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What was the first video game?

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Video games are one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the world. But what is the first video game ever created? The answer to this question is not as simple as you might think. The definition of a video game can be quite ambiguous, and several games could claim the title of “first video game”. In this article, we will explore the history of video games and discuss which game deserves the title of “first”.

What defines a video game?

There is no single answer to this question, as the definition of a video game can vary depending on who you ask. However, most people would agree that there are some common elements that make up a video game. Generally, a video game involves using some sort of electronic device to interact with an image on the screen. Interaction can be as simple as pressing a button to move something on the screen, or it can be more complex, like using a joystick to control an in-game character.

Some people might also argue that video games have to be interactive to qualify as such. This means that the player must have some control over what happens in the game and there must be some sort of goal or objective to achieve. However, some games could be considered “non-interactive” video games, such as those that are purely visual or auditory in nature.

With all that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the contenders for the “first video game” title.

Tennis for Two by William Higinbotham

Tennis for two on a DuMont Lab Type 304-A oscilloscope (Image: Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL)/Wikimedia Commons)

One of the earliest examples of a video game is “Tennis for Two”, created in 1958. This game was played on an oscilloscope and used two controllers connected to the device. Although “Tennis for Two” is not technically a video game by today’s standards, it is considered one of the earliest examples of interactive electronic entertainment.

A reproduced version of the game, built at Brookhaven for the game’s 25th anniversary (Video: William Hunter/Wikimedia Commons)

OXO by AS Douglas

OXO played in an EDSAC simulator for the classic Mac OS
OXO played in an EDSAC simulator for the classic Mac OS (Image: Matan2001 / Wikimedia Commons)

In 1962, a man named AS Douglas created a program called “OXO” for the EDSAC computer. “OXO” was a simple tic-tac-toe game that could be played by two people. Douglas programmed the game as part of a thesis on human-computer interaction at the University of Cambridge. This game is often considered the first video game allowing two players to compete against each other. While the screenshot suggests a small setup, the actual hardware needed to run this game was far from home entertainment.

The Automatic Electronic Delay Storage Calculator in 1948
The Electronic Delay Storage Automatic Calculator (EDSAC) in 1948 (Image: Computing Laboratory, University of Cambridge/Wikimedia Commons)

Magnavox Odyssey by Sanders Associates

Table tennis game for the Odyssey on a CRT TV, no overlay
Table tennis game for the Odyssey on a CRT TV, no overlay (Image: Magnavox/Wikimedia Commons)

The first commercially available video game console was the Magnavox Odyssey, released in 1972. This system came with a handful of games, including one that allowed users to simulate a tennis match. The Odyssey is also known for being the first home video game console that could be connected to a television.

A Magnavox Odyssey and one of its two controllers
A Magnavox Odyssey and one of its two controllers (Image: Evan Amos/Wikimedia Commons)

Computer space

Single-player computer space game; the player's rocket is in the center, with the flying saucers to the right above and below the player score, computer score, and time remaining.
Single-player computer space game; the player’s rocket is in the center, with the flying saucers to the right above and below the player score, computer score, and time remaining. (Image: Syzygy Engineering, Nutting Associates/Wikimedia Commons)

The first arcade video game is often cited as “Computer Space” as early as 1971. This game was created by Nolan Bushnell, who later founded the Atari company. “Computer Space” was a space-themed game played on a dedicated console. It is widely considered the first commercially successful arcade video game.

IT Space Control Panel
Computer Space Control Panel (Image: Gaetan Lee/Wikimedia Commons)

Conclusion

There are several other games that could claim the title of “first video game”. However, the games listed above are some of the most widely recognized and accepted as pioneering titles in video game history. What is clear is that the history of video games is long and storied, with many milestones along the way. The first video game is a title that will probably be debated for years.

However, there is no doubt that the games listed above have had a significant impact on the world of gaming and home entertainment. Did the developers at the time have any idea what they were about to do when they tinkered on these projects? Who could ever anticipate that gaming would become a major entertainment industry and finally a way of life for many of us? The research for this article really amazed me, and I hope you enjoyed reading it as well.

If you want to dive deeper into the history of video games, also be sure to watch the YouTube video below by ColdFusion Channel’s Dagogo Altraide for more information.

YouTube: Early History of Video Games (1948 – 1972)

Photo credit: The image for the report was produced by Allan Swart. Credit for all other images has been placed just below the photos.

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