History of Video Games

First Ever Video Game

1940

In 1940, Edward Condon invented "Nim." It was the first ever video game. You play against the machine, & the machine wins 90% of the time.

First Video Game Based on a Real Life Game

1952

in 1952, A.S. Douglass creates "OXO." It is based on the game "TIc-Tac-Toe." It was the first of many games to be based on a game that is played in real life.

First Ever Video Game Based on a Sport

1958

In 1958, William Higinbotham & Robert Dvorak created "Tennis for Two." It was the first video game based on a sport. It inspired the later game, "Pong."

First Computer-Based Video Game

1962

In 1962, Steve Russell created "Spacewar!" It was the first of many space-themed video games. It was also the first computer-based video game.

First Ever Video Game Console

1967

In 1967, Ralph Baer created the "Brown Box." It was the first ever video game console. It ran games like ping-pong, checkers, target shooting & golf.

First Arcade Video Game

1972

in 1972, Nolan Bushnell & Al Alcorn create "Pong." It was the first ever arcade game. It was based on the earlier video game, "Tennis for Two."

Best-Selling Arcade Game

1982

In 1980, Toru Iwatani created Pac-Man with Namco. 2 years later, Namco created Ms. Pac-Man. It became the best-selling arcade game of all time.

First 3D Game System

1995

in 1995, Sega created the "Sega Saturn." It was the first 32-bit console. It was also the first console that used CDs.

Best-Selling Computer Game

2000

In 2000, Will Wright creates "The Sims." It becomes the best-selling computer game of all time. It also becomes the most popular video game for females.

First Half-Mobile, Half-Console Game System

2017

IN 2017, Nintendo created the "Nintendo Switch." It is the first half-moblie, half-console game system. You can play each game on your TV at home, or you can play them on the switch screen & take it wherever you go.