Summary

• Release Year: 1971
• Genres: Arcade, Shooter
• Platforms: Arcade
• Developers: Atari
• Publishers: Nutting Associates

Computer Space (1971): The Dawn of a Digital Revolution

In the annals of video game history, few titles hold as much significance as Computer Space. Released in 1971 by Nutting Associates, this groundbreaking game is widely recognized as the world’s first commercially sold coin-operated video game, predating the likes of Pong and the Magnavox Odyssey.

Origins and Development

The genesis of Computer Space can be traced back to Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney, two enterprising engineers who shared a passion for electronics and gaming. In the late 1960s, they frequented a local bar called The Dutch Goose, where they would often play a popular coin-operated game called Spacewar!

Inspired by Spacewar!, Bushnell and Dabney set out to create their own coin-operated video game. They envisioned a game that was more accessible and user-friendly than Spacewar!, which required a large mainframe computer to run.

With the help of a small team of engineers, Bushnell and Dabney developed a prototype for their game, which they named Computer Space. The game featured simple but engaging gameplay, with players controlling a spaceship that fired missiles at enemy flying saucers.

Commercial Release and Impact

In August 1971, Computer Space was location tested at The Dutch Goose. The response from players was overwhelmingly positive, and Bushnell and Dabney soon secured a deal with Nutting Associates to produce and distribute the game.

Computer Space officially debuted at the MOA show in October 1971 and was released to arcades in November 1971. The game was an instant success, with arcades across the country reporting long lines of eager players.

Computer Space’s success not only marked the birth of the video game industry but also had a profound impact on popular culture. It introduced a new form of entertainment that would go on to captivate generations of gamers.

Gameplay

Computer Space is a simple yet addictive game. Players control a spaceship that moves left and right at the bottom of the screen. Two flying saucers move back and forth at the top of the screen, firing missiles at the player’s spaceship.

The player’s objective is to shoot down the flying saucers while avoiding their missiles. The game becomes increasingly difficult as the flying saucers speed up and fire more frequently.

Legacy

Computer Space may not have the graphical fidelity or complex gameplay of modern video games, but its historical significance cannot be overstated. It was the first commercially successful video game, and it paved the way for the development of countless other games that have entertained and captivated people around the world.

Computer Space is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of its creators. It is a game that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire and entertain gamers to this day.

Additional Information

• Computer Space was the first video game to feature a microprocessor, the Intel 8008.
• The game was originally designed to be played with a trackball, but this was later changed to a joystick.
• Computer Space was not a commercial success, with only around 1,500 units sold.
• Despite its commercial failure, Computer Space is considered to be one of the most important video games in history.
• In 2015, Computer Space was inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame.

Review Score

7.5/10

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