The Arcade era: 1971–1977
Up until this point, people were generally creating these games as a simple hobby, no more, no less. However, once people took notice of how much attention they gained, some aspiring minds decided to give games a more public presence. So in 1971, Nolan Brushnell and Ted Dabney, the future founders of Atari, created one of the first ever coin-operated arcade systems of a game they called Computer Space. 1,500 units were manufactured, but the game as a whole was unsuccessful with the public due to a steep learning curve. However, it was still a major landmark in gaming history as the first mass produced video game ever created.
In 1972, Brushnell and Dabney founded Atari Inc. before releasing their next arcade game, Pong. Unlike Computer Space, 19,000 Pong arcade systems were sold, making it the first arcade game with widespread success. Not long after, other arcade giants, such as Space Invaders, made themselves known to the public, and cemented themselves into entertainment history. However, games were not only being made in arcades; a few other minds sought out to make entertainment that could be enjoyed form the comfort of the home.
In 1972, Brushnell and Dabney founded Atari Inc. before releasing their next arcade game, Pong. Unlike Computer Space, 19,000 Pong arcade systems were sold, making it the first arcade game with widespread success. Not long after, other arcade giants, such as Space Invaders, made themselves known to the public, and cemented themselves into entertainment history. However, games were not only being made in arcades; a few other minds sought out to make entertainment that could be enjoyed form the comfort of the home.