[David Ralston]] provides commentary on the difference of the game from others currently on the market.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1972-05 Vending Times (Computer Space Article).png
|title=Vending Times
|date=May 1972
|country=US
|description=Descriptive article highlighting the features of ''Computer Space'' with quotes by David Ralston.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1972-11-04 Cash Box pg 55 08.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=November 4, 1972
|country=US
|description=Bill Nutting gives an award to coin-op distributor Bob Portale of Portale Automatic Sales for exemplary sales of ''Computer Space'' for the company.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Game credits ==

{{Credits begin}}
{{Credits line|Game Designer, Hardware Designer = Nolan Bushnell}}
{{Credits line|Hardware Designer, Sound Engineer = Ted Dabney}}
{{Credits line|Technician = Steve Bristow}}
{{Credits end}}

== Histories ==

* [https://www.technologizer.com/2011/12/11/computer-space-and-the-dawn-of-the-arcade-video-game/ ''Computer Space and the Dawn of the Arcade Video Game''] by Benj Edwards.
* [https://gamehistory.org/first-arcade-game-advertisement-computer-space/ ''Pixels in Print (Part 1): Advertising Computer Space''] by Kate Willaert covering the advertising context of the original game.
* [https://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com/2021/04/07/nolan-versus-ted-part-i/ ''Nolan Versus Ted: Part 1''] by Alex Smith. A historiological discussion of the work done on Computer Space by the two partners.
* [https://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com/2021/05/12/worldly-wednesdays-a-timeline-of-computer-space/ ''Worldly Wednesdays: A Timeline of Computer Space''] by Alex Smith. An attempt to use existing documentation to sort out when parts of the game were conceived and built.

== Interviews ==

* https://amhistory.si.edu/archives/AC1498_Transcript_NolanBushnell.pdf — Nolan Bushnell oral history conducted by Christopher Weaver, working with the Smithsonian Institution's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation (November 17th, 2017).
* https://amhistory.si.edu/archives/AC1498_Transcript_TedDabney.pdf — Ted Dabney oral history conducted by Christopher Weaver, working with the Smithsonian Institution's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation (March 15th, 2018).

== Books ==

{{Book
|title=Video Invaders
|author=Steve Bloom
|description=A history of video games from its '50s roots to its immense popularity in the late '70s and early '80s, written by journalist Steve Bloom (with illustrations by Howard Cruse and Dan Steffan) and published by Arco Publishing in 1982.
|isbn=978-0668055208
|cover_filename=
}}
{{Book
|title=Zap!: The Rise and Fall of Atari
|author=Scott Cohen
|description=What happened to Atari? How did Atari start? Who founded Atari? Was the Atari 2600 the first home console? Who decided the Atari home version of Pac-Man was good enough to release?

These questions and many more are answered in ''ZAP! The Rise and Fall of Atari''. Scott Cohen's exhaustive research has culminated into a thorough and enjoyable history of Atari, but the very foundations of the video game industry. His interviews with such notables as Nolan Bushnell and Ralph Baer provide an insider's look at the workings of a videogame company.

Roll through the pages to discover the origins of PONG, the effects of the Intellivision and Colecovision on Atari's dominance, and the results of the strenuous relationship between Warner and Atari.

Discover the answers to your questions about the company that provided video game entertainment to America in the 1970's and 1980's.
|isbn=978-0070115439
|cover_filename=
}}
{{Book
|title=Atari Inc.: Business is Fun
|author=Marty Goldberg, Curt Vendel
|description=An amazing 800 pages (including nearly 300 pages of rare, never before seen photos, memos and court documents), this book details Atari's genesis from an idea between an engineer and a visionary in 1969 to a nearly $2 billion dollar juggernaut, and ending with a $538 million death spiral during 1984. A testament to the people that worked at this beloved company, the book is full of their personal stories and insights.
|isbn=978-0985597405
|cover_filename=Atari Inc Business is Fun (Cover).jpg
}}

== Other Information ==

* http://www.computerspacefan.com/SN9003large.htm — Information on the white variation of Computer Space, claimed to be one of the original four production units.

[[Category:Game]]

Computer Space

2025-10-16T20:10:31Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: /* Advertisement */ Revised in-page ad descriptions.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Computer Space
|image = ComputerSpaceFlyerFront.jpg
|developer = [[Syzygy Engineering]]
|publisher = [[Nutting Associates]]
|date = November 1971
|mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/game/arcade/computer-space}}

''Computer Space'' is a video game released by [[Nutting Associates]] in November 1971. It was created by the partnership [[Syzygy Engineering]] as single-player adaptation of the mainframe computer game ''[[Spacewar!]]''. The game is widely acknowledged as the first commercial video game ever available on the market.

== Previews ==

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=ComputerSpace1971MOA.jpeg
|title=Cash Box
|date=October 30, 1971
|country=US
|description=Photograph of the Nutting Associates booth at the 1971 MOA, showcasing ''Computer Space''.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1971-10-30 Cash Box pg 56 02 04.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=October 30, 1971
|country=US
|description=Blurb about ''Computer Space'' at the MOA.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1971-11-06 Cash Box pg 56 01 03.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=November 6, 1971
|country=US
|description=A report from the MOA show, speaking with [[Nolan Bushnell]] about the game's features.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Announcement ==

=== United States ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1971-12-04 Cash Box pg 45 02.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=December 4, 1971
|country=US
|description=Announcement of the availability of ''Computer Space''.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

=== Italy ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=ComputerSpaceItalyRelease01.jpg
|title=Automat
|date=1971
|country=US
|description=''Computer Space'' announcement in Italian coin-op magazine Automat.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Advertisement ==

=== Ads ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1971-11-27 Cash Box pg 54 04.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=November 27, 1971
|country=US
|description=First in-page advertisement for ''Computer Space'', announcing availability.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1972-07-01 Cash Box pg Part III 50 02.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=July 1, 1972
|country=US
|description=Revised in-page ad for ''Computer Space''.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1972-08-19 Cash Box pg 41 04.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=August 19, 1972
|country=US
|description=Illustrated in-page advertisement for ''Computer Space'' representing the gameplay.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

=== Flyers ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Computer Space (1971) Flyer 01.pdf
|title=Flyer
|date=c. 1971
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Computer Space (1971) Flyer 02.pdf
|title=Flyer
|date=c. 1971
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Photos ==

=== Production ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=ComputerSpaceProductionLine.jpg
|title=Cash Box
|date=February 12, 1972
|country=US
|description=Production of ''Computer Space'' at the Nutting Associates plant in Mountain View, California.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

=== On Location ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1973-06-17 Plain Dealer pg 6-E 02.jpg
|title=Plain Dealer
|date=June 17, 1973
|country=US
|description=Comedian Tony Bodanza poses with ''Computer Space''.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=ST-20003783-0018.jpg
|title=Families, couples, and friends enjoy indoor roller skating
|date=April 30, 1975
|country=US
|description=A boy in rollerskates plays ''Computer Space'' in a mall arcade.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Articles ==

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1972-01-29 Cash Box pg 62 01 04.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=January 29, 1972
|country=US
|description=Report on distributor acceptance of ''Computer Space'' on the West Coast. Bill Nutting advocates how the game opens non-traditional venues to coin-operated games.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1972-02-12 Cash Box pg 42 02.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=February 12, 1972
|country=US
|description=A report on Nutting Associates focused on ''Computer Space''. [[David Ralston]] provides commentary on the difference of the game from others currently on the market.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1972-05 Vending Times (Computer Space Article).png
|title=Vending Times
|date=May 1972
|country=US
|description=Descriptive article highlighting the features of ''Computer Space'' with quotes by David Ralston.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1972-11-04 Cash Box pg 55 08.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=November 4, 1972
|country=US
|description=Bill Nutting gives an award to coin-op distributor Bob Portale of Portale Automatic Sales for exemplary sales of ''Computer Space'' for the company.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Game credits ==

{{Credits begin}}
{{Credits line|Game Designer, Hardware Designer = Nolan Bushnell}}
{{Credits line|Hardware Designer, Sound Engineer = Ted Dabney}}
{{Credits line|Technician = Steve Bristow}}
{{Credits end}}

== Histories ==

* [https://www.technologizer.com/2011/12/11/computer-space-and-the-dawn-of-the-arcade-video-game/ ''Computer Space and the Dawn of the Arcade Video Game''] by Benj Edwards.
* [https://gamehistory.org/first-arcade-game-advertisement-computer-space/ ''Pixels in Print (Part 1): Advertising Computer Space''] by Kate Willaert covering the advertising context of the original game.
* [https://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com/2021/04/07/nolan-versus-ted-part-i/ ''Nolan Versus Ted: Part 1''] by Alex Smith. A historiological discussion of the work done on Computer Space by the two partners.
* [https://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com/2021/05/12/worldly-wednesdays-a-timeline-of-computer-space/ ''Worldly Wednesdays: A Timeline of Computer Space''] by Alex Smith. An attempt to use existing documentation to sort out when parts of the game were conceived and built.

== Interviews ==

* https://amhistory.si.edu/archives/AC1498_Transcript_NolanBushnell.pdf — Nolan Bushnell oral history conducted by Christopher Weaver, working with the Smithsonian Institution's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation (November 17th, 2017).
* https://amhistory.si.edu/archives/AC1498_Transcript_TedDabney.pdf — Ted Dabney oral history conducted by Christopher Weaver, working with the Smithsonian Institution's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation (March 15th, 2018).

== Books ==

* ''Video Invaders'' by Steve Bloom
* ''Atari Inc: Business is Fun'' by Curt Vendel and Marty Goldberg.

== Other Information ==

* http://www.computerspacefan.com/SN9003large.htm — Information on the white variation of Computer Space, claimed to be one of the original four production units.

[[Category:Game]]

File:1971-11-06 Cash Box pg 56 01 03.png

2025-10-16T20:07:45Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Created full description for element.

== Summary ==
{{Information
|Publication=Cash Box
|Date=1971-10-30
|DownloadedFrom=https://archive.org/details/cashbox33unse_17/page/n55/
|Description=A blurb from the California section of Cash Box magazine about ''[[Computer Space]]'' at the 1971 Music Operators of American Show in Chicago, IL. [[Nolan Bushnell]] provides information on the gameplay and technology of the machine.

'''Transcription:'''

"Of course, new product was of major importance at the MOA. '''Nolan Bushnell,''' chief engineer of Nutting Associates of Mountain View, California, was on hand at the NA booth to answer lots of questions on the 'Computer Space' that was designed by Nolan. The cabinet is a free-flow design in fiber glass departing from the usual straight line of the novelty upright games. Nolan says 'Computer Space' contains some of the latest in digital engineering techniques, and further, the space flight simulation is heightened as both the saucer and starship, displayed on the screen, are equipped with missiles, and Nolan says, the player attempts to hit the saucer before his own ship is hit. A computer guides a flying saucer which tracks and attacks the player's ship. All is accomplished, computer wise, employing electronic calculations and is displayed on a cathode-ray tube, computer calculations register some 25 million calculations per second, according to the laws of physics, says Bushnell, who feels the game could open a whole new generation in amusement games."
}}

File:1971-10-30 Cash Box pg 56 02 04.png

2025-10-16T19:54:56Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Created full description for element.

User:HistoryofHowWePlay

2025-10-16T19:47:26Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Created page.

Ethan Johnson, game historian.

Editor of [https://www.gamingalexandria.com/wp/ '''Gaming Alexandria'''].
Proprietor of [https://thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/ '''The History of How We Play blog'''].
Creator of Play History ([https://www.youtube.com/@play_history YouTube], [https://bsky.app/profile/playhistory.bsky.social Blue Sky])

Researched and written scripts for Gaming Historian, Wrestling with Gaming, Historic Nerd, Jenovi, Video Game History Foundation.

JRW Electronics

2025-02-25T21:25:40Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Created page.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = JRW Electronics
|image =
|founders =
|incorporation =
|defunct =
|mobygames = }}

JRW Electronics was a developer and manufacture of coin-operated video games based in California.

== Video Gameography ==

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Game !! Developer !! Release Date !! Notes
|-
| [[4 Square (1975)]] || JRW Electronics || March 1975
|-
| Survival || JRW Electronics || March 1975
|}

== Advertisements ==

== Histories ==

=== Interviews ===

[[Category:Company]]

4 Square (1975)

2025-02-25T21:20:06Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Fixed galleries and combined the information from Survival - which will be deleted.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = 4 Square
|image = 1975 4 Square Flyer 01 - Front.jpg
|developer = JRW Electronics
|publisher = JRW Electronics / U.S. Billiards
|date = 1975}}

''4 Square'' is a ''[[Pong]]''-type game released by [[JRW Electronics]] in 1975. It was released in a seated cocktail cabinet format and enabled four players to compete.

The game simultaneously released by U.S. Billiards as ''Survival'' in agreement between JRW and the publisher.

== Announcement ==

=== 4 Square ===
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-03 Play Meter pg 56 03.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=March 1975
|country=US
|description=
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

=== Survival ===
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-03 Play Meter pg 57 01.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=March 1975
|country=US
|description=
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Photos ==
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-05 Play Meter pg 24.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=May 1975
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Advertisements ==

=== Ads ===

==== Survival ====

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-03 Play Meter pg 21.png
|title=Print ad
|date=1975
|country=US
|description=Taken from the March 1975 issue of ''Play Meter''
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

=== Flyers ===

==== 4 Square ====

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975 4 Square Flyer 01 - Front.jpg
|title=Flyer
|date=1975
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

==== Survival ====

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975 Survival Flyer 01 - Front.jpg
|title=Flyer (front)
|date=1975
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975 Survival Flyer 02 - Front.jpg
|title=Flyer (front)
|date=1975
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

[[Category:Game]]

Steeplechase

2025-02-25T18:45:07Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Updated galleries and rearranged sections.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Steeplechase
|image = 1975 Steeplechase Flyer 01 - Front.jpg
|developer = Atari Inc
|publisher = Atari Inc
|date = 1975
|mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/game/steeplechase}}

''Steeplechase'' is a 1975 game by Atari Inc which simulates a jockeyed horse race. It is notable for its cabinet which features the ability for six players to compete at once, with an additional computer opponent, as well as featuring the first known jump mechanic in a graphical video game.

== Gameplay ==

The player is given a single button to control their horse and jockey, each of which exists on their own vertical row colored by a mylar overlay. The horses run automatically and the button enables the player's horse to leap over obstacles that come towards them at regular intervals. If the horse runs into the obstacle, it will temporarily trip and slow down the player. Players win by reaching the end of the race track before their opponents, including a pace setting non-player character located at the bottom of the screen.

== Announcement ==

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-12 Play Meter pg 49 03.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=December 1975
|country=US
|description=Announcement of ''Steeplechase'' in a coin-op trade publication.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Advertisement ==

=== Flyers ===

==== United States ====
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975 Steeplechase Flyer 01 - Front.jpg
|title=Flyer
|date=c. 1975
|country=US
|description=
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

==== Italy ====
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975 Steeplechase Flyer 02.jpg
|title=Flyer
|date=c. 1975
|country=IT
|description=
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

==== Germany ====

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975 Steeplechase Flyer 03 - Front.jpg
|title=Flyer
|date=c. 1975
|country=DE
|description=
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

=== Ads ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-10 Play Meter pg 13.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=October 1975
|country=US
|description=
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-11 Play Meter pg 13.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=November 1975
|country=US
|description=
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

[[Category:Game]]

Gran Trak 10

2025-02-24T18:29:09Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Updated galleries and reorganized sections. Removed history for later elaboration.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Gran Trak 10
|image = GranTak10Flyer01-01.jpg
|developer = Cyan Engineering / Atari Inc
|publisher = Atari Inc
|date = March 1974
|mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/game/arcade/gran-trak-10}}

''Gran Trak 10'' was a racing game released in 1974 by Atari Inc, developed by the firm [[Cyan Engineering]]. It simulates a car driving top-down around a race course on a single screen. The game is notable as the first coin-operated video driving game as well as its early use of [[read-only memory]] (ROM) chips to store graphical data.

Atari initially released the game in March 1974, but due to production issues they pulled the early version of the game to re-release it in May. A scaled-down version called ''Trak 10'' was released later in the year. The game also inspired a sequel, ''[Gran Trak 20]''.

The [[Kee Games]] version of the game was called ''Formula K''.

== History ==

=== Development ===

== Pre-Release ==

=== Photos ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=GranTrak10Proto.jpg
|title=
|date=c. 1973
|country=US
|description=The prototype model of ''Gran Trak 10'' being tested at Cyan Engineering. The course in the photo was only shipped with early models of the game.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Announcements ==

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1974-04 Vending Times pg 61 02.png
|title=Vending Times
|date=April 1974
|country=US
|description=Announcement of ''Gran Trak 10''.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1974-09 Vending Times pg 74 01.png
|title=Vending Times
|date=April 1974
|country=US
|description=Announcement of the ''Trak 10'' model and its sequel, ''Gran Trak 20''.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Advertisement ==

=== Flyers ===
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
GranTak10Flyer01-01.jpg|Front page of the first Gran Trak 10 flyer. (1974)
GranTak10Flyer01-02.jpg|Back page of the first Gran Trak 10 flyer. (1974)
</gallery>

=== Ads ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1974-03 Vending Times pg 73.png
|title=Vending Times
|date=March 1974
|country=US
|description=
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Articles ==

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-03 Play Meter pg 20.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=March 1975
|country=US
|description=A report discussing the static electricity coin reset issue present on the Gran Trak series of games.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-03 Play Meter pg 59 03.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=March 1975
|country=US
|description=Proposed fixes for the static reset problem for ''Gran Trak 10'' and other games.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Photos ==

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1974-10 Vending Times pg 108 01 04.png
|title=Vending Times
|date=October 1974
|country=US
|description=Promotional photo of a ''Trak 10'' cabinet.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

=== Production ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=GranTrak10Production01.jpg
|title=
|date=c. 1974
|country=US
|description=Nolan Bushnell stands on the production line for ''Gran Trak 10'' at Atari.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

=== Trade Shows ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1974-07 Vending Times pg 54 01.png
|title=Vending Times
|date=July 1974
|country=US
|description=
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Game credits ==

{{Credits begin}}
{{Credits line|Game Designer, Hardware Designer = Steve Mayer, Larry Emmons}}
{{Credits line|ROM Programmer = Bob Walker}}
{{Credits line|Technician = Ron Milner}}
{{Credits end}}

== Histories ==

* [https://edfries.wordpress.com/2017/06/14/fixing-gran-trak-10/ ''Fixing Gran Trak 10''] by Ed Fries.

== Books ==
{{Book
|title=They Create Worlds: The Story of the People and Companies That Shaped the Video Game Industry, Vol. I: 1971-1982
|author=Alexander Smith
|description=''They Create Worlds, Volume 1: The Story of the People and Companies That Shaped the Video Game Industry'' (published November 2019) covers how the most renowned game creators overturned technology, pop culture, and birthed a whole new medium. From the very first video games up to the edge of the traumatic North American market crash in 1983, this book illuminates the people, business decisions, and market forces which brought video games to the height of popular culture in the early 1980s. It shows how technological innovations in research labs and in the realm of coin-operated games were propelled by visionaries who saw potential in the then new and expensive technology. The first Volume of this work covers important landmarks such as ''Spacewar!'', Atari, ''Space Invaders'', the early console market, electronic handheld games, and the commercial industry underlying them all.
|isbn=978-1138389908
|cover_filename=They-Create-Worlds-Video-Game-History-Book-Cover.jpg
}}
{{Book
|title=Atari Inc.: Business is Fun
|author=Marty Goldberg, Curt Vendel
|description=An amazing 800 pages (including nearly 300 pages of rare, never before seen photos, memos and court documents), this book details Atari's genesis from an idea between an engineer and a visionary in 1969 to a nearly $2 billion dollar juggernaut, and ending with a $538 million death spiral during 1984. A testament to the people that worked at this beloved company, the book is full of their personal stories and insights.
|isbn=978-0985597405
|cover_filename=Atari Inc Business is Fun (Cover).jpg
}}

[[Category:Game]]

Computer Space (1973)

2025-02-22T22:49:38Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Added a photo.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Computer Space
|image = 1973 Computer Space Flyer 01 - Front.jpg
|developer = Nutting Associates
|publisher = Nutting Associates
|date = 1973}}

''Computer Space'' (1973) was a two player upgrade of the original game ''[[Computer Space]]'' and released in 1973. The game had both single player and two player competitive mode. One player could compete in the same game as the original ''Computer Space'' or two players could duel against each other in a facsimile of the game ''[[Spacewar!]]''.

== Announcement ==

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1973-07 Vending Times pg 50 04.png
|title=Vending Times
|date=July 1973
|country=US
|description=Announcement of the two-player ''Computer Space''.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Advertisement ==

=== Flyers ===
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Computer Space (1973) Flyer.pdf
|title=Flyer
|date=1973
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Photos ==

=== On Location ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-02-05 Tripton County Tribune pg 01 01.jpg
|title=Families, couples, and friends enjoy indoor roller skating
|date=February 5, 1975
|country=US
|description=John Acres stands at the two player version of ''Computer Space''.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Game credits ==

{{Credits begin}}
{{Credits line|Game Designer, Hardware Designer = Stephen Bristow}}
{{Credits end}}

[[Category:Game]]

Computer Space

2025-02-22T22:47:35Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Added fixed flyers and other images in proper galleries.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Computer Space
|image = ComputerSpaceFlyerFront.jpg
|developer = [[Syzygy Engineering]]
|publisher = [[Nutting Associates]]
|date = November 1971
|mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/game/arcade/computer-space}}

''Computer Space'' is a video game released by [[Nutting Associates]] in November 1971. It was created by the partnership [[Syzygy Engineering]] as single-player adaptation of the mainframe computer game ''[[Spacewar!]]''. The game is widely acknowledged as the first commercial video game ever available on the market.

== Previews ==

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=ComputerSpace1971MOA.jpeg
|title=Cash Box
|date=October 30, 1971
|country=US
|description=Photograph of the Nutting Associates booth at the 1971 MOA, showcasing ''Computer Space''.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1971-10-30 Cash Box pg 56 02 04.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=October 30, 1971
|country=US
|description=Blurb about ''Computer Space'' at the MOA.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1971-11-06 Cash Box pg 56 01 03.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=November 6, 1971
|country=US
|description=A report from the MOA show, speaking with [[Nolan Bushnell]] about the game's features.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Announcement ==

=== United States ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1971-12-04 Cash Box pg 45 02.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=December 4, 1971
|country=US
|description=Announcement of the availability of ''Computer Space''.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

=== Italy ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=ComputerSpaceItalyRelease01.jpg
|title=Automat
|date=1971
|country=US
|description=''Computer Space'' announcement in Italian coin-op magazine Automat.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Advertisement ==

=== Ads ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1971-11-27 Cash Box pg 54 04.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=November 27, 1971
|country=US
|description=First in-page advertisement for ''Computer Space'', announcing availability.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1972-07-01 Cash Box pg Part III 50 02.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=July 1, 1972
|country=US
|description=Revised in-page for ''Computer Space''.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1972-08-19 Cash Box pg 41 04.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=August 19, 1972
|country=US
|description=Small, illustrated advertisement for ''Computer Space'' representing the gameplay.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

=== Flyers ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Computer Space (1971) Flyer 01.pdf
|title=Flyer
|date=c. 1971
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Computer Space (1971) Flyer 02.pdf
|title=Flyer
|date=c. 1971
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Photos ==

=== Production ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=ComputerSpaceProductionLine.jpg
|title=Cash Box
|date=February 12, 1972
|country=US
|description=Production of ''Computer Space'' at the Nutting Associates plant in Mountain View, California.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

=== On Location ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1973-06-17 Plain Dealer pg 6-E 02.jpg
|title=Plain Dealer
|date=June 17, 1973
|country=US
|description=Comedian Tony Bodanza poses with ''Computer Space''.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=ST-20003783-0018.jpg
|title=Families, couples, and friends enjoy indoor roller skating
|date=April 30, 1975
|country=US
|description=A boy in rollerskates plays ''Computer Space'' in a mall arcade.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Articles ==

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1972-01-29 Cash Box pg 62 01 04.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=January 29, 1972
|country=US
|description=Report on distributor acceptance of ''Computer Space'' on the West Coast. Bill Nutting advocates how the game opens non-traditional venues to coin-operated games.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1972-02-12 Cash Box pg 42 02.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=February 12, 1972
|country=US
|description=A report on Nutting Associates focused on ''Computer Space''. [[David Ralston]] provides commentary on the difference of the game from others currently on the market.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1972-05 Vending Times (Computer Space Article).png
|title=Vending Times
|date=May 1972
|country=US
|description=Descriptive article highlighting the features of ''Computer Space'' with quotes by David Ralston.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1972-11-04 Cash Box pg 55 08.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=November 4, 1972
|country=US
|description=Bill Nutting gives an award to coin-op distributor Bob Portale of Portale Automatic Sales for exemplary sales of ''Computer Space'' for the company.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Game credits ==

{{Credits begin}}
{{Credits line|Game Designer, Hardware Designer = Nolan Bushnell}}
{{Credits line|Hardware Designer, Sound Engineer = Ted Dabney}}
{{Credits line|Technician = Steve Bristow}}
{{Credits end}}

== Histories ==

* [https://www.technologizer.com/2011/12/11/computer-space-and-the-dawn-of-the-arcade-video-game/ ''Computer Space and the Dawn of the Arcade Video Game''] by Benj Edwards.
* [https://gamehistory.org/first-arcade-game-advertisement-computer-space/ ''Pixels in Print (Part 1): Advertising Computer Space''] by Kate Willaert covering the advertising context of the original game.
* [https://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com/2021/04/07/nolan-versus-ted-part-i/ ''Nolan Versus Ted: Part 1''] by Alex Smith. A historiological discussion of the work done on Computer Space by the two partners.
* [https://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com/2021/05/12/worldly-wednesdays-a-timeline-of-computer-space/ ''Worldly Wednesdays: A Timeline of Computer Space''] by Alex Smith. An attempt to use existing documentation to sort out when parts of the game were conceived and built.

== Interviews ==

* https://amhistory.si.edu/archives/AC1498_Transcript_NolanBushnell.pdf — Nolan Bushnell oral history conducted by Christopher Weaver, working with the Smithsonian Institution's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation (November 17th, 2017).
* https://amhistory.si.edu/archives/AC1498_Transcript_TedDabney.pdf — Ted Dabney oral history conducted by Christopher Weaver, working with the Smithsonian Institution's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation (March 15th, 2018).

== Books ==

* ''Video Invaders'' by Steve Bloom
* ''Atari Inc: Business is Fun'' by Curt Vendel and Marty Goldberg.

== Other Information ==

* http://www.computerspacefan.com/SN9003large.htm — Information on the white variation of Computer Space, claimed to be one of the original four production units.

[[Category:Game]]

File:1975-02-05 Tripton County Tribune pg 01 01.jpg

2025-02-22T22:43:55Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: File uploaded with MsUpload

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File:ST-20003783-0018.jpg

2025-02-22T22:41:15Z

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File:1973-06-17 Plain Dealer pg 6-E 02.jpg

2025-02-22T22:40:13Z

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File:1973-06-17 Plain Dealer 2.png

2025-02-22T22:30:50Z

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File:Computer Space (1971) Flyer 02.pdf

2025-02-22T22:25:02Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: File uploaded with MsUpload

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File:Computer Space (1971) Flyer 01.pdf

2025-02-22T22:25:01Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: File uploaded with MsUpload

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Computer Space (1973)

2025-02-22T17:00:17Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Fixed galleries and a bit of text.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Computer Space
|image = 1973 Computer Space Flyer 01 - Front.jpg
|developer = Nutting Associates
|publisher = Nutting Associates
|date = 1973}}

''Computer Space'' (1973) was a two player upgrade of the original game ''[[Computer Space]]'' and released in 1973. The game had both single player and two player competitive mode. One player could compete in the same game as the original ''Computer Space'' or two players could duel against each other in a facsimile of the game ''[[Spacewar!]]''.

== Announcement ==

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1973-07 Vending Times pg 50 04.png
|title=Vending Times
|date=July 1973
|country=US
|description=Announcement of the two-player ''Computer Space''.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Advertisement ==

=== Flyers ===
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=Computer Space (1973) Flyer.pdf
|title=Flyer
|date=1973
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Game credits ==

{{Credits begin}}
{{Credits line|Game Designer, Hardware Designer = Stephen Bristow}}
{{Credits end}}

[[Category:Game]]

File:Computer Space (1973) Flyer.pdf

2025-02-22T16:56:56Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: File uploaded with MsUpload

File uploaded with MsUpload

TV Table Tennis

2025-02-21T20:18:54Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Updated galleries and fixed some formatting issues.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = TV Table Tennis
|image = 1973 TV Table Tennis Flyer 01.jpg
|developer = Unknown
|publisher = [[PMC Electronics]]
|date = 1973
|mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/game/arcade/tv-table-tennis}}

''TV Table Tennis'' was a two-player ''[[Pong]]'' derivative released by [[PMC Electronics]] in 1973.

== Announcement ==
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1973-07 Vending Times pg 50 02.png
|title=Vending Times
|date=July 1973
|country=US
|description=Announcement for ''TV Table Tennis''.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Advertisement ==

=== Flyers ===
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1973 TV Table Tennis Flyer 01.jpg
|title=Flyer
|date=c. 1973
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

[[Category:Game]]

Evasive Action

2025-02-21T16:53:24Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Added Mobygames.

{{InfoboxGame
|image = 6480-evasive-action-dos-front-cover.jpg
|developer = Particle Systems Ltd.
|publisher = Software Toolworks, Inc
|date = 1994
|mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/game/3882/evasive-action/}}

'''Evasive Action''' is a flight sim that takes you through four world wars. This sim allows you to flight historically accurate planes from WW1 and WW2, modern day fighters from present day for WW3, and space ships for WW4.

== Reviews ==

<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
PC Games (June-July 1994) - 067.jpg|PC Games (June-July 1994)
</gallery>

[[Category:Game]]

Princess Cocktail Table

2025-02-21T16:50:23Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Updated gallery and game info.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Princess Cocktail Table
|image = 1975 Princess Cocktail Table Flyer 01 - Front.jpg
|developer = Unknown
|publisher = PMC Electronics
|date = 1975
|mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/game/arcade/princess}}

''Princess Cocktail Table'' (alternative just Cocktail Table) was a four player capable [[Pong]] derivative game produced by [[PMC Electronics]] in 1975. It features a diagonal configuration underneath a circular tabletop cocktail table cabinet with potentiometers for controls. Unique features in the game include a single player mode and the operator being able to configure a winning score from between 1 and 99 points.

== Advertisement ==

=== Ads ===
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-08 Play Meter pg 51 02.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=August 1975
|country=US
|description=In-page advertisement for the ''Princess Cocktail Table''.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

=== Flyers ===
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1975 Princess Cocktail Table Flyer 01 - Front.jpg|(1975)
1975 Princess Cocktail Table Flyer 01 - Back.png|(1975)
1975 Princess Cocktail Table Flyer 02 - Front.jpg|(1975)
1975 Princess Cocktail Table Flyer 02 - Back.png|(1975)
</gallery>

[[Category:Game]]

Timeline of Atari VCS Releases

2025-02-20T18:42:14Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Created page as a test case for console release timelines.

<ul class="timeline">
<li class="event">
<h1>1977</h1>
</li>
<li class="event" data-date="July">
<h3>Atari VCS is Released</h3>
<p>Advertisements begin appearing for the availability of the Video Computer System by Atari through various retailers.<p>
</li>
<li class="event" data-date="July">
<h3>Releases</h3>
<p>''[[Combat]]'' (packaged with the system)</p>
</li>
<li class="event" data-date="September">
<h3>Releases</h3>
<p>''[[Air-Sea Battle]]'', ''[[Basic Math]]'', ''Blackjack'', ''Indy 500'', ''Star Ship'', ''[[Street Racer]]'', ''[[Surround]]'', ''[[Video Olympics]]''</p>
</li>

<li class="event">
<h1>1978</h1>
</li>
<li class="event" data-date="October">
<h3>Releases</h3>
<p>''Basketball'', ''[[Brain Games]]'', ''Breakout'', ''Codebreaker'', ''[[Flag Capture]]'', ''Hangman'', ''Home Run'', ''[[Hunt & Score]]'', ''Outlaw'', ''[[Slot Racers]]'', ''Space War''</p>
</li>

<li class="event">
<h1>1979</h1>
</li>
<li class="event" data-date="March">
<h3>Releases</h3>
<p>''Bowling'', ''Canyon Bomber'', ''Casino'', ''Football'', ''Human Cannonball'', ''Miniature Golf'', ''Slot Machine'', ''Sky Diver''</p>
</li>
<li class="event" data-date="September">
<h3>Releases</h3>
<p>''[[Superman]]''</p>
</li>
<li class="event" data-date="November">
<h3>Releases</h3>
<p>''Backgammon'', ''[[Video Chess]]''</p>
</li>

<li class="event">
<h1>1980</h1>
</li>
<li class="event" data-date="March">
<h3>Releases</h3>
<p>''Adventure'', ''Space Invaders''</p>
</li>
<li class="event" data-date="April">
<h3>Releases</h3>
<p>''BASIC Programming''</p>
</li>
<li class="event" data-date="July">
<h3>Releases</h3>
<p>''3D Tic-Tac-Toe'', ''[[Circus Atari]]'', ''Golf'', ''Night Driver''</p>
</li>
<li class="event" data-date="August">
<h3>Releases</h3>
<p>''Boxing'', ''Checkers'', ''Dragster'', ''[[Fishing Derby]]''</p>
</li>
<li class="event" data-date="September">
<h3>Releases</h3>
<p>''Dodge 'Em'', ''Maze Craze'', ''[[Video Checkers]]''</p>
</li>
<li class="event" data-date="December">
<h3>Releases</h3>
<p>''Bridge'', ''Skiing''</p>
</li>
</ul>

__NOTOC__
__NOEDITSECTION__

Spitfire (1976)

2025-02-20T16:03:44Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Page created.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Spitfire
|image =
|developer = [[Wizard Kings]]
|publisher = [[Innovative Coin Corporation]]
|platforms = <div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">Fairchild F-8 hardware</div>
|date = 1976
|mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/game/110213/spitfire/}}

''Spitfire'' was a two-player airplane dueling game created by the company [[Wizard Kings]] and distributed by [[Innovative Coin Corporation]]. It is notable as an early microprocessor game developed by a splinter group of [[Atari Inc.]] and was remade as ''Spitfire'' for the [[Channel F]] console by designer [[Michael Glass]].

== Game credits ==

{{Credits begin}}
{{Credits line|Game Designer, Programmer = Michael Glass}}
{{Credits line|Hardware Designer = Doug Hughes}}
{{Credits end}}

[[Category:Game]]

Pace Car Pro

2025-02-19T18:24:40Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Expanded information, fixed galleries, and rearranged sections.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Pace Car Pro
|image = 1975 Pace Car Pro Flyer - Front.jpg
|developer = [[Universal Research Laboratories]]
|publisher = Electra Games
|date = November 1974
|mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/game/arcade/pace-car-pro}}

''Pace Car Pro'' is a four-player racing game released by Electra Games in 1974. The game is notable for both an early use of color graphics in video games as well as the earliest known use of ball-top joysticks in arcade video games.

A monochrome of the game was released in 1975 called ''Pace Race'' which also reduced the game to two players.

== Gameplay ==

Up to four players compete to complete six or eight laps (adjustable by the operator) before their opponents. The length of the game is set by an AI opponent - or "robot" - which completes laps independent of the human players. Each car on the field is represented by a dot of a different color: Red, yellow, purple, and blue. Players can crash into the side of the track but do not lose anything other than their pace.

=== Controls ===

''Pace Car Pro'' features the earliest example of the ball-top joystick, made famous by games like [[Galaxian]] and [[Pac-Man]]. The joysticks are analog in function with no self-centering, enabling them to utilize the full range of motion of the vehicles.

== Advertisement ==

=== United States ===

==== Ads ====
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1974-10 Vending Times pg 124.png
|title=Vending Times
|date=October 1974
|country=US
|description=Full page ad for ''Pace Car Pro''.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

==== Flyers ====
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1975 Pace Car Pro Flyer - Front.jpg|(1974)
1975 Pace Car Pro Flyer - Back.jpg|(1974)
</gallery>

== Announcements ==

=== United States ===
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1974-10 Vending Times pg 123 04.png
|title=Vending Times
|date=October 1974
|country=US
|description=Announcement of ''Pace Car Pro'' with a notice of its showing at the 1974 MOA.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1974-11 Vending Times pg 66 03.png
|title=Vending Times
|date=November 1974
|country=US
|description=Announcement of ''Pace Car Pro'' availability.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-01 Play Meter pg 41-42.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=January 1975
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-03 Play Meter pg 58 02.png
|title=Vending Times
|date=March 1975
|country=US
|description=Announcement for the black and white version of the game, ''Pace Race''.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Photos ==

=== Screenshots ===
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-02 Play Meter pg 24 01.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=February 1975
|country=US
|description=Gameplay of ''Pace Car Pro''.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

=== Trade Shows ===

==== 1974 MOA ====
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1974-11 Vending Times pg 47 06.png
|title=Vending Times
|date=November 1974
|country=US
|description=''Pace Car Pro'' demonstrated at the Electra Games booth at the 1974 MOA show.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

[[Category:Game]]

Playtime

2025-02-19T17:53:05Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Fixed the galleries.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Playtime
|image = 1974 Playtime Flyer 01.jpg
|developer = (Unknown)
|publisher = [[Midway Mfg]]
|date = 1974
|mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/game/arcade/playtime}}

''Playtime'' is a ball-and-paddle game released by Midway Mfg in 1974. It's a variation on the game [[Pong]] with a number of additional features, including a set of joysticks for controlling the paddles.

== Gameplay ==

The gameplay is similar to ''Pong'', where two players compete to bypass their opponent and score points. By default, a player must score eleven points to win, but the game also has a time limit of five minutes before it would end the game. At the base of the game's bezel, a switch allows the player to increase the overall speed of the ball. When the ball is served to the loser of the last point, they will only be served after remaining stationary for a period of time.

The format of the screen is different than ''Pong'', featuring visible vertical boundaries. The player's joystick allows them to move anywhere in their half of the screen, enabling unique return volleys. Score markers for each player appear at the start of each round inside the court, then disappear before the ball is served; this was advertised as a non-invasive game feature.

== Advertisement ==

=== United States ===

==== Ads ====
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1974-03 Vending Times pg 78 03.png
|title=Vending Times
|date=March 1974
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

==== Flyers ====
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1974 Playtime Flyer 01.jpg
|title=''Playtime'' Flyer
|date=1974
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Photos ==

=== Trade Shows ===
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1974-02 Vending Times pg 48 11.png
|title=Vending Times
|date=February 1974
|country=US
|description=''Playtime'' shown by a distributor at a trade show.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

[[Category:Game]]

Tank

2025-02-19T16:06:03Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Fixed descriptions in the galleries, added gameplay description and books, other minor fixes.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Tank
|image = 1974 Tank Flyer 01 - Front.jpg
|developer = Kee Games
|publisher = Kee Games
|platforms = {{plat-arcade}}
|date = 1974
|mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/game/67307/tank}}

'''Tank''' is a 1974 release by [[Kee Games]] and is a two-player arena shooting game. The game was developed by [[Stephen Bristow]] as a response to the game [[Computer Space]] with better controls and competitive gameplay. It is considered one of the most significant arcade games of the 1970s, both for its gameplay and for its roll in helping proliferate coin-operated video games beyond the boundaries established by [[Pong]].

== History ==

== Gameplay ==

The game consists of two dueling tanks which can fire projectiles at each other. Shooting an opponent temporarily stuns them, suspending the gameplay until they recover. The goal of the game is to have a higher score than your opponent at the end of a time limit.

A maze of obstacles sits between the two players at the start of the round which prevent bullets from traveling through the whole map. At the center of the play area are sixteen landmines that will stun a player if they contact them. The area of these mines are denoted by a cellophane strip placed over the monitor with an "X" at the spot of each mine.

=== Controls ===

Controls in ''Tank'' are modeled after a Caterpillar heavy vehicle with two firm joysticks which move vertically. There are eight possible positions for the two controls which enables forward or backward motion and turning as if on a tract. The right joystick features a button on the top to fire the tank's weapon. After the bullet is fired, it's possible to curve the bullet in flight using the movement controls to rotate the tank.

== Announcements ==

===United States===
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1974-12 Vending Times pg 38 02.png
|title=Vending Times
|date=December 1974
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-09 Play Meter pg 54 01.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=September 1975
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Advertising ==

=== United States ===
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1974-11 Vending Times pg 56.png
|title=Vending Times
|date=November 1974
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

==== Flyers ====
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1974 Tank Flyer 01 - Front.jpg
|title=Flyer (front)
|date=1974
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1974 Tank Flyer 01 - Back.png
|title=Flyer (back)
|date=1974
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1974 Tank Flyer 02 - Front.jpg
|title=Flyer (front)
|date=1974
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1974 Tank Flyer 02 - Back.jpg
|title=Flyer (back)
|date=1974
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975 Tank Flyer 03 - Front.jpg
|title=Flyer (front)
|date=1975
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975 Tank Flyer 03 - Back.jpg
|title=Flyer (back)
|date=1975
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-09 Play Meter pg 05.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=September 1975
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-10 Play Meter pg 13.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=October 1975
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Photos ==
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-10 Play Meter pg 37 01.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=October 1975
|country=US
|description=Production line for the cocktail cabinet version of ''Tank''.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Game credits ==
{{Credits begin}}
{{Credits line|Game Designer, Hardware Designer = Stephen Bristow}}
{{Credits line|Technicians = Lyle Rains, Doug Hughes}}
{{Credits end}}

== Books ==

{{Book
|title=They Create Worlds: The Story of the People and Companies That Shaped the Video Game Industry, Vol. I: 1971-1982
|author=Alexander Smith
|description=''They Create Worlds, Volume 1: The Story of the People and Companies That Shaped the Video Game Industry'' (published November 2019) covers how the most renowned game creators overturned technology, pop culture, and birthed a whole new medium. From the very first video games up to the edge of the traumatic North American market crash in 1983, this book illuminates the people, business decisions, and market forces which brought video games to the height of popular culture in the early 1980s. It shows how technological innovations in research labs and in the realm of coin-operated games were propelled by visionaries who saw potential in the then new and expensive technology. The first Volume of this work covers important landmarks such as ''Spacewar!'', Atari, ''Space Invaders'', the early console market, electronic handheld games, and the commercial industry underlying them all.
|isbn=978-1138389908
|cover_filename=They-Create-Worlds-Video-Game-History-Book-Cover.jpg
}}
{{Book
|title=Atari Inc.: Business is Fun
|author=Marty Goldberg, Curt Vendel
|description=An amazing 800 pages (including nearly 300 pages of rare, never before seen photos, memos and court documents), this book details Atari's genesis from an idea between an engineer and a visionary in 1969 to a nearly $2 billion dollar juggernaut, and ending with a $538 million death spiral during 1984. A testament to the people that worked at this beloved company, the book is full of their personal stories and insights.
|isbn=978-0985597405
|cover_filename=Atari Inc Business is Fun (Cover).jpg
}}

[[Category:Game]]

Gran Trak 10

2025-02-19T15:58:30Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Added italics to They Create Worlds' description

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Gran Trak 10
|image = GranTak10Flyer01-01.jpg
|developer = Cyan Engineering / Atari Inc
|publisher = Atari Inc
|date = March 1974
|mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/game/arcade/gran-trak-10}}

''Gran Trak 10'' was released in March 1974 by Atari Inc, co-developed with the firm Cyan Engineering. Based off of existing electro-mechanical arcade driving games and inspired by a Scientific American mathematical game by Martin Gardner called ''Racetrack'', ''Gran Trak 10'' was the first graphical car racing video game ever released.

The initial prototype of the game was created at Cyan Engineering by Steve Mayer and Larry Emmons - founders of Cyan - with additional help by Bob Walker and Ron Milner. Among other notable features, it is one of the first arcade games to make use of a ROM chip as well as custom analog-digital hybrid chips in order to prevent copying by competitors. This extra hardware lead to production issues with the game, which first shipped in March of 1974 but had to be re-released in May of 1974 along with a redesigned model called ''Trak 10'' which was identical in gameplay but did not make use of the custom chips internally.

[[Kee Games]], the company secretly owned by Atari, also released their own version of the game known as ''Formula K''.

== Development ==

<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
GranTrak10Proto.jpg|Prototype model for Gran Trak 10 being tested. (1973)
</gallery>

== Production ==

<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
GranTrak10Production01.jpg|Inside the production line for Gran Trak 10. (1974)
</gallery>

== Announcement ==

<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1974-04 Vending Times pg 61 02.png|(1974)
</gallery>

== Advertisement ==

=== Flyers ===
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
GranTak10Flyer01-01.jpg|Front page of the first Gran Trak 10 flyer. (1974)
GranTak10Flyer01-02.jpg|Back page of the first Gran Trak 10 flyer. (1974)
</gallery>

=== Ad Pages ===
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1974-03 Vending Times pg 73.png|(1974)
</gallery>

== Articles ==
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1974-09 Vending Times pg 74 01.png|(1974)
1975-03 Play Meter pg 20.png|A report on the static coin reset problem of Gran Trak 10. (1975)
1975-03 Play Meter pg 59 03.png|Proposed fixes for Atari's Gran Trak series and other games. (1975)
</gallery>

== Photos ==
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1974-10 Vending Times pg 108 01 04.png|(1974)
</gallery>

=== Trade Shows ===
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1974-07 Vending Times pg 54 01.png|(1974)
</gallery>

== Histories ==

* [https://edfries.wordpress.com/2017/06/14/fixing-gran-trak-10/ ''Fixing Gran Trak 10''] by Ed Fries.

== Books ==
{{Book
|title=They Create Worlds: The Story of the People and Companies That Shaped the Video Game Industry, Vol. I: 1971-1982
|author=Alexander Smith
|description=''They Create Worlds, Volume 1: The Story of the People and Companies That Shaped the Video Game Industry'' (published November 2019) covers how the most renowned game creators overturned technology, pop culture, and birthed a whole new medium. From the very first video games up to the edge of the traumatic North American market crash in 1983, this book illuminates the people, business decisions, and market forces which brought video games to the height of popular culture in the early 1980s. It shows how technological innovations in research labs and in the realm of coin-operated games were propelled by visionaries who saw potential in the then new and expensive technology. The first Volume of this work covers important landmarks such as ''Spacewar!'', Atari, ''Space Invaders'', the early console market, electronic handheld games, and the commercial industry underlying them all.
|isbn=978-1138389908
|cover_filename=They-Create-Worlds-Video-Game-History-Book-Cover.jpg
}}
{{Book
|title=Atari Inc.: Business is Fun
|author=Marty Goldberg, Curt Vendel
|description=An amazing 800 pages (including nearly 300 pages of rare, never before seen photos, memos and court documents), this book details Atari's genesis from an idea between an engineer and a visionary in 1969 to a nearly $2 billion dollar juggernaut, and ending with a $538 million death spiral during 1984. A testament to the people that worked at this beloved company, the book is full of their personal stories and insights.
|isbn=978-0985597405
|cover_filename=Atari Inc Business is Fun (Cover).jpg
}}

[[Category:Game]]

Video Action (series)

2025-02-19T15:37:23Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Fixed galleries and updated text.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Video Action (series)
|image = 1975 Video Action Series Flyer pg 04.jpg
|developer = Universal Research Laboratories
|publisher = Control Sales
|date = 1974-1975
|mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/game-group/video-action-series}}

''Video Action'' was a series of arcade and home releases by Control Sales, the sales arm of [[Universal Research Laboratories]], released throughout 1974 to 1976. The series is notable for featuring the earliest home console release after the [[Odyssey (Magnavox)]], [[Video Action]] (AKA VA-1) and creating the earliest line of home console releases.

The games of the series ranged from [[Pong]] derivatives to [[light gun]] and [[racing]] games with the final release in the series, [[Indy 500 (Video Action IV)]] which used Video Action as a company brand name. Universal Research Laboratories exited the home market due to both financial concerns resulting in their bankruptcy and lawsuits from [[Magnavox]].

== Releases ==

*[[Video Action]]
*[[Video Action II]]
*[[Video Action VA-III]]
*[[Indy 500 (Video Action IV)]]

== Announcements ==
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-05 Play Meter pg 54 02.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=May 1975
|country=US
|description=Announcement for the coin-operated version of Video Action as the VA-TC cocktail model by Control Sales. The picture included is incorrect, as this is a different game in a different cocktail format.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-06+07 Play Meter pg 44 04.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=June/July 1975
|country=US
|description=Photo update for the VA-TC model from the May 1975 issue.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Advertisements ==

=== Flyers ===
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1975 Video Action Series Flyer pg 01.jpg|(1975)
1975 Video Action Series Flyer pg 02.jpg|(1975)
1975 Video Action Series Flyer pg 03.jpg|(1975)
1975 Video Action Series Flyer pg 04.jpg|(1975)
</gallery>

[[Category:Game series]]

Computerized Ping Pong

2025-02-19T15:23:15Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Fixed year

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Computerized Ping Pong
|image = 1975-12 Byte pg 102.png
|publisher = Visulex
|platforms = <div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">TTL Hardware</div>
|date = 1975}}

''Computerized Ping Pong'' was an early kit of a [[Pong]]-style game for home television sets offered by the company [[Visulex]]. It could be purchased in various parts, including the PC board schematic.

== Advertisements ==

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-12 Byte pg 102.png
|title=Byte
|date=December 1975
|country=US
|description=Advertisement for a mail order purchase of ''Computerized Ping Pong''.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Preservation ==

No known versions of this game are known to exist at present. No efforts have been made to preserve the game.

[[Category:Game]]

Games Unlimited

2025-02-18T20:56:55Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Fixed galleries and reordered information.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Games Unlimited
|image = 1975-11 Play Meter pg 47 01.png
|developer = Unknown
|publisher = [[California On-Line Computer Systems]]
|date = 1975}}

''Games Unlimited'' is an unreleased multi-game computer system showcased by California On-Line Computer Systems in 1975. Presumed to have operated off of a [[mainframe computer]], ''Games Unlimited'' promised to offer several game experiences to customers through custom terminals - which were interacted with through large interface buttons underneath the display. The primary game showcased for the system was a blackjack game which used [[character set]] graphics.

The system appears to have been showcased only once at the 1975 MOA convention and would have cost $30,000-$35,000. The company and the game thereafter vanished.

== Photos ==

=== Trade Shows ===
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-11 Play Meter pg 47 01.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=November 1975
|country=US
|description=Photograph of ''Games Unlimited'' at California On-Line Computer Systems' booth at the 1975 MOA convention. Two players surround the terminal which plays a blackjack game; one of them pushes the numbered buttons at the base.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

[[Category:Game]]

Gran Trak 10

2025-02-15T16:47:50Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Updated Business is Fun cover.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Gran Trak 10
|image = GranTak10Flyer01-01.jpg
|developer = Cyan Engineering / Atari Inc
|publisher = Atari Inc
|date = March 1974
|mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/game/arcade/gran-trak-10}}

''Gran Trak 10'' was released in March 1974 by Atari Inc, co-developed with the firm Cyan Engineering. Based off of existing electro-mechanical arcade driving games and inspired by a Scientific American mathematical game by Martin Gardner called ''Racetrack'', ''Gran Trak 10'' was the first graphical car racing video game ever released.

The initial prototype of the game was created at Cyan Engineering by Steve Mayer and Larry Emmons - founders of Cyan - with additional help by Bob Walker and Ron Milner. Among other notable features, it is one of the first arcade games to make use of a ROM chip as well as custom analog-digital hybrid chips in order to prevent copying by competitors. This extra hardware lead to production issues with the game, which first shipped in March of 1974 but had to be re-released in May of 1974 along with a redesigned model called ''Trak 10'' which was identical in gameplay but did not make use of the custom chips internally.

[[Kee Games]], the company secretly owned by Atari, also released their own version of the game known as ''Formula K''.

== Development ==

<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
GranTrak10Proto.jpg|Prototype model for Gran Trak 10 being tested. (1973)
</gallery>

== Production ==

<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
GranTrak10Production01.jpg|Inside the production line for Gran Trak 10. (1974)
</gallery>

== Announcement ==

<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1974-04 Vending Times pg 61 02.png|(1974)
</gallery>

== Advertisement ==

=== Flyers ===
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
GranTak10Flyer01-01.jpg|Front page of the first Gran Trak 10 flyer. (1974)
GranTak10Flyer01-02.jpg|Back page of the first Gran Trak 10 flyer. (1974)
</gallery>

=== Ad Pages ===
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1974-03 Vending Times pg 73.png|(1974)
</gallery>

== Articles ==
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1974-09 Vending Times pg 74 01.png|(1974)
1975-03 Play Meter pg 20.png|A report on the static coin reset problem of Gran Trak 10. (1975)
1975-03 Play Meter pg 59 03.png|Proposed fixes for Atari's Gran Trak series and other games. (1975)
</gallery>

== Photos ==
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1974-10 Vending Times pg 108 01 04.png|(1974)
</gallery>

=== Trade Shows ===
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1974-07 Vending Times pg 54 01.png|(1974)
</gallery>

== Histories ==

* [https://edfries.wordpress.com/2017/06/14/fixing-gran-trak-10/ ''Fixing Gran Trak 10''] by Ed Fries.

== Books ==
{{Book
|title=They Create Worlds: The Story of the People and Companies That Shaped the Video Game Industry, Vol. I: 1971-1982
|author=Alexander Smith
|description=They Create Worlds, Volume 1: The Story of the People and Companies That Shaped the Video Game Industry (published November 2019) covers how the most renowned game creators overturned technology, pop culture, and birthed a whole new medium. From the very first video games up to the edge of the traumatic North American market crash in 1983, this book illuminates the people, business decisions, and market forces which brought video games to the height of popular culture in the early 1980s. It shows how technological innovations in research labs and in the realm of coin-operated games were propelled by visionaries who saw potential in the then new and expensive technology. The first Volume of this work covers important landmarks such as Spacewar!, Atari, Space Invaders, the early console market, electronic handheld games, and the commercial industry underlying them all.
|isbn=978-1138389908
|cover_filename=They-Create-Worlds-Video-Game-History-Book-Cover.jpg
}}
{{Book
|title=Atari Inc.: Business is Fun
|author=Marty Goldberg, Curt Vendel
|description=An amazing 800 pages (including nearly 300 pages of rare, never before seen photos, memos and court documents), this book details Atari's genesis from an idea between an engineer and a visionary in 1969 to a nearly $2 billion dollar juggernaut, and ending with a $538 million death spiral during 1984. A testament to the people that worked at this beloved company, the book is full of their personal stories and insights.
|isbn=978-0985597405
|cover_filename=Atari Inc Business is Fun (Cover).jpg
}}

[[Category:Game]]

File:Atari Inc Business is Fun (Cover).jpg

2025-02-15T16:47:29Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: File uploaded with MsUpload

File uploaded with MsUpload

Gran Trak 10

2025-02-15T16:46:31Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Updated book section.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Gran Trak 10
|image = GranTak10Flyer01-01.jpg
|developer = Cyan Engineering / Atari Inc
|publisher = Atari Inc
|date = March 1974
|mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/game/arcade/gran-trak-10}}

''Gran Trak 10'' was released in March 1974 by Atari Inc, co-developed with the firm Cyan Engineering. Based off of existing electro-mechanical arcade driving games and inspired by a Scientific American mathematical game by Martin Gardner called ''Racetrack'', ''Gran Trak 10'' was the first graphical car racing video game ever released.

The initial prototype of the game was created at Cyan Engineering by Steve Mayer and Larry Emmons - founders of Cyan - with additional help by Bob Walker and Ron Milner. Among other notable features, it is one of the first arcade games to make use of a ROM chip as well as custom analog-digital hybrid chips in order to prevent copying by competitors. This extra hardware lead to production issues with the game, which first shipped in March of 1974 but had to be re-released in May of 1974 along with a redesigned model called ''Trak 10'' which was identical in gameplay but did not make use of the custom chips internally.

[[Kee Games]], the company secretly owned by Atari, also released their own version of the game known as ''Formula K''.

== Development ==

<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
GranTrak10Proto.jpg|Prototype model for Gran Trak 10 being tested. (1973)
</gallery>

== Production ==

<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
GranTrak10Production01.jpg|Inside the production line for Gran Trak 10. (1974)
</gallery>

== Announcement ==

<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1974-04 Vending Times pg 61 02.png|(1974)
</gallery>

== Advertisement ==

=== Flyers ===
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
GranTak10Flyer01-01.jpg|Front page of the first Gran Trak 10 flyer. (1974)
GranTak10Flyer01-02.jpg|Back page of the first Gran Trak 10 flyer. (1974)
</gallery>

=== Ad Pages ===
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1974-03 Vending Times pg 73.png|(1974)
</gallery>

== Articles ==
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1974-09 Vending Times pg 74 01.png|(1974)
1975-03 Play Meter pg 20.png|A report on the static coin reset problem of Gran Trak 10. (1975)
1975-03 Play Meter pg 59 03.png|Proposed fixes for Atari's Gran Trak series and other games. (1975)
</gallery>

== Photos ==
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1974-10 Vending Times pg 108 01 04.png|(1974)
</gallery>

=== Trade Shows ===
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1974-07 Vending Times pg 54 01.png|(1974)
</gallery>

== Histories ==

* [https://edfries.wordpress.com/2017/06/14/fixing-gran-trak-10/ ''Fixing Gran Trak 10''] by Ed Fries.

== Books ==
{{Book
|title=They Create Worlds: The Story of the People and Companies That Shaped the Video Game Industry, Vol. I: 1971-1982
|author=Alexander Smith
|description=They Create Worlds, Volume 1: The Story of the People and Companies That Shaped the Video Game Industry (published November 2019) covers how the most renowned game creators overturned technology, pop culture, and birthed a whole new medium. From the very first video games up to the edge of the traumatic North American market crash in 1983, this book illuminates the people, business decisions, and market forces which brought video games to the height of popular culture in the early 1980s. It shows how technological innovations in research labs and in the realm of coin-operated games were propelled by visionaries who saw potential in the then new and expensive technology. The first Volume of this work covers important landmarks such as Spacewar!, Atari, Space Invaders, the early console market, electronic handheld games, and the commercial industry underlying them all.
|isbn=978-1138389908
|cover_filename=They-Create-Worlds-Video-Game-History-Book-Cover.jpg
}}
{{Book
|title=Atari Inc.: Business is Fun
|author=Marty Goldberg, Curt Vendel
|description=An amazing 800 pages (including nearly 300 pages of rare, never before seen photos, memos and court documents), this book details Atari's genesis from an idea between an engineer and a visionary in 1969 to a nearly $2 billion dollar juggernaut, and ending with a $538 million death spiral during 1984. A testament to the people that worked at this beloved company, the book is full of their personal stories and insights.
|isbn=978-0985597405
|cover_filename=They-Create-Worlds-Video-Game-History-Book-Cover.jpg
}}

[[Category:Game]]

File:They-Create-Worlds-Video-Game-History-Book-Cover.jpg

2025-02-15T16:29:02Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: File uploaded with MsUpload

File uploaded with MsUpload

Cocktail cabinet

2025-02-14T16:49:46Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Fixed article link.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Cocktail cabinet
|image =}}

The configuration of the cocktail cabinet was a specific style of coin-operated arcade game which set video games into a vertically oriented format to be viewed from above rather than straight on. Often called cocktail tables, these cabinets may or may not allow for the resting of drinks on top of the game's protective covering. Some scholars of early video games do not consider games which do not have safe, flat areas to rest objects like drinks to be strictly cocktail cabinets.

There are two basic configurations of cocktail tables, ''standing'' and ''seated''. A seated style of cocktail game usually implies that an average adult sitting on one side of the machine would have the ridge of the top come below their chest with the ability to reach the controls. Standing games more or less require a player to be gripping onto the table while on two legs beside it to view the action. The majority of cocktail games will have several sets of controls to allow for multiple players and will be built to accommodate two to four players around its base.

Cocktail cabinets were particularly popular in the mid 1970s before falling off in popularity. Their design also evolved into the ''tabletop'' format which swept Japan in the latter half of the 1970s.

== Articles ==
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-04 Play Meter - Cocktails Anyone (Article).pdf
|title=Play Meter
|date=April 1975
|country=US
|description=A market survey of the effects of cocktail games on the industry in 1975 along with their history.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-06 07 Play Meter - Cocktail Conversions Article.pdf
|title=Play Meter
|date=June/July 1975
|country=US
|description=An article covering the conversion of standard games to the cocktail format.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Conversions ==

=== 1975 ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-05 Play Meter pg 11.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=May 1975
|country=US
|description=A full-page advertisement for the cocktail conversion kit offered by [[Edcoe Mfg & Service]] to fit many popular [[Pong]]-style games.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-06+07 Play Meter pg 44 03.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=June/July 1975
|country=US
|description=Announcement for the [[Electronic Concepts Industries]] cocktail conversion kit.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-06+07 Play Meter pg 55 04.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=June/July 1975
|country=US
|description=In=page advertisement for the Electronic Concepts Industries cocktail conversion in several sizes.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-08 Play Meter pg 35 03.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=August 1975
|country=US
|description=In-page advertisement for the Edcoe ''[[Video Cocktail Table Kit]]''.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-11 Play Meter pg 53 03.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=November 1975
|country=US
|description=Announcement for a cocktail conversion table offered by [[World Wide Distributors]].
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-11 Play Meter pg 62 03.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=November 1975
|country=US
|description=In-page advertisement for the World Wide Distributors cocktail conversion table.}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

[[Category:Arcade cabinets]]

Cocktail cabinet

2025-02-14T16:48:41Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Replaced galleries.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Cocktail cabinet
|image =}}

The configuration of the cocktail cabinet was a specific style of coin-operated arcade game which set video games into a vertically oriented format to be viewed from above rather than straight on. Often called cocktail tables, these cabinets may or may not allow for the resting of drinks on top of the game's protective covering. Some scholars of early video games do not consider games which do not have safe, flat areas to rest objects like drinks to be strictly cocktail cabinets.

There are two basic configurations of cocktail tables, ''standing'' and ''seated''. A seated style of cocktail game usually implies that an average adult sitting on one side of the machine would have the ridge of the top come below their chest with the ability to reach the controls. Standing games more or less require a player to be gripping onto the table while on two legs beside it to view the action. The majority of cocktail games will have several sets of controls to allow for multiple players and will be built to accommodate two to four players around its base.

Cocktail cabinets were particularly popular in the mid 1970s before falling off in popularity. Their design also evolved into the ''tabletop'' format which swept Japan in the latter half of the 1970s.

== Articles ==
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-04 Play Meter - Cocktails Anyone (Article).pdf
|title=Play Meter
|date=April 1975
|country=US
|description=A market survey of the effects of cocktail games on the industry in 1975 along with their history.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-04 Play Meter - Cocktails Anyone (Article).pdf
|title=Play Meter
|date=June/July 1975
|country=US
|description=An article covering the conversion of standard games to the cocktail format.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Conversions ==

=== 1975 ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-05 Play Meter pg 11.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=May 1975
|country=US
|description=A full-page advertisement for the cocktail conversion kit offered by [[Edcoe Mfg & Service]] to fit many popular [[Pong]]-style games.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-06+07 Play Meter pg 44 03.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=June/July 1975
|country=US
|description=Announcement for the [[Electronic Concepts Industries]] cocktail conversion kit.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-06+07 Play Meter pg 55 04.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=June/July 1975
|country=US
|description=In=page advertisement for the Electronic Concepts Industries cocktail conversion in several sizes.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-08 Play Meter pg 35 03.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=August 1975
|country=US
|description=In-page advertisement for the Edcoe ''[[Video Cocktail Table Kit]]''.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-11 Play Meter pg 53 03.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=November 1975
|country=US
|description=Announcement for a cocktail conversion table offered by [[World Wide Distributors]].
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-11 Play Meter pg 62 03.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=November 1975
|country=US
|description=In-page advertisement for the World Wide Distributors cocktail conversion table.}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

[[Category:Arcade cabinets]]

Aztec

2025-02-14T16:37:37Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Fixed galleries and text; added a few things to the infobox.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Aztec
|image = 1975 Aztec Flyer 01.jpg
|developer = Unknown
|publisher = [[PMC Electronics]]
|date = March 1975
|mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/game/107406/aztec/}}

''Aztec'' was a [[Pong]] derivative released by [[PMC Electronics]] in 1975. It was released solely in a standing [[cocktail cabinet]] format for competition between two or four players; both number of players required a single quarter to play. The game was controlled by a set of potentiometers.

== Announcement ==
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-03 Play Meter pg 56 01.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=March 1975
|country=US
|description=Announcement for the release of ''Aztec''.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Advertisement ==

=== Ads ===
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-03 Play Meter pg 61 02.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=March 1975
|country=US
|description=''Aztec'' in-page advertisement.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

=== Flyer ===
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975 Aztec Flyer 01.jpg
|title=''Aztec'' Flyer
|date=1975
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

[[Category:Game]]

US 3793483 (Patent)

2025-02-14T16:30:12Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Fixed galleries and added historical note.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Video image positioning control system for amusement device
|image = US3793483A_Original_document.pdf
|inventor = [[Nolan Bushnell]]
|assignee = Atari Inc.
|filingdate = November 24, 1972
|approvaldate = February 19, 1974
|espacenet = https://worldwide.espacenet.com/patent/search?q=pn%3DUS3793483A
|googlepatent = https://patents.google.com/patent/US3793483}}

US Patent 3,793,483 was a video game technology patent for Atari Inc. filed by Nolan Bushnell in 1972. It is titled ''Video Image Positioning Control System for Amusement Device'' and relates to some of the fundamental technology used to display graphics for video games used by Atari. The company would use this patent as a legal deterrent against other companies seeking to create video games using the Atari method and stamp it on many of their products.

== Patent Documents ==

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=US3793483A_Original_document.pdf
|title=Video Image Positioning Control System for Amusement Device
|date=Filed: November 24, 1972. Approved: February 19, 1974.
|country=US
|description=The patent document for US Patent 3,793,483 containing two drawings and the claims of the patent's application.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Articles ==

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1974-04 Vending Times pg 54 05.png
|title=Vending Times
|date=April 1974
|country=US
|description=Announcement of the approval of US Patent 3,793,483 for Atari.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

[[Category:Patent]]

Computerized Ping Pong

2025-02-14T16:23:52Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Fixed gallery and added preservation note.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Computerized Ping Pong
|image = 1975-12 Byte pg 102.png
|publisher = Visulex
|platforms = <div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">TTL Hardware</div>
|date = 1975}}

''Computerized Ping Pong'' was an early kit of a [[Pong]]-style game for home television sets offered by the company [[Visulex]]. It could be purchased in various parts, including the PC board schematic.

== Advertisements ==

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-12 Byte pg 102.png
|title=Byte
|date=December 12
|country=US
|description=Advertisement for a mail order purchase of ''Computerized Ping Pong''.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Preservation ==

No known versions of this game are known to exist at present. No efforts have been made to preserve the game.

[[Category:Game]]

Computer Tennis

2025-02-13T20:24:30Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Added credits, updated galleries, and put more historical context.

{{InfoboxGame
|image = ComputerTennis1958.jpg
|developer = William A. Higinbotham, Robert V. Dvorak
|date = 1958/1959
|wikipedia = https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennis_for_Two
|mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/game/arcade/tennis-for-two}}

''Computer Tennis'' (retroactively known as ''Tennis For Two'') was a game initially created at the Brookhaven National Laboratories in October 1958. The simulation ran off of the Donner Model 30 analog computer coupled with custom electronics as a simulation of a basic tennis game with two players. A second version was implemented in 1959 with additional features, before the entire thing was disassembled and largely forgotten. In the 1970s, lawyers part of the Magnavox v. Bally patent lawsuit surfaced the game as an example of prior art. After being championed by journalist [[David Ahl]] as the earliest known video game, the broader public came to understand the game as the origin of real-time video games.

== Development Documents ==

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=ComputerTennisSchematic01.jpg
|title=Computer Tennis Schematic
|date=October 15, 1958
|country=US
|description=The original schematic for ''Computer Tennis'', created by Robert Dvorak. Labelled "Tennis Programming", it outlines the circuits used to interface with the Donner Model 30 computer to create the demonstration.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=ComputerTennisSchematic02.jpg
|title=Computer Tennis Schematic
|date=November 18, 1958
|country=US
|description=Schematic for the controllers of ''Computer Tennis'' labeled "Electronic Switch for Tennis Programming". (It is mislabeled at 1959)
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=ComputerTennisLogBook.jpg
|title=Brookhaven Laboratories Logbook
|date=1959
|country=US
|description=A page from the logbook of Brookhaven Laboratories showcasing the two entries by Robert Dvorak relating to ''Computer Tennis''.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Photos ==

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=ComputerTennis1958.jpg
|title=Computer Tennis at Brookhaven Laboratories (1958)
|date=1958
|country=US
|description=A photo of Brookhaven Laboratories' line-up of demonstrations showcased at their annual visitors day in 1958. ''Computer Tennis'' is on an oscilloscope second from the left behind a table with the controller devices. The Donner Model 30 powering the game sits on the far left.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=ComputerTennis1959.jpg
|title=Computer Tennis at Brookhaven Laboratories (1959)
|date=1959
|country=US
|description=A photo focusing on the second version of ''Computer Tennis'' in the line-up of Brookhaven Laboratories demonstrations in 1959. The new version has a larger oscilloscope display, a title card, and a placard with an educational explanation.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Game credits ==

{{Credits begin}}
{{Credits line|Game Designer, Hardware Designer = William Higinbotham}}
{{Credits line|Hardware Designer = Robert Dvorak}}
{{Credits end}}

== References ==

<references />

[[Category:Game]]

Spacewar!

2025-02-13T19:12:43Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Fixed the galleries and added some additional historical content.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Spacewar!
|image =
|platforms = <div class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed">{{plat-pdp1}} (original)
<div class="mw-collapsible-content">{{plat-pdp10}} • {{plat-pdp11}}</div></div>
|developer = Steve Russell, Martin Graetz, Wayne Wiitanen, Dan Edwards, Peter Samson
|date = April 1962
|mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/game/mainframe/spacewar__}}

Created originally at MIT on the PDP-1 in 1962, ''Spacewar!'' is a competitive shooting game where two players in spaceships do battle in a segment of space. It is considered one of the most influential video games ever created, being a direct inspiration for seminal games such as ''[[Computer Space]]'' and ''[[Asteroids]]'' as well as introducing a plethora of features to real-time video games.

== History ==

=== Name ===

Articles of the time period variously spelled the title of the game and its variants as ''Spacewar'', ''Space-War'', or ''Space War''. The game did not have a title screen. Martin Graetz's original article on the game titled it ''Spacewar'' as did Steve Russell's listing of the game for the Digital Equipment User's Society (DECUS).

In 1981, Graetz's article ''The Origin of Spacewar'' uses a form of the name with an exclamation point which is used bolded and separated throughout the text. This solidified the common spelling of the game as ''Spacewar!''.

=== Versions and Variants ===

After the initial PDP-1 game was disseminated, many programmers desired to create their own versions of Spacewar directly based on the original. Many of these variants are discussed in the paper ''SPACE ODYSSEY: THE LONG JOURNEY OF SPACEWAR! FROM MIT TO COMPUTER LABS AROUND THE WORLD'' by Devin Monnens and Marty Goldberg.

* A PDP-4 version at the University of Michigan.
* A DDP-224 version at the University of Michigan.
* An IBM System/360 Model 65 version created at MIT's Computation Center.
* A PDP-6 version created at Stanford University by Steve Russell.
* A PDP-7 version at Cambridge University by M. S. Peterson and John C. Viner.
* A version for the CDC-3100 at the University of Minnesota by A. W. Kuhfeld.
* A LINC-8 ersion distributed in DECUS by E. Duffin.
* A Data General NOVA version shown at the Fall Joint Computer Conference in 1968.
* A version for the SEL 816A graphics terminal shown at the 1969 Joint Computer Conference.
* The PDP-10 version at the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.
* An IBM 1620 version created by Jim Burroughs.
* A version for the Imlac PDS-1 computer monitor.
* A PDP-7 version at the University of Pittsburgh by Russell Randshaw.
* A PDP-8 version distributed in DECUS by Evan Suits.
* ''[[Galaxy Game]]'' by [[Mini-Computer Applications]].

Additional games which took direct inspiration from ''Spacewar'' include:

* ''Spacewar'' on the PLATO III system by Rick Blomme. Despite the identical the game plays quite differently than the other versions.
* ''[[Computer Space]]'' released for coin-operated locations by [[Nutting Associates]].

== Preview ==
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=SpacewarPreview1962.pdf
|title=The Tech
|date=April 25, 1962
|country=US
|description=An article from MIT's local newspaper describing ''Spacewar'' in anticipation of its debut at the university's open house. The game's conception and features are described.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Articles ==

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=SpacewarSELJointComputerConference.png
|title=Fort Lauderdale News
|date=June 1, 1969
|country=US
|description=A demo of ''Spacewar'' being shown at the Joint Computer Conference by the company Systems Engineering Laboratories for their SEL 816A graphical monitor.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1972-12-07 Rolling Stone (Excerpt) Spacewar Article V02.pdf
|title=Rolling Stone
|date=December 7, 1972
|country=US
|description=The famous article by Stewart Brand covering technological and cultural developments in Silicon Valley, centered around the [[Intergalactic Spacewar Olympics]] at the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Photos ==

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=SpacewarPDP1MIT1964.png
|title=MIT Technology Review
|date=March 1964
|country=US
|description=Photo of two people observing ''Spacewar'' on the PDP-1 at MIT.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Art ==

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=SpacewarMITTechnologyReview1967.png
|title=MIT Technology Review
|date=June 1967
|country=US
|description=An artistic depiction of ''Spacewar'' running on the PDP-1 as a demonstration of technological and warfare at the end of the 1960s for the MIT Technology Review's front cover.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Histories ==

*https://archive.org/details/creativecomputing-1981-08/page/n59/ ''The Origin of Spacewar'' by J. Martin Graetz. A telling of the creation of the game from the perspective of original participant Martin Graetz.
*https://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com/2021/03/17/worldly-wednesdays-a-timeline-of-spacewar/ ''Worldly Wednesdays: A Timeline of Spacewar!'' by Alex Smith. A historical reconciliation of how ''Spacewar'' was developed.

== Interviews ==

* https://amhistory.si.edu/archives/AC1498_Transcript_StephenRussell.pdf — Stephen Russell oral history conducted by Christopher Weaver, working with the Smithsonian Institution's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation (January 8th, 2017).
* https://amhistory.si.edu/archives/AC1498_Transcript_PeterSamson.pdf — Peter Samson oral history conducted by Christopher Weaver, working with the Smithsonian Institution's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation (January 9th, 2017).
* https://www.si.edu/media/NMAH/NMAH-AC1498_Transcript_RobertSaunders.pdf — Robert Alan Saunders oral history conducted by Christopher Weaver, working with the Smithsonian Institution's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation (November 29th, 2018).
* https://www.si.edu/media/NMAH/NMAH-AC1498_Transcript_StephenPiner.pdf — Steve Piner oral history conducted by Christopher Weaver, working with the Smithsonian Institution's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation (November 29th, 2018).
* https://www.si.edu/media/NMAH/NMAH-AC1498_Transcript_MartinGraetz.pdf — Martin J Graetz oral history conducted by Christopher Weaver, working with the Smithsonian Institution's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation (November 30th, 2018).
* https://www.si.edu/media/NMAH/NMAH-AC1498_Transcript_WayneWiitanen.pdf — Wayne Alfred Wiitanen oral history conducted by Christopher Weaver, working with the Smithsonian Institution's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation (November 30th, 2018).
* https://www.si.edu/media/NMAH/NMAH-AC1498_Transcript_DanielEdwards.pdf — Daniel Edwards oral history conducted by Christopher Weaver, working with the Smithsonian Institution's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation (November 30th, 2018).

== Books ==

* ''Hackers: Heroes of the Computer Revolution'' by Steven Levy

[[Category:Game]]

Computer Space

2025-02-13T18:30:35Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Converted most of the galleries to Gallery Cards and added a perfunctory description.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Computer Space
|image = ComputerSpaceFlyerFront.jpg
|developer = [[Syzygy Engineering]]
|publisher = [[Nutting Associates]]
|date = November 1971
|mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/game/arcade/computer-space}}

''Computer Space'' is a video game released by [[Nutting Associates]] in November 1971. It was created by the partnership [[Syzygy Engineering]] as single-player adaptation of the mainframe computer game ''[[Spacewar!]]''. The game is widely acknowledged as the first commercial video game ever available on the market.

== Previews ==

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=ComputerSpace1971MOA.jpeg
|title=Cash Box
|date=October 30, 1971
|country=US
|description=Photograph of the Nutting Associates booth at the 1971 MOA, showcasing ''Computer Space''.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1971-10-30 Cash Box pg 56 02 04.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=October 30, 1971
|country=US
|description=Blurb about ''Computer Space'' at the MOA.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1971-11-06 Cash Box pg 56 01 03.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=November 6, 1971
|country=US
|description=A report from the MOA show, speaking with [[Nolan Bushnell]] about the game's features.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Announcement ==

=== United States ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1971-12-04 Cash Box pg 45 02.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=December 4, 1971
|country=US
|description=Announcement of the availability of ''Computer Space''.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

=== Italy ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=ComputerSpaceItalyRelease01.jpg
|title=Automat
|date=1971
|country=US
|description=''Computer Space'' announcement in Italian coin-op magazine Automat.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Advertisement ==

=== Ads ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1971-11-27 Cash Box pg 54 04.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=November 27, 1971
|country=US
|description=First in-page advertisement for ''Computer Space'', announcing availability.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1972-07-01 Cash Box pg Part III 50 02.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=July 1, 1972
|country=US
|description=Revised in-page for ''Computer Space''.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1972-08-19 Cash Box pg 41 04.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=August 19, 1972
|country=US
|description=Small, illustrated advertisement for ''Computer Space'' representing the gameplay.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

=== Flyers ===
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
ComputerSpaceFlyerFront.jpg|Front of Flyer #1. (1971?)
ComputerSpaceFlyer01Back.jpg|Back of Flyer #1. (1971?)
</gallery>

== Photos ==

=== Production ===

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=ComputerSpaceProductionLine.jpg
|title=Cash Box
|date=February 12, 1972
|country=US
|description=Production of ''Computer Space'' at the Nutting Associates plant in Mountain View, California.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Articles ==

{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1972-01-29 Cash Box pg 62 01 04.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=January 29, 1971
|country=US
|description=Report on distributor acceptance of ''Computer Space'' on the West Coast. Bill Nutting advocates how the game opens non-traditional venues to coin-operated games.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1972-02-12 Cash Box pg 42 02.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=February 12, 1972
|country=US
|description=A report on Nutting Associates focused on ''Computer Space''. [[David Ralston]] provides commentary on the difference of the game from others currently on the market.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1972-05 Vending Times (Computer Space Article).png
|title=Vending Times
|date=May 1972
|country=US
|description=Descriptive article highlighting the features of ''Computer Space'' with quotes by David Ralston.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1972-11-04 Cash Box pg 55 08.png
|title=Cash Box
|date=November 4, 1972
|country=US
|description=Bill Nutting gives an award to coin-op distributor Bob Portale of Portale Automatic Sales for exemplary sales of ''Computer Space'' for the company.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Game credits ==

{{Credits begin}}
{{Credits line|Game Designer, Hardware Designer = Nolan Bushnell}}
{{Credits line|Hardware Designer, Sound Engineer = Ted Dabney}}
{{Credits line|Technician = Steve Bristow}}
{{Credits end}}

== Histories ==

* [https://www.technologizer.com/2011/12/11/computer-space-and-the-dawn-of-the-arcade-video-game/ ''Computer Space and the Dawn of the Arcade Video Game''] by Benj Edwards.
* [https://gamehistory.org/first-arcade-game-advertisement-computer-space/ ''Pixels in Print (Part 1): Advertising Computer Space''] by Kate Willaert covering the advertising context of the original game.
* [https://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com/2021/04/07/nolan-versus-ted-part-i/ ''Nolan Versus Ted: Part 1''] by Alex Smith. A historiological discussion of the work done on Computer Space by the two partners.
* [https://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com/2021/05/12/worldly-wednesdays-a-timeline-of-computer-space/ ''Worldly Wednesdays: A Timeline of Computer Space''] by Alex Smith. An attempt to use existing documentation to sort out when parts of the game were conceived and built.

== Interviews ==

* https://amhistory.si.edu/archives/AC1498_Transcript_NolanBushnell.pdf — Nolan Bushnell oral history conducted by Christopher Weaver, working with the Smithsonian Institution's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation (November 17th, 2017).
* https://amhistory.si.edu/archives/AC1498_Transcript_TedDabney.pdf — Ted Dabney oral history conducted by Christopher Weaver, working with the Smithsonian Institution's Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation (March 15th, 2018).

== Books ==

* ''Video Invaders'' by Steve Bloom
* ''Atari Inc: Business is Fun'' by Curt Vendel and Marty Goldberg.

== Other Information ==

* http://www.computerspacefan.com/SN9003large.htm — Information on the white variation of Computer Space, claimed to be one of the original four production units.

[[Category:Game]]

Pin Pong

2025-02-13T18:04:30Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Added description and gameplay section.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Pin Pong
|image = 1975 Pin Pong Flyer - Front.jpg
|developer = Atari Inc.
|publisher = Atari Inc.
|platforms = {{plat-arcade}}
|date = November 1974
|mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/game/66289/pin-pong}}

''Pin Pong'' is a pinball video game released by Atari Inc. in 1974. The game simulates the play of an electro-mechanical pinball table using relatively simple graphics like those found in ''[[Pong]]'' including flippers, bumpers, and drop targets.

== Gameplay ==

Balls enter the playfield launched from the left side of the board - the opposite of most pinball tables. An overlay on the screen defines the table as well as the score values of each target. After each ball drain, the drop targets reset to active.

== Announcements ==
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1974-11 Vending Times pg 66 02.png
|title=Vending Times
|date=November 1974
|country=US
|description=Announcement of ''Pin Pong'' in Vending Times.
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975-01 Play Meter pg 42 01.png
|title=Play Meter
|date=January 1975
|country=US
|description=Announcement of ''Pin Pong'' in Play Meter.
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

== Flyers ==
{{GalleryStart}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975 Pin Pong Flyer - Front.jpg
|title=Flyer (front)
|date=1975
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryCard
|file=1975 Pin Pong Flyer - Back.jpg
|title=Flyer (back)
|date=1975
|country=US
}}
{{GalleryEnd}}

[[Category:Game]]

Bill Nutting

2025-02-13T17:10:40Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Created page.

{{InfoboxPerson
|image =
|birth_date = May 3, 1926
|birth_place = {{Flag-US}} Illinois
|death_date = July 18, 2008
}}

William Gilbert Nutting was an American business executive and founder of the coin-operated game company [[Nutting Associates]], most famous for the release of the game ''[[Computer Space]]'' in 1971.

== Photos ==

<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
ComputerSpace1971MOA.jpeg
</gallery>

== Interviews ==

== References ==

<references />

[[Category:Person]]

File:ComputerSpace1971MOA.jpeg

2025-02-13T17:05:57Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: /* Summary */ Clarified the text and added links.

== Summary ==
{{Information
|Publication=Cash Box
|Date=1971-10-30
|DownloadedFrom=https://archive.org/details/cashbox33unse_17/page/n53/
|Description=Display of ''[[Computer Space]]'' at the 1971 Music Operators of American Show in Chicago, IL. Leftmost facing the camera is [[Bill Nutting]] of Nutting Associates; next to him facing the camera is [[Dave Ralston]] of Nutting Associates; facing away from the camera playing ''Computer Space'' appears to be [[Nolan Bushnell]] of Nutting Associates; rightmost facing the camera is operator John Whipps.
}}

Mirco Games

2025-02-13T16:59:18Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Fixed description and Video Gameography section.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Mirco Games
|image =
|founders =
|incorporation =
|defunct =
|mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/company/mirco-inc}}

Mirco Games Inc. was a manufacturer of coin-operated games based in Phoenix, Arizona founded in 1973. The company was a subsidiary of electronics manufacturer Mirco Inc, producing foosball tables and coin-operated video games through the 1970s. They notably created a few of the earliest games incorporating microprocessors, including The Spirit of ’76, the first commercially available pinball utilizing the technology. The company was eventually sold in 1980 to Amstar Electronics.

== Video Gameography ==

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Game !! Developer !! Release Date !! Notes
|-
| [[Champion Ping-Pong]] || Mirco Games || 1973 || Originally released as Arizona Automation, later as Mirco Games.
|-
| [[Challenge (1974)|Challenge]] || Mirco Games || April 1974
|-
| [[Slam]] || Mirco Games || August 1974
|-
| [[Scramble (1975)|Scramble]] || Lynn Kurtz || June 1975
|-
| [[PT-109]] || Mirco Games || 1975
|-
| [[Skywar]] || Mirco Games || May 1976
|-
| 21 || Mirco Games || September 1976 || Video gambling game.
|-
| Super Stud || Mirco Games || December 1976 || Video gambling game.
|-
| Super 21 || Mirco Games || August 1977 || Video gambling game.
|-
| [[Formula M Vroom]] || Mirco Games || November 1977
|-
| [[Dawn Patrol (1978)]] || Mirco Games || June 1978
|-
| Hold & Draw || Mirco Games || 1978 || Video gambling game.
|-
| Break In || Mirco Games || 1978 || Video gambling game.
|-
| Hi-Lo Jackpot || Mirco Games || 1979 || Video gambling game.
|}

== Ads ==
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1975-09 Play Meter pg 38.png|(1975)
</gallery>

== Histories ==

== Interviews ==

== Books ==

[[Category:Company]]

Scramble (1975)

2025-02-13T16:48:37Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Clarified it was not a Pong clone and added credits, based on my interview with the designer.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Scramble
|image = 1975-05 Play Meter pg 41.png
|developer = Lynn Kurtz
|publisher = Mirco Games
|date = 1975}}

''Scramble'' was a coin-operated, electronic game released by Mirco Games in 1975. The display of the game used a series of light-emitting diodes.

== Advertisement ==
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1975-05 Play Meter pg 41.png|(1975)
1975-06+07 Play Meter pg 12.png|(1975)
1975-10 Play Meter pg 66 02.png|(1975)
</gallery>

== Photos ==
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1975-05 Play Meter pg 25.png|(1975)
</gallery>

== Game credits ==

{{Credits begin}}
{{Credits line|Game Designer, Hardware Designer = Lynn Kurtz}}
{{Credits end}}

== Interviews ==

* Lynn Kurtz interview by Ethan Johnson on September 12, 2018.

[[Category:Game]]

Playtime

2025-02-13T16:42:07Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Rewrote gameplay section.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Playtime
|image = 1974 Playtime Flyer 01.jpg
|developer = (Unknown)
|publisher = [[Midway Mfg]]
|date = 1974
|mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/game/arcade/playtime}}

''Playtime'' is a ball-and-paddle game released by Midway Mfg in 1974. It's a variation on the game [[Pong]] with a number of additional features, including a set of joysticks for controlling the paddles.

== Gameplay ==

The gameplay is similar to ''Pong'', where two players compete to bypass their opponent and score points. By default, a player must score eleven points to win, but the game also has a time limit of five minutes before it would end the game. At the base of the game's bezel, a switch allows the player to increase the overall speed of the ball. When the ball is served to the loser of the last point, they will only be served after remaining stationary for a period of time.

The format of the screen is different than ''Pong'', featuring visible vertical boundaries. The player's joystick allows them to move anywhere in their half of the screen, enabling unique return volleys. Score markers for each player appear at the start of each round inside the court, then disappear before the ball is served; this was advertised as a non-invasive game feature.

== Advertisement ==

<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1974-03 Vending Times pg 78 03.png|(1974)
</gallery>

=== Flyers ===
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1974 Playtime Flyer 01.jpg|(1974)
</gallery>

== Photos ==

=== Trade Shows ===
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1974-02 Vending Times pg 48 11.png|(1974)
</gallery>

[[Category:Game]]

Speed Race

2025-02-13T16:25:10Z

HistoryofHowWePlay: Minor clarification and shifting placement.

{{InfoboxGame
|title = Speed Race
|image = 1974 Speed Race Flyer 01 - Front.jpg
|developer = Taito Corp
|publisher = Taito Corp
|date = 1974
|mobygames = https://www.mobygames.com/game/arcade/racer____}}

''Speed Race'' is a top-down racing game produced by Taito Corporation in 1974 under their Taitronics label. The game is notable as an early video [[racing]] game, establishing a format and a franchise which persisted for several years. It features the first use of an endless world through an early method of [[scrolling]] graphics.

The game was licensed to Midway Mfg in 1975 and released as ''Wheels'' in the US where it became a big success in the early video game market. Wheels features the addition of the score and the time being integrated into the video display at the top of the screen as well as a change of the gear shift to a lever which controlled the maximum acceleration of the car.

== Gameplay ==

Players control an on screen car via a steering wheel, an acceleration pedal, and a gear shift to get the most points by continuously driving along the road within the time limit. Several features of the game are not portrayed by the video screen but are instead peripheral to the screen on the cabinet. Scores for the first and second players are shown via a set of LED displays as well as the time left remaining in the round. In the upright and deluxe versions of the game, there is also a speedometer tracking the player's trajectory. Players can extend their game time by reaching a particular score. The game features two-player [[trade-off multiplayer]].

The scrolling in ''Speed Race'' is achieved by shifting a continuous loop of enemy vehicles off the top of the screen and on from below (this is visible in the game's idle attract mode). Lines on the side of the road also constantly move with the relative speed of the vehicle. Because there is not and variance in scenery, some have argued whether this can be considered a scrolling video game.

== History ==

Designer Tomohiro Nishikado had been inspired in his youth by the electro-mechanical driving game ''Mini Drive'' by [[Kansai Seiki]] (Kasco), one of his favorite coin-operated games. His first electro-mechanical game design for Taito was ''Super Road Seven'', a combination of the technology used in Kasco's ''Speedway'' and the model car racing of ''Mini Drive''.

In 1974, Nishikado was introduced to Atari's ''[[Gran Trak 10]]''. He was unimpressed with the gameplay which he felt was too slow and precise compared to the speedy gameplay of the electro-mechanical driving games. He endeavored to create a game which replicated the experience of ''Super Road Seven'' in video game form, utilizing the [[transistor-transistor logic]] design he had used in his previous games.

As ''Speed Race'' was ready to be manufactured, Taito management decided that the expense of the game warranted a play price of 100 yen rather than the standard 50 yen. Worried that this would hurt the success of the game with players, Nishikado added a dip switch option for an operator to charge 50 yen as an option. The game became a success even with the 100 yen price point with few operators making the change.

=== International Releases ===

Taito licensed ''Speed Race'' to [[Midway Mfg]] who had previously released Taito's ''[[TV Basketball]]''. The game was unchanged from the original, save for a different cabinet design. Released as ''Wheels'' in 1975, it was very successful for Midway and was one of the highest-selling cabinets of 1975 with 2,400 cabinets sold. Midway also released the game as ''Racer'' with the only difference being a seat attached to the cabinet.

In Australia, the game was released under the Fuji Japan logo by [[Leisure & Allied Industries]].

=== Series ===

''Speed Race'' was the first in a series of games released by Taito until 1985.

=== Legacy ===

The gameplay of ''Speed Race'' was copied and iterated by many other companies who created video racing games.

Mattel's ''[[Auto Race]]'' handheld game largely copies the model of ''Speed Race''.

== Announcement ==
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1975-03 Play Meter pg 59 02.png|(1975)
1975-04 Play Meter pg 52 02.png|(1975)
1975-06+07 Play Meter pg 42-43.png|(1975)
</gallery>

== Advertisement ==

=== Japanese Release ===
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1974 Speed Race Flyer 01 - Front.jpg|(1974)
1974 Speed Race Flyer 01 - Back.png|(1974)
1974 Speed Race Flyer 02 - Front.jpg|(1974)
1974 Speed Race Flyer 02 - Back.png|(1974)
</gallery>

=== US Release ===
<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1975 Wheels Flyer 01.jpg|(1975)
1975 Wheels Flyer 02.jpg|(1975)
1975 Wheels - Racer Flyer 01.jpg|(1975)
1975-05 Play Meter pg 32.png|(1975)
1975-06+07 Play Meter pg 27.png|(1975)
1975-08 Play Meter pg 41.png|(1975)
</gallery>

=== Australian Release ===

<gallery widths="180px" heights="180px">
1974 Speed Race Flyer 03.jpg|(1974)
</gallery>

== Game credits ==

{{Credits begin}}
{{Credits line|Game Designer, Hardware Designer = Tomohiro Nishikado}}
{{Credits end}}

== Videos ==

<youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5jc9_xrD2_M</youtube>

[[Category:Game]]