Pong - The Father of All Video Arcade Games

2008-01-14 12:39:40

( Entertainment )



Origins of Pong

This crude ancestor today's modern video arcade games started in 1972 in the form of a simple home-based game console. Pong was conceptualized much earlier by its inventor as a game that can be played using a game console, controllers and a television screen.

From a home-based game, Pong graduated to versions used in coin-operated arcade machines, personal computers and even small portable hand-held gaming units, and as additional accessories on calculators and mobile phones.

Pong's Game Mechanics

The mechanics of the Pong game is actually quite simple. When you first turn on the console and screen, you will see an overhead view of a ping pong table with its lines and borders. You also see two cursors which represent the paddles or rackets of ping pong players, as well as a fast-moving dot that serves as the ball. The object of the game is to prevent the ball from going beyond the borders. With the game console's dials, you move the cursors to intercept the oncoming ball and make it bounce back to the other side.

You can either play the game by yourself and control both left and right paddles, or play with an opponent.

Significance of Pong

The game evolved into more complicated forms, such as four-player versions, and new options to choose the ball size and game level. In the process, there were also dramatic improvements in graphics, with more realistic full-color versions and sound effects.

Though Pong may be a very rudimentary game, its invention was a breakthrough in modern video technology. It served to motivate computer programmers and technologists to develop new and more sophisticated game formats. Pong's popularity also led to more intense competition among game developers to come up with more original games. Later video games have virtual player features which allow you to view the game's scenario from a first-person perspective. The most recent video games even allow you to participate in the game through physical action with your own hand and body parts.


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