1971’s Computer Space put gamers in command of a spaceship and requested them to shoot down incoming alien craft. Its gameplay was so simple as may very well be, however every thing about Computer Space‘s technology and “insert-quarter-to-play” commercial release would soon form the foundation of the arcade video game industry. But of course, Computer Space co-creator Nolan Bushnell’s subsequent main venture, 1972’s Pong, would find yourself being way more profitable.
14. First Female Video Game Protagonist – Billie Sue (Wabbit)
The first recreation to star a named and playable feminine character was 1982’s Wabbit for the Atari 2600. That distinctive title featured a farmer named Billie Sue, who was tasked with defending crops from rabbits.
Interestingly, Wabbit was additionally an early instance of a recreation designed by a girl (Vietnamese programmer Van Mai, then Van Tran). (*15*), as a result of she was mistakenly recognized as Ban Tran for fairly a while (and left the gaming trade shortly after Wabbit‘s release), her contributions to the industry were nearly forgotten. Thankfully, researchers helped restore her and Billie Sue’s place in historical past.
13. First Video Game Cheat Code – “xyzzy” (Colossal Cave Adventure)
You need to go all the way in which again to 1977’s Colossal Cave Adventure to seek out the very first cheat code. In that text-based journey title, gamers are capable of sort the phrase “xyzzy” at a sure level so as to skip a big part of the sport.
Interestingly, designer Will Crowther applied the “xyzzy” command on the request of his sister, who was serving to him check the sport. Crowther left it within the closing recreation as he figured that there have been in all probability “a lot of impatient people out there who would appreciate a shortcut.” Many early cheat codes had been really applied to assist builders check their video games extra effectively, and followers simply occurred to find them by way of publications, phrase of mouth, and experimentation.
12. First Secret Character – Reptile (Mortal Kombat)
Many fashionable builders use the concept of a secret character to not solely reward curious players however entice us to discover each inch of a digital world. As well-liked as the concept of secret characters is today, it’s not practically as outdated as you would possibly suppose.
