Ah, Computer Space! The game that started it all back in 1971, like the first pancake that somehow managed to flip itself and land perfectly on the plate. If you think about it, Computer Space was the pioneer of the arcade scene, paving the way for every game you’ve ever dumped your quarters into—yes, even that one where you shoot ducks that look suspiciously like your ex. Let’s take a deep dive into this historic piece of gaming history!
Related reading: The Rise
Developed by Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney, the masterminds behind Atari, Computer Space was the first commercially sold coin-operated video arcade game. It’s hard to imagine now, but back in the day, this was revolutionary—like the invention of sliced bread, but nerdier. Players controlled a rocket ship on a black background, battling against flying saucers. You could say it was a precursor to the intense space battles we see in modern games, yet with the graphics that look like they were drawn by a toddler on a sugar high.
Now, let’s talk about the promotional material because, folks, this stuff can be as entertaining as the game itself. The marketing for Computer Space was a mix of retro charm and over-the-top enthusiasm. The tagline? ‘The first video game ever! They’ll be begging for more!’ Because who wouldn’t want to play a game that was effectively a high-tech version of Pong wrapped in a space theme?
The promotional posters were a sight to behold, featuring psychedelic colors and graphics that would make even the most seasoned graphic designer weep with joy and confusion. It was the 70s, after all—what were they gonna do, use subtle pastels? No way! They threw every color of the rainbow on that sucker and called it a day!
But let’s not sugarcoat it—Computer Space wasn’t without its flaws. The control system was about as intuitive as a Rubik’s cube after three margaritas. Players often found themselves frustrated, smashing buttons and wishing they could just take their money back, which was a common sentiment echoed in arcades for decades to come. It’s like trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions; you know it’s supposed to be simple, but somehow you end up with a coffee table that’s also a piece of modern art.
Despite its quirks, Computer Space managed to sell about 1,500 units, which was quite a feat for the time. It wasn’t a blockbuster success, but it certainly laid the groundwork for future arcade games, leading to the birth of classics like Space Invaders and Pac-Man. You could say Computer Space was the awkward, nerdy cousin who eventually becomes the tech millionaire everyone envies.
In conclusion, if you ever spot a Computer Space machine at a retro arcade, give it a go! It’s like taking a trip back in time to when games were simple, and your biggest worry was how to convince your parents to give you a quarter. So next time you’re scrolling through Reddit and come across a post about this iconic game, remember the joy it brought to the early gaming community and the quirks that made it a legend. Long live Computer Space, the game that launched a million quarters!
Inspired by: “Promotional Material for Computer Space ( 1971 ): The First Commercially Sold Coin-Operated Video A…” (r/interestingasfuck)
Leave a Reply