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Manila Bulletin devider Technews devider Paddles and pixels

Paddles and pixels

How PONG shaped the video game industry

Published Feb 8, 2024 05:42 am
PONG Image from Pinterest.png

 

Did you know that PONG, the classic video game, was released as a console game in CES 1975? This simple game featured two paddles and a square ball bouncing back and forth on a black screen. Pong became legendary, laying the foundation for the video game industry.

It was in 1972 when disco was still groovy, that Atari, formed by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney, released PONG as a video arcade game.  They played Ping Pong on a TV instead of a table. With its sleek, minimalist, monochromatic black-and-white visuals and simple electronic sound effects, this coin-operated video game became a technological marvel.

After conquering the arcades, this simple yet addicting game invaded living rooms worldwide.  Home versions of the game hit the market. With additional features like adjustable speeds, practice mode and doubles play, families gather around their television sets to experience the thrill of the game.

Who knew that a simple game of bouncing pixels would pave the way for the video game industry?  At present, PONG remains a sentimental symbol of gaming's humble beginnings.

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