S u r v e y o f D i g i t a l G a m e s Early Cartridge Consoles –> Video Game Crash

Atari VCS (2600) The Atari 2600, released in October 1977, is the first successful video game console to use plug-in cartridges instead of having one or more games built in Nolan Bushnell decided it was too hard and expensive to build single home versions of popular arcade games By the time the home versions were released they would lose popularity in the arcade. Assembled a team of star engineers-Joe Decuir, Steve Mayer, Ron Milner and Jay Miner. Code-named Stella after Decuir’s bicycle “ Have you played Atari today” : The slogan for the Atari VCS.

The Atari 2600, released in October 1977, is the first successful video game console to use plug-in cartridges instead of having one or more games built in

Nolan Bushnell decided it was too hard and expensive to build single home versions of popular arcade games

By the time the home versions were released they would lose popularity in the arcade.

Assembled a team of star engineers-Joe Decuir, Steve Mayer, Ron Milner and Jay Miner.

Code-named Stella after Decuir’s bicycle

“ Have you played Atari today” : The slogan for the Atari VCS.

Atari VCS (Tech Specs) Used Mos Technologies 8-bit 6507 CPU running at 1.19 MHz, a cut down version of the 6502 Atari TIA chip handled graphics and sound, supported a sprite for each player, a “ball” and two “missiles” and handled analog input from the joystick controllers 160x~192 pixels, 128 colors possible, but only 16 could be displayed at a time on screen 128 bytes of RAM that could be supplemented by up to 256 bytes built on to the cartridges 2 screw less DB9 controller connections Cartridge ROM limited to 4KB No frame buffer, had to draw a line on the screen as it was being displayed - many games did not run fast enough to draw the first few pixels, leading to black bars on the left of the screen The 2600 was typically bundled with two joystick controllers, a conjoined pair of paddle controllers, and a cartridge game.

Used Mos Technologies 8-bit 6507 CPU running at 1.19 MHz, a cut down version of the 6502

Atari TIA chip handled graphics and sound, supported a sprite for each player, a “ball” and two “missiles” and handled analog input from the joystick controllers

160x~192 pixels, 128 colors possible, but only 16 could be displayed at a time on screen

128 bytes of RAM that could be supplemented by up to 256 bytes built on to the cartridges

2 screw less DB9 controller connections

Cartridge ROM limited to 4KB

No frame buffer, had to draw a line on the screen as it was being displayed - many games did not run fast enough to draw the first few pixels, leading to black bars on the left of the screen

The 2600 was typically bundled with two joystick controllers, a conjoined pair of paddle controllers, and a cartridge game.

Atari VCS (The Launch) Atari simply didn't have the cash flow to complete the system quickly, given that sales of their own PONG systems were cooling Nolan Bushnell sold Atari to Warner Communications in 1976 for $28 million on the promise that Stella would be produced as soon as possible The initial price was $199 with a library of 9 titles, including Combat In 1977 Atari sold only 250,000 VCSs. In 1978 only 550,000 units from a production run of 800,000 were sold, requiring further financial support from Warner to cover losses Bushnell didn’t like the Warner (big business) way of running things, was fired in 1978 (took Chuck E. Cheese idea with him)

Atari simply didn't have the cash flow to complete the system quickly, given that sales of their own PONG systems were cooling

Nolan Bushnell sold Atari to Warner Communications in 1976 for $28 million on the promise that Stella would be produced as soon as possible

The initial price was $199 with a library of 9 titles, including Combat

In 1977 Atari sold only 250,000 VCSs.

In 1978 only 550,000 units from a production run of 800,000 were sold, requiring further financial support from Warner to cover losses

Bushnell didn’t like the Warner (big business) way of running things, was fired in 1978 (took Chuck E. Cheese idea with him)

Atari VCS (The Rise) Initially did not sell enough units making Warner nervous Taito rescues Atari by licensing Space invader for Atari’s Home Consoles Atari grossed 415 Million USD after the move Released Defender, Missile Command & Asteroids.

Initially did not sell enough units making Warner nervous

Taito rescues Atari by licensing Space invader for Atari’s Home Consoles

Atari grossed 415 Million USD after the move

Released Defender, Missile Command & Asteroids.

Atari 2600 Games The good, the bad, the ugly

The good, the bad, the ugly

Space Invaders Atari 1980 Turning point for Atari 2600 Original created by Taito, but now associated with Atari due to their conversion of it on 2600 Huge success 112 different versions of game

Atari 1980

Turning point for Atari 2600

Original created by Taito, but now associated with Atari due to their conversion of it on 2600

Huge success

112 different versions of game

Pitfall First platform game Best selling Atari 2600 game Player moves Harry through maze-like jungle, avoiding obstacles Climbs, runs, swings on vine

First platform game

Best selling Atari 2600 game

Player moves Harry through maze-like jungle, avoiding obstacles

Climbs, runs, swings on vine

Chopper Command Activision’s (improved) Ripoff of Atari’s Defender Controls military helicopter, protecting tractor trailers on ground by shooting enemies Radar to detect off-screen aircraft Laser effect for shots

Activision’s (improved) Ripoff of Atari’s Defender

Controls military helicopter, protecting tractor trailers on ground by shooting enemies

Radar to detect off-screen aircraft

Laser effect for shots

Combat Atari 1977 (launch title) Based on earlier Tank and Anti-Aircraft Various combat scenarios: tanks, jet fighters, biplanes, each with additional options

Atari 1977 (launch title)

Based on earlier Tank and Anti-Aircraft

Various combat scenarios: tanks, jet fighters, biplanes, each with additional options

River Raid Activision 1982 Scrolling shooter Player controls plane, shoots enemies below Fly-over Refuel areas

Activision 1982

Scrolling shooter

Player controls plane, shoots enemies below

Fly-over Refuel areas

H.E.R.O. Activision 1984 “ H elicopter E quipped R escue O peration” Platformer in Underground mines Player has helicopter backpack, laser beam, dynamites Goal to rescue trapped worker

Activision 1984

“ H elicopter E quipped R escue O peration”

Platformer in Underground mines

Player has helicopter backpack, laser beam, dynamites

Goal to rescue trapped worker

Adventure First action-adventure game? Inspired by text game, Colossal Cave Adventure Atari 1979 Had first video game Easter egg, by designer Warner Robinett

First action-adventure game?

Inspired by text game, Colossal Cave Adventure

Atari 1979

Had first video game Easter egg, by designer Warner Robinett

Yar’s Revenge Atari 1981 Very popular Player controls Yar, who nibbles or shoots through barrier in order to fire cannon and destroy enemy Enemy can become “Swirl” and attack Yar, who is given a pre-warning Neutral zone – no harm, no shoot Game included comic book about story

Atari 1981

Very popular

Player controls Yar, who nibbles or shoots through barrier in order to fire cannon and destroy enemy

Enemy can become “Swirl” and attack Yar, who is given a pre-warning

Neutral zone – no harm, no shoot

Game included comic book about story

Pac-Man 1982 Atari (Badly done) adaptation of arcade version Production too rushed Produced more cartridges than Ataris (expected desire to play game would result in console sales) 5 million unsold Monsters=“ghosts” now, due to flickering Ghosts are dumb (no AI)

1982 Atari

(Badly done) adaptation of arcade version

Production too rushed

Produced more cartridges than Ataris (expected desire to play game would result in console sales)

5 million unsold

Monsters=“ghosts” now, due to flickering

Ghosts are dumb (no AI)

E.T. Atari 1982 One of worst video games ever produced? Sales could not meet expectations Excess cartridges dumped in New Mexico Failure contributed to video game crash and Atari’s death Goal of game is to move E.T. around to find phone pieces, avoid agents Limited energy points- movement depletes energy Atari CEO predicted it was bad idea before production (he was right)

Atari 1982

One of worst video games ever produced?

Sales could not meet expectations

Excess cartridges dumped in New Mexico

Failure contributed to video game crash and Atari’s death

Goal of game is to move E.T. around to find phone pieces, avoid agents

Limited energy points- movement depletes energy

Atari CEO predicted it was bad idea before production (he was right)

Atari VCS (The Fall) Even though it was successful, Atari was painful to program. Only 4K of memory allowed (unless “bank-switching” used) Programmers for Atari grew restless. While Atari made millions, they were treated like mere employees No game had game credits during that time As a result 4 of Atari’s best programmers left to form Activision Activision directly competed with Atari cartridges for creating the worlds first 3 rd Party Game Following suit many companies starting building cartridges This influx led to too many games (most of them crappy)

Even though it was successful, Atari was painful to program.

Only 4K of memory allowed (unless “bank-switching” used)

Programmers for Atari grew restless.

While Atari made millions, they were treated like mere employees

No game had game credits during that time

As a result 4 of Atari’s best programmers left to form Activision

Activision directly competed with Atari cartridges for creating the worlds first 3 rd Party Game

Following suit many companies starting building cartridges

This influx led to too many games (most of them crappy)

Odyssey 2 Announced in 1977 by Magnavox Revolved around the new MUGS-1, game chip that could play 24 games. Like the Odyssey 2100, it was to be a dedicated 4 player system. Odyssey² followed in the steps of the Fairchild Channel F and Atari 2600 by being designed to play programmable ROM game cartridges. Released for USD199

Announced in 1977 by Magnavox

Revolved around the new MUGS-1, game chip that could play 24 games.

Like the Odyssey 2100, it was to be a dedicated 4 player system.

Odyssey² followed in the steps of the Fairchild Channel F and Atari 2600 by being designed to play programmable ROM game cartridges.

Released for USD199

Odyssey 2 (Tech Specs) CPU Intel 8048 8-bit microcontroller running at 1.79 MHz Memory: CPU-internal RAM: 64 bytes (1/16 KB) Audio/video RAM: 128 bytes (1/8 KB) BIOS ROM: 1024 bytes (1 KB) Input: Two 8-way, one-button, digital joysticks. In the first production runs of the Magnavox Odyssey and the Philips 7000, these were permanently attached to the console; in later models, they were removable and replaceable. QWERTY-layout membrane keyboard Output: RF Audio/Video connector Media: ROM cartridges, typically 2KB, 4KB, or 8KB in size. Expansion modules: The Voice - provides speech synthesis & enhanced sound effects Chess Module - The Odyssey2 didn't have enough memory and computing power for a decent implementation of chess on its own, so the C7010 chess module contained a secondary CPU with its own extra memory to run the chess program.

CPU

Intel 8048 8-bit microcontroller running at 1.79 MHz

Memory:

CPU-internal RAM: 64 bytes (1/16 KB)

Audio/video RAM: 128 bytes (1/8 KB)

BIOS ROM: 1024 bytes (1 KB)

Input:

Two 8-way, one-button, digital joysticks. In the first production runs of the Magnavox Odyssey and the Philips 7000, these were permanently attached to the console; in later models, they were removable and replaceable.

QWERTY-layout membrane keyboard

Output:

RF Audio/Video connector

Media:

ROM cartridges, typically 2KB, 4KB, or 8KB in size.

Expansion modules:

The Voice - provides speech synthesis & enhanced sound effects

Chess Module - The Odyssey2 didn't have enough memory and computing power for a decent implementation of chess on its own, so the C7010 chess module contained a secondary CPU with its own extra memory to run the chess program.

Odyssey 2 (Uniqueness) The Odyssey² was the first home video game console to introduce what was to become the standard joystick design of the 1970s and 80s: a moderately sized black joystick unit, held in one hand, with an eight-direction stick that was manipulated with the other hand One of the strongest points of the system was its excellent speech synthesis unit, which was released as an add-on for speech, music, and sound-effects enhancement The area that the Odyssey² may well be best remembered for was its pioneering fusion of board and video games e.g.: The Master Strategy Series. All games were programmed by one man-Ed Averett. He built over 25 titles.

The Odyssey² was the first home video game console to introduce what was to become the standard joystick design of the 1970s and 80s: a moderately sized black joystick unit, held in one hand, with an eight-direction stick that was manipulated with the other hand

One of the strongest points of the system was its excellent speech synthesis unit, which was released as an add-on for speech, music, and sound-effects enhancement

The area that the Odyssey² may well be best remembered for was its pioneering fusion of board and video games e.g.: The Master Strategy Series.

All games were programmed by one man-Ed Averett. He built over 25 titles.

Odyssey 2 (The Release) The Odyssey² sold moderately well in the US. Even without third-party developers, eventually (by 1983) over a million Odyssey² units were sold in the US alone. In Europe and Brazil, the Odyssey² did very well on the market. In Europe, widely known as the Philips Videopac G7000, or just the Videopac The Odyssey² was released in Japan in December 1982 by Kōton Trading Toitarii Enterprise

The Odyssey² sold moderately well in the US.

Even without third-party developers, eventually (by 1983) over a million Odyssey² units were sold in the US alone.

In Europe and Brazil, the Odyssey² did very well on the market.

In Europe, widely known as the Philips Videopac G7000, or just the Videopac

The Odyssey² was released in Japan in December 1982 by Kōton Trading Toitarii Enterprise

Intellivision Released by Mattel in 1980; development of the console began in 1978 in Fresno, CA Price tag of $299 and a pack-in game: Las Vegas Blackjack It was the first to pose a serious threat to Atari's dominance In that first year Mattel sold 175,000 Intellivision consoles, and the library grew to 19 games from 4. All Intellivision games were developed by an outside firm, APh The original five members of that Intellivision team were manager Gabriel Baum, Don Daglow, Rick Levine, Mike Minkoff and John Sohl. Over three million Intellivision consoles had been sold by, earning Mattel a $100,000,000 profit I find Intellivision sophisticated and lifelike

Released by Mattel in 1980; development of the console began in 1978 in Fresno, CA

Price tag of $299 and a pack-in game: Las Vegas Blackjack

It was the first to pose a serious threat to Atari's dominance

In that first year Mattel sold 175,000 Intellivision consoles, and the library grew to 19 games from 4.

All Intellivision games were developed by an outside firm, APh

The original five members of that Intellivision team were manager Gabriel Baum, Don Daglow, Rick Levine, Mike Minkoff and John Sohl.

Over three million Intellivision consoles had been sold by, earning Mattel a $100,000,000 profit

Intellivision (Tech Specs) General Instrument CP1610 16-bit microprocessor CPU running at 894.886 kHz (i.e., slightly less than 1 MHz) 1352 bytes of RAM: 240 × 8-bit Scratchpad Memory 352 × 16-bit (704 bytes) System Memory 512 × 8-bit Graphics RAM 7168 bytes of ROM: 4096 × 10-bit (5120 bytes) Executive ROM 2048 × 8-bit Graphics ROM 160 pixels wide by 196 pixels high (5×4 TV pixels make one Intellivision pixel) 16 color palette, all of which can be on the screen at once 8 sprites of size 8×8 or 8×16 Can be stretched horizontally (2×) or vertically (2×, 4× or 8×) Can be mirrored horizontally or vertically 3 channel sound, with 1 noise generator (audio chip: GI AY-3-8914)

General Instrument CP1610 16-bit microprocessor CPU running at 894.886 kHz (i.e., slightly less than 1 MHz)

1352 bytes of RAM:

240 × 8-bit Scratchpad Memory

352 × 16-bit (704 bytes) System Memory

512 × 8-bit Graphics RAM

7168 bytes of ROM:

4096 × 10-bit (5120 bytes) Executive ROM

2048 × 8-bit Graphics ROM

160 pixels wide by 196 pixels high (5×4 TV pixels make one Intellivision pixel)

16 color palette, all of which can be on the screen at once

8 sprites of size 8×8 or 8×16

Can be stretched horizontally (2×) or vertically (2×, 4× or 8×)

Can be mirrored horizontally or vertically

3 channel sound, with 1 noise generator (audio chip: GI AY-3-8914)

Intellivison (Innovations) First 16-bit game console, though some people have mistakenly referred to it as a 10-bit system because the CPU's instruction set and game cartridges are 10 bits wide. First system to feature downloadable games (though without a storage device the games vanished once the machine was turned off). Second game console to provide real-time human and robot voices in the middle of gameplay, courtesy of the IntelliVoice module. The first was Magnavox's voice module for the Odyssey2. Intellivision World Series Baseball, designed by Don Daglow and Eddie Dombrower and released in 1983, was the first video game to use the concept of displaying the action in simulated 3D through "camera angles" that emulated those used in TV sports coverage

First 16-bit game console, though some people have mistakenly referred to it as a 10-bit system because the CPU's instruction set and game cartridges are 10 bits wide.

First system to feature downloadable games (though without a storage device the games vanished once the machine was turned off).

Second game console to provide real-time human and robot voices in the middle of gameplay, courtesy of the IntelliVoice module. The first was Magnavox's voice module for the Odyssey2.

Intellivision World Series Baseball, designed by Don Daglow and Eddie Dombrower and released in 1983, was the first video game to use the concept of displaying the action in simulated 3D through "camera angles" that emulated those used in TV sports coverage

Atari Home Computers Seeing Apple’s success Atari decided to jump into the home computer market. Code named Candy and Colleen,based on MOS 6502, 8bit MP. Used serial I/O, preceded the USB. Graphics chipset used: ANTIC, CTIA, POKEY that produced 128 colors. First in the series was Atari 400/800 series sold by Sears. Moderately successful till it was sold to Jack Tramiel of Commodore who made Atari’s home computing division his top priority.

Seeing Apple’s success Atari decided to jump into the home computer market.

Code named Candy and Colleen,based on MOS 6502, 8bit MP.

Used serial I/O, preceded the USB.

Graphics chipset used: ANTIC, CTIA, POKEY that produced 128 colors.

First in the series was Atari 400/800 series sold by Sears.

Moderately successful till it was sold to Jack Tramiel of Commodore who made Atari’s home computing division his top priority.

Activision Activision was the first third-party game publisher Before Activision, video games were published exclusively by the makers of the systems the games were designed for. Game developers weren’t treated well in that system -they received no financial rewards for games that did well, and didn't even receive credit in the manuals. After watching a number of games turn into multi-million-dollar best sellers, a number of programmers decided they had had enough and left Atari Also With Nolan Bushnell gone from Atari, the new executives knew nothing about games

Activision was the first third-party game publisher

Before Activision, video games were published exclusively by the makers of the systems the games were designed for.

Game developers weren’t treated well in that system -they received no financial rewards for games that did well, and didn't even receive credit in the manuals.

After watching a number of games turn into multi-million-dollar best sellers, a number of programmers decided they had had enough and left Atari

Also With Nolan Bushnell gone from Atari, the new executives knew nothing about games

Activision The company was founded by former music industry executive Jim Levy and former Atari programmers David Crane, Larry Kaplan, Alan Miller and Bob Whitehead In 1982, Activision released Pitfall! , which is considered by many to be the first platform game as well as the best selling title on the 2600. In 1985, Activision merged with struggling text adventure pioneer Infocom Eventually, in 1989, after several years of losses, Activision closed down the Infocom studios in Cambridge, Massachusetts In 1988 Activision started to get involved in other types of software besides video games, such as business applications The decision of the company to get involved in various fields at the expense of video gaming proved to be a move so bad that in 1992 Mediagenic filed for Chapter 11 protection.

The company was founded by former music industry executive Jim Levy and former Atari programmers David Crane, Larry Kaplan, Alan Miller and Bob Whitehead

In 1982, Activision released Pitfall! , which is considered by many to be the first platform game as well as the best selling title on the 2600.

In 1985, Activision merged with struggling text adventure pioneer Infocom

Eventually, in 1989, after several years of losses, Activision closed down the Infocom studios in Cambridge, Massachusetts

In 1988 Activision started to get involved in other types of software besides video games, such as business applications

The decision of the company to get involved in various fields at the expense of video gaming proved to be a move so bad that in 1992 Mediagenic filed for Chapter 11 protection.

ACTIVISION Atari’s lack of recognition and compensation frustrated a large number of it’s employees Among them were four of Atari’s strongest assets David Crane Alan Miller Bob Whitehead Larry Kaplan They decided to team up and program cartridges for the Atari VCS on their own They quit Atari in 1979 and formed the first 3 rd party cartridge developer in history, Activision The first company to prominently credit it’s programmers and designers by featuring their names and pictures on the box

Atari’s lack of recognition and compensation frustrated a large number of it’s employees

Among them were four of Atari’s strongest assets

David Crane

Alan Miller

Bob Whitehead

Larry Kaplan

They decided to team up and program cartridges for the Atari VCS on their own

They quit Atari in 1979 and formed the first 3 rd party cartridge developer in history, Activision

The first company to prominently credit it’s programmers and designers by featuring their names and pictures on the box

ACTIVISION Dragster, released by Activision in 1980 was the first non-Atari cartridge sold for the VCS They came out with a few more games in 1981 like, Freeway (frogger-like), Kaboom, etc. These were good imitations of popular games Activision’s biggest achievement was the platformer, PITFALL Designed by David Crane, this platform game helped to define the genre, inspiring games like Super Mario Bros. and countless others He crammed the entire game in 4k of code It held the #1 Billboard ranking fir 64 weeks and remains one of the top selling games of all times Carol Shaw developed River Rade - First console game with vertical scrolling

Dragster, released by Activision in 1980 was the first non-Atari cartridge sold for the VCS

They came out with a few more games in 1981 like, Freeway (frogger-like), Kaboom, etc.

These were good imitations of popular games

Activision’s biggest achievement was the platformer, PITFALL

Designed by David Crane, this platform game helped to define the genre, inspiring games like Super Mario Bros. and countless others

He crammed the entire game in 4k of code

It held the #1 Billboard ranking fir 64 weeks and remains one of the top selling games of all times

Carol Shaw developed River Rade - First console game with vertical scrolling

ACTIVISION The most significant achievement of Activision was the fact that they prevailed in one of the most controversial videogame law-suits of all time Atari sued Activision in 1980 for a host of crimes including copyright and patent infringement Activision stood their ground – proving that competition had it’s place in the market- and allowing an entire generation of developers to follow in their wake Activision started to develop for more systems such as Intellivision They created a club house like consumer environment They gave patches and created fan memberships and fan based organisation around the company Today – Activision is one of the few Golden Age game developers who survived and still continues on as a powerful force in videogaming

The most significant achievement of Activision was the fact that they prevailed in one of the most controversial videogame law-suits of all time

Atari sued Activision in 1980 for a host of crimes including copyright and patent infringement

Activision stood their ground – proving that competition had it’s place in the market- and allowing an entire generation of developers to follow in their wake

Activision started to develop for more systems such as Intellivision

They created a club house like consumer environment

They gave patches and created fan memberships and fan based organisation around the company

Today – Activision is one of the few Golden Age game developers who survived and still continues on as a powerful force in videogaming

David Crane Atari ex-programmer, Activision co-founder Known for innovative and popular games Has won multiple awards for games Also invented a few integrated circuits Games: Outlaw (Atari), Freeway, Pitfall I & II, Ghostbusters, Little Computer People (Activision), A Boy and His Blob, The Rescue of Princess Blobette (Absolute Entertainment), Night Trap (Digital Pictures)

Atari ex-programmer, Activision co-founder

Known for innovative and popular games

Has won multiple awards for games

Also invented a few integrated circuits

Games: Outlaw (Atari), Freeway, Pitfall I & II, Ghostbusters, Little Computer People (Activision), A Boy and His Blob, The Rescue of Princess Blobette (Absolute Entertainment), Night Trap (Digital Pictures)

Game & Watch The first Game & Watch made was Ball, released on 28th April 1980 Innovative design - first handheld game system to use LCD screens Huge success in japan First use of “D-Pad” design; patented by Yokoi and still used Today Had 2 modes of play, simple controls,and built-in clock with alarm Inexpensive, lightweight, and long-lived. Game and Watch games continued to be produced from 1980 until 1991 59 different models total, with varying designs

The first Game & Watch made was Ball, released on 28th April 1980

Innovative design - first handheld game system to use LCD screens

Huge success in japan

First use of “D-Pad” design; patented by Yokoi and still used Today

Had 2 modes of play, simple controls,and built-in clock with alarm

Inexpensive, lightweight, and long-lived. Game and Watch games continued to be produced from 1980 until 1991

59 different models total, with varying designs

Game & Watch The disadvantage of the Game & Watch was that each unit was only able to play essentially one game, due to the LCD display being pre-printed with the images necessary for one game. Nintendo's Game & Watch units were eventually superseded by handheld game systems such as Nintendo's now popular Game Boy The Game & Watch made handhelds vastly popular. Many toy companies copied the footsteps the Game & Watch left behind, such as Tiger Electronics and their Star Wars themed games. In Russia Elektronika also made similar games.

The disadvantage of the Game & Watch was that each unit was only able to play essentially one game, due to the LCD display being pre-printed with the images necessary for one game.

Nintendo's Game & Watch units were eventually superseded by handheld game systems such as Nintendo's now popular Game Boy

The Game & Watch made handhelds vastly popular.

Many toy companies copied the footsteps the Game & Watch left behind, such as Tiger Electronics and their Star Wars themed games. In Russia Elektronika also made similar games.

Bally Professional Arcade Released in 1978, the Bally Professional Arcade was videogame maker Bally's only entry in to the home console market It was decided to base the new console around the Zilog Z-80 microprocessor. Designed the console more in line as a microcomputer that could play games Created the Bally Basic programming language interpreter. Cartridges would contain up to 8K rom The controllers were to be shaped like actuall contoured gun handles, similar to on the Gunfight arcade cabinet. They included a trigger, but were to include a novel addition of an 8 positional joy stick at the top that also twisted to function as a paddle 4 built in programs (An accurate color reproduction of Bally's Boot Hill arcade game which was itself the sequel to their original Gunfight coinop, 1 surround type game called Checkmate, a calculator program, 1 color doodle pad)

Released in 1978, the Bally Professional Arcade was videogame maker Bally's only entry in to the home console market

It was decided to base the new console around the Zilog Z-80 microprocessor.

Designed the console more in line as a microcomputer that could play games

Created the Bally Basic programming language interpreter.

Cartridges would contain up to 8K rom

The controllers were to be shaped like actuall contoured gun handles, similar to on the Gunfight arcade cabinet.

They included a trigger, but were to include a novel addition of an 8 positional joy stick at the top that also twisted to function as a paddle

4 built in programs (An accurate color reproduction of Bally's Boot Hill arcade game which was itself the sequel to their original Gunfight coinop, 1 surround type game called Checkmate, a calculator program, 1 color doodle pad)

MicroVision 1979 First cartridge based handheld 16x16 pixel LCD display Processor in cartridge, either Intel 8021 or TI TMS1100 both ran at 100kHz 2KB cartridge ROM Piezoelectric beeper for sound Ran on 9volt batteries 9 button keypad, 2 paddle

First cartridge based handheld

16x16 pixel LCD display

Processor in cartridge, either Intel 8021 or TI TMS1100 both ran at 100kHz

2KB cartridge ROM

Piezoelectric beeper for sound

Ran on 9volt batteries

9 button keypad, 2 paddle

APF Imagination Machine 1979 Motorola 6800 8-bit CPU running at 3.579 MHz 14KB ROM 9KB RAM 256x192x4 / 128x192x8 resolution (last number is number of available colors) Built in cassette drive for program storage and sound recording Many aftermarket add-ons including 8KB ram, floppy disk drive and a modem

Motorola 6800 8-bit CPU running at 3.579 MHz

14KB ROM

9KB RAM

256x192x4 / 128x192x8 resolution (last number is number of available colors)

Built in cassette drive for program storage and sound recording

Many aftermarket add-ons including 8KB ram, floppy disk drive and a modem

Intellivision 1980 First 16-bit console First console to feature online gaming with game downloads via cable TV First console with 16 direction D-pad General Instruments CP1610 CPU running at 894.886KHz 7168 bytes of ROM total 1352 bytes RAM 160x196 pixel display 16 colors all usable at once! Supported 8 sprites of 8x8 or 8x16 pixels 3 channel sound

First 16-bit console

First console to feature online gaming with game downloads via cable TV

First console with 16 direction D-pad

General Instruments CP1610 CPU running at 894.886KHz

7168 bytes of ROM total

1352 bytes RAM

160x196 pixel display

16 colors all usable at once!

Supported 8 sprites of 8x8 or 8x16 pixels

3 channel sound

Colecovision 1982 Zilog Z80A processor running at 3.58MHz a popular arcade processor Most Colecovision games were ports of arcade games Texas Instruments TMS9928A vector graphics processor 256x192 pixel resolution 32 sprites supported 16 colors 16KB VRAM 1KB RAM Cartridges up to 32KB

Zilog Z80A processor running at 3.58MHz a popular arcade processor

Most Colecovision games were ports of arcade games

Texas Instruments TMS9928A vector graphics processor

256x192 pixel resolution

32 sprites supported

16 colors

16KB VRAM

1KB RAM

Cartridges up to 32KB

Atari 5200 1982 Dual custom MOS 6502C CPUs running at 1.79 MHz 320x192 pixel resolution 256 colors, 16 on screen at once, could display all colors at once with software tricks 16KB RAM 2KB BIOS 32KB cartridge ROM limitation 4 channel sound

Dual custom MOS 6502C CPUs running at 1.79 MHz

320x192 pixel resolution

256 colors, 16 on screen at once, could display all colors at once with software tricks

16KB RAM

2KB BIOS

32KB cartridge ROM limitation

4 channel sound

Emerson Arcadia 2001 - 1982 Signetics 2650 8-bit CPU running at 3.58 MHz 512 bytes RAM (originally promised 28KB) 8 colors Single channel “beeper” sound 4 single color sprites Complete market failure

Signetics 2650 8-bit CPU running at 3.58 MHz

512 bytes RAM (originally promised 28KB)

8 colors

Single channel “beeper” sound

4 single color sprites

Complete market failure

Vectrex 1982 Vector graphics console that came with its own 9”x11” monitor Monochrome display with color overlays Motorola 68A09 CPU at 1.6 MHz 1KB RAM 8KB ROM First system with an analog controller

Vector graphics console that came with its own 9”x11” monitor

Monochrome display with color overlays

Motorola 68A09 CPU at 1.6 MHz

1KB RAM

8KB ROM

First system with an analog controller

The Basics Released in October 1982 by General Consumer Electronics (GCE) Completely vector-based graphics Built-in monitor Two ports for controllers/peripherals Slot for cartridges Built-in game ( Mine Storm , an Asteroids rip off)

Released in October 1982 by General Consumer Electronics (GCE)

Completely vector-based graphics

Built-in monitor

Two ports for controllers/peripherals

Slot for cartridges

Built-in game ( Mine Storm , an Asteroids rip off)

In the Beginning In the early 1980s, Western Technologies acquired a number of cheap cathode ray tubes (CRTs) After some discussion, it was decided an all-in-one arcade gaming experience machine should be developed with vector graphics Engineers in Western Technologies and Smith Engineering Started working on the project with a 5-inch screen

In the early 1980s, Western Technologies acquired a number of cheap cathode ray tubes (CRTs)

After some discussion, it was decided an all-in-one arcade gaming experience machine should be developed with vector graphics

Engineers in Western Technologies and Smith Engineering

Started working on the project with a 5-inch screen

In the Beginning (cont.) Shopped the idea around, GCE agreed to release it if the screen were enlarged A version of the system with a 9” x 11” screen was made Originally to be called the Mini-Arcade, but a product with that name was released during development Released in late 1982 for $199

Shopped the idea around, GCE agreed to release it if the screen were enlarged

A version of the system with a 9” x 11” screen was made

Originally to be called the Mini-Arcade, but a product with that name was released during development

Released in late 1982 for $199

Tech Specs CPU: Motorola 68A09 1.6 MHz RAM: 1KB ROM: 8KB Sound chip: General Instruments AY-3-8912 3” mono speaker CRT: Samsung 240RB40 (black and white)

CPU: Motorola 68A09

1.6 MHz

RAM: 1KB

ROM: 8KB

Sound chip: General Instruments AY-3-8912

3” mono speaker

CRT: Samsung 240RB40 (black and white)

The Graphics Completely vector-based Most games in raster environment, with horizontal scan lines and pixels In vector graphics, light up specific points with x- and y-coordinate Made images sharper and brighter Black and white Overlays produced to use with specific games, adding color, legends, instructions, etc.

Completely vector-based

Most games in raster environment, with horizontal scan lines and pixels

In vector graphics, light up specific points with x- and y-coordinate

Made images sharper and brighter

Black and white

Overlays produced to use with specific games, adding color, legends, instructions, etc.

The Controller Designed with the arcade experience in mind Sturdy, rectangular, and large Four large buttons labeled 1-4 Joystick

Designed with the arcade experience in mind

Sturdy, rectangular, and large

Four large buttons labeled 1-4

Joystick

3-D Imager First ever 3-D goggles for any home gaming system Special 3-D games were released with their own color wheel Goggles spin these discs, which are synched up with the graphics on the Vectrex screen Works by allowing one eye to see at a time, creating a 3-D effect

First ever 3-D goggles for any home gaming system

Special 3-D games were released with their own color wheel

Goggles spin these discs, which are synched up with the graphics on the Vectrex screen

Works by allowing one eye to see at a time, creating a 3-D effect

3-D Imager Games released for the Imager: 3D Pole Position 3D Crazy Coaster 3D Minestorm 3D Narrow Escape

Games released for the Imager:

3D Pole Position

3D Crazy Coaster

3D Minestorm

3D Narrow Escape

Light Pen A pen that allowed you to write on the Vectrex screen Came packaged with Art Master , a drawing “game” Other titles: Melody Master Animaction

A pen that allowed you to write on the Vectrex screen

Came packaged with Art Master , a drawing “game”

Other titles:

Melody Master

Animaction

Games None were widely popular Obscurity of the system Virtually all developed by GCE Had to program to work on Vectrex Some licensed games, eg Pole Position

None were widely popular

Obscurity of the system

Virtually all developed by GCE

Had to program to work on Vectrex

Some licensed games, eg Pole Position

Games List (partial) Animaction, Armor Attack, Art Master, Bedlam, Berzerk, Blitz, Clean Sweep, Cosmic Chasm, Crazy Coaster 3D, Cube Quest, Dark Tower, Flipper Pinball, Hyper Chase, Mail Plane, Melody Master, Mine Storm II, Minestorm 3D, Narrow Escape 3D, Polar Rescue, Pole Position, Pole Position 3D, Rip Off, Scramble, Solar Quest, Space Wars, Spike, Star Castle, Star Hawk, Star Ship, Tour De France, Web Wars

Animaction, Armor Attack, Art Master, Bedlam, Berzerk, Blitz, Clean Sweep, Cosmic Chasm, Crazy Coaster 3D, Cube Quest, Dark Tower, Flipper Pinball, Hyper Chase, Mail Plane, Melody Master, Mine Storm II, Minestorm 3D, Narrow Escape 3D, Polar Rescue, Pole Position, Pole Position 3D, Rip Off, Scramble, Solar Quest, Space Wars, Spike, Star Castle, Star Hawk, Star Ship, Tour De France, Web Wars

Death to the Vectrex Obvious answer: industry crashed less than two years into its life In early 1983, Milton-Bradley (MB) bought the rights to distribute the Vectrex Traditionally board-game oriented, wanted to enter the videogame market Didn’t advertise it well, stating that they didn’t know what was happening with the industry Expanded to Europe, but in the end lost over $32 million with it; stopped production in 1984

Obvious answer: industry crashed less than two years into its life

In early 1983, Milton-Bradley (MB) bought the rights to distribute the Vectrex

Traditionally board-game oriented, wanted to enter the videogame market

Didn’t advertise it well, stating that they didn’t know what was happening with the industry

Expanded to Europe, but in the end lost over $32 million with it; stopped production in 1984

Death to the Vectrex (cont.) Problems with add-ons: Imager discs would misalign if you moved your head, sometimes clip your nose Many times overlays designed late into or after game development, so wouldn’t add much or cover up info If you didn’t use overlays, it was just black and white

Problems with add-ons:

Imager discs would misalign if you moved your head, sometimes clip your nose

Many times overlays designed late into or after game development, so wouldn’t add much or cover up info

If you didn’t use overlays, it was just black and white

Life After Death? Discontinued Vectrex production in 1984 Discount bins listed the price of systems as low as $50, games at $5 In 1988, Smith Engineering came up with plans to develop and release a hand-held version, but scratched that idea Didn’t want to compete with Nintendo’s GameBoy

Discontinued Vectrex production in 1984

Discount bins listed the price of systems as low as $50, games at $5

In 1988, Smith Engineering came up with plans to develop and release a hand-held version, but scratched that idea

Didn’t want to compete with Nintendo’s GameBoy

Life After Death? (cont.) In the mid-90s, Smith Engineering started condoning non-commercial reproduction of Vectrex-related things Lots of emulators and ROMs popped up People started to write their own games and manufacture cartridges to work with the original system Original devices, such as modified Genesis controllers Thriving online community

In the mid-90s, Smith Engineering started condoning non-commercial reproduction of Vectrex-related things

Lots of emulators and ROMs popped up

People started to write their own games and manufacture cartridges to work with the original system

Original devices, such as modified Genesis controllers

Thriving online community

The Video Game Crash of 1983 The sudden crash of the video game business and the bankruptcy of a number of companies producing home computers and video game consoles in North America That gap ended with the success of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) that was first introduced in 1985 and would break out in popularity in 1987.

The sudden crash of the video game business and the bankruptcy of a number of companies producing home computers and video game consoles in North America

That gap ended with the success of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) that was first introduced in 1985 and would break out in popularity in 1987.

Key Factors Increase in (rushed) startup development companies Poor Game Quality (E.T., Pac-man, Chase the Chuck Wagon, Skeet Shoot) Increase in television “computer” sales News media sensationalized Atari’s failures – headlining E.T. landfill dumps

Increase in (rushed) startup development companies

Poor Game Quality (E.T., Pac-man, Chase the Chuck Wagon, Skeet Shoot)

Increase in television “computer” sales

News media sensationalized Atari’s failures – headlining E.T. landfill dumps

The flood of products The hardware manufacturers had lost the exclusive control of their platform’s supply of games after Activision won over Atari This court case legitimized third-party development, and companies as ill-prepared as Quaker Oats rushed to open video game divisions, hoping to impress both Wall Street and consumers. With it they had lost the ability to make sure that the toy stores were never overloaded with product. Companies lured away each others’ programmers or used reverse engineering to learn how to make games for proprietary systems. Titles such as Chase the Chuck Wagon, Skeet Shoot, and Lost Luggage (shown) While heavily advertised and marketed, the games were poor and did not catch on as hoped Sold in a Purina dog food promotion If you've ever fantasized about being an airport baggage handler, Lost Luggage is the game for you!

The hardware manufacturers had lost the exclusive control of their platform’s supply of games after Activision won over Atari

This court case legitimized third-party development, and companies as ill-prepared as Quaker Oats rushed to open video game divisions, hoping to impress both Wall Street and consumers.

With it they had lost the ability to make sure that the toy stores were never overloaded with product.

Companies lured away each others’ programmers or used reverse engineering to learn how to make games for proprietary systems.

Titles such as Chase the Chuck Wagon, Skeet Shoot, and Lost Luggage (shown)

While heavily advertised and marketed, the games were poor and did not catch on as hoped

Consumer Sentiment Games were sold on consignment Computers had more power and features, aggressive marketing schemes – ““Why buy your child a video game and distract them from school when you can buy them a home computer that will prepare them for college?” Parents would rather buy a learning tool

Games were sold on consignment

Computers had more power and features, aggressive marketing schemes – ““Why buy your child a video game and distract them from school when you can buy them a home computer that will prepare them for college?”

Parents would rather buy a learning tool

Retailer Sentiment Consignment worked for the retailer Video games were seen as a passing fad, shelf space should be given to new items

Consignment worked for the retailer

Video games were seen as a passing fad, shelf space should be given to new items