new invention sparked curiosity and discovery in all genres, not just math and science. Computers have been programmed to run video games for as long as they’ve been around, and are only getting more and more advanced every day. Let’s dive into why they are such a staple to the modern world!

History

Computers were first created in the 19th century, but these primitive technologies wouldn’t take the world by storm until the 20th. They were first created by mathematicians and scientists to analyze data and crunch numbers to benefit society, and that’s just what they did. The first computers were so large that they took up an entire room to complete tasks. Back in the day, computers were a spectacle, being so expensive that only large companies and universities could afford them, and originally the push for daily use wasn’t foreseen. But, as the technology improved, computers started to be used for entertainment purposes. For example, in 1958, Tennis for Two by William Higinbotham simulated a real tennis game, attracting public attention. As time passed, many computer scientists became more comfortable with computer programming, but the real push for the entertainment aspect of technology came from the excitement regarding television. In the 1960’s Americans nationwide had a little television in their homes, showing different shows and movies, which drew attention from engineers, like Ralph Baer. He was determined to create games for the public, and went on to design a dot on a computer that could be manually controlled by a user. This discovery led to significant improvements in the videogame entertainment industry, not just for his team, but for every engineer.  

Fun Facts!!

• There are over 2,000 video game design schools worldwide

• Most popular video game genres: action, sports, adventure, and role-playing

• Videogame designers tend to be between 30-40

• The industry is worth about $100 billion 

• Minecraft is one of the best selling video games of all time, but the title of “best video game ever” is highly debated 

• A game called “Pong” became the first commercially successful video game. 

Impact 

Computers have come a long way since they were first created, and they’ve changed the world in so many ways. What started out as big machines used for math and science is now a part of everyday life, especially when it comes to video games. From simple games like “Tennis for Two” to today’s amazing virtual worlds, computers have made entertainment more fun than ever. Video games have become more than just games, they help people learn, build friendships, and even develop new skills like problem-solving and creativity. The video game industry has also created millions of jobs and inspired people to dream big. As technology keeps improving, who knows what exciting things will come next? All in all, video games have changed my life, so what about you? Do you have a favorite game?