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Period: to
Before
Scientists and general public explore the possibility that machines might not only think - but also play -
Period: to
Early days
Early computer scientists begin using games to test the limits and potential of their programs -
Noughts and crosses
A.S Douglas creates OXO (a game known as noughts and crosses in the UK) on Cambridge's EDSAC computer as part of his research on human-computer interactions -
Period: to
1960s
As mainframe computers become more widespread in government, business, and university labs, more people begin designing innovative games for them -
Spacewar
MIT Student Steve Russell invents Spacewar!, the first computer-based video game. Over the following decade, the game spreads to computers across the country. -
Period: to
1970s
Video games reach mass audiences through coin-operated arcade games and home consoles. -
Atari 2600
Atari releases the Video Computer system, more commonly known as Atari 2600. Featuring a joystick, interchangeable cartridges, games in colour, and switches for selecting games and setting difficulty levels, it makes millions of Americans home video game players. -
Period: to
1980s
Video game arcades reach their heyday as home consoles - led by Nintendo - begin to take sway -
Donkey Kong
Video game fans go ape over Nintendo's Donkey Kong, featuring a character that would become world-famous: Jumpman, better known as Mario, the name he took when his creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, makes him the star of a later game by Nintendo -
Period: to
1990s
Console wars heat up and computer game makers begin to explore the possibilities of playing on the Internet. -
Playstation
Sony releases Playstation in the United States, selling for $100 less than Sega Saturn. The lower price point, along with the arrival of Nintendo 64 in 1996, weakens Sega's home console business. When Sony PlayStation 2 debuts in 2000, it becomes the dominant home console and Sega exits the home console business. -
Period: to
2000s
Online play- whether on console or computer- comes to the fore. -
Xbox
Microsoft enters the video game market with Xbox and hit games like Halo: Combat Evolved. Four years later, Xbox 360 gains millions of fans with its advanced graphics and seamless online play