Pong, an iconic video game released in 1972 by Atari, was the second commercially successful arcade paddleball video game. But what is lesser known is that there were several other paddleball games that came before it. In this article, we will delve into the history of paddleball and uncover the truth behind Pong’s claim to fame as the second video game.
The Early Days of Video Games
In the early days of video games, paddleball was one of the first popular games to emerge. The concept is simple: two players control paddles on either side of the screen and try to hit a ball back and forth while avoiding obstacles or other players. Paddleball has its roots in earlier games such as Tennis for Two, which was released in 1958 by William Higinbotham.
Tennis for Two was a simple tennis-like game that used an oscilloscope screen to display the action. It was designed as a stress reliever for engineers working on the WACOM computer at MIT, and it quickly became popular among the staff. In 1962, Tennis for Two was commercialized by Computer Space and renamed Pong, after the sound that the ball made when it hit the paddles.
The Birth of Pong Clones
As Pong gained popularity, other companies began to develop their own versions of the game. These games, known as Pong clones, were often released before the official version of Pong and had different names or features. One of the most famous Pong clones was Computer Space’s 1963 release, Tennis for Two: The Original Version.
Another notable clone was Computer Space’s 1965 release, Ping Pong, which added a third player and a ball that bounced off the walls of the screen. In 1966, Taito released its own version of paddleball called Table Tennis, which had a unique feature of two balls playing against each other instead of one.
The Evolution of Pong
As the technology for video games advanced, so did the evolution of paddleball. In 1972, Atari released its version of paddleball, which would become the most successful and iconic version of the game. This version of Pong added several new features, including power-ups that allowed players to increase their paddle speed and score more points.
Atari also introduced a new scoring system that rewarded players for hitting the ball over the opponent’s paddle instead of just scoring goals. This added an element of strategy to the game and made it even more challenging for players.
The Impact of Pong
Pong had a significant impact on the video game industry and popular culture as a whole. It was one of the first video games to be widely distributed in arcades, and its popularity paved the way for other video games to follow. Pong also introduced the concept of high scores and leaderboards, which are still used today in many modern video games.
Pong’s success also led to the development of new genres of video games, such as sports games and puzzle games. It also inspired a new generation of game developers who were inspired by Pong’s simplicity and addictive gameplay.
The Legacy of Pong
Today, Pong is still enjoyed by gamers around the world, and it remains an iconic symbol of the early days of video games. Its influence can be seen in many modern video games, from sports games to puzzle games. Pong’s legacy lives on, and its impact on popular culture cannot be overstated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pong was not the second video game as it is often claimed. There were several paddleball games that came before it, including Tennis for Two and Computer Space’s 1963 release, Tennis for Two: The Original Version. However, Pong did have a significant impact on the video game industry and popular culture as a whole, and its legacy continues to be felt today.
