Video Game Pioneer Speaks Out

GreyGusMan writes "Ralph Baer was playing video games before many of us were born. CNN has an interview with the man who helped invent video games back in 1966, talking about how the idea came about - and getting his thoughts on what the industry has become. He doesn't like videogame violence, but he scoffs when asked if he thinks it's tied to real world violence." When the person talking not only created the Magnavox Odyssey, but also devised the tragically addictive 'repeat the sequence' handheld Simon (no relation), you'd better listen up.

Comments

25 Years of Simon

[Copperhead]

Well, I missed the 25th anniversary of Simon 3 months ago, but here's a link to the press release.

Oh, and first post.

Pong

[GeorgeH]

I was watching a documentary on TLC (I think, Tivo removes the connection shows have with channels) on the history of video games called Gamerz, and Ralph came up. Apparently Nolan Bushnell stole the idea for Pong from Baer when he was demonstrating what would become the Odessey. I had never heard of this before, but there was a lawsuit involved and Ralph got some money, but none of the fame.

There's more info at http://www.designboom.com/eng/education/pong.html

Re:Why only in US?

[Anonymous Coward]

Because lots of countries outside the US have more stringent laws as to what is allowed. In Germany, for example, children can't get the most violent games at all.

Also, foreign TV programme is a lot less violent, especially news and stuff like that, and violent movies have higher age ratings (you need to be older to be allowed to see them).