1976 in video gaming
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Notable events of 1976 in video gaming. See also history of computer and video games.
[edit] Events
- In October, Warner Communications acquires Atari from Nolan Bushnell for $28 million USD. Bushnell stays on as chairman.[1]
[edit] Notable releases
- In April, Atari releases Breakout (whose prototype was designed by Apple Computer cofounders Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak) to video arcades.[1]
- In August, Fairchild Semiconductor releases the Video Entertainment System (later known as the Channel F), the first cartridge-based video game console.[2]
- Exidy releases Death Race, a racing game based on the film Death Race 2000, to video arcades. The game sparks a public outcry over violence in video games, and is banned in many areas.[3]
- Coleco releases the Telstar, a console clone of Pong based on General Instrument's AY-3-8500 microchip.[4]
- Radofin releases the 1292 Advanced Programmable Video System video game console in Europe.[5]
- While working at the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Lab, Don Woods discovers and expands Will Crowther's Adventure. Later in the year, James Gillogly ports Woods's version of the interactive fiction title from Fortran to the C programming language for Unix-based computers.[6]
[edit] References
- ^ a b Thomas, Donald A. Jr (2005). –1976– (shtml). ICWhen.com. Retrieved on 18 February, 2006.
- ^ Fairchild Video Entertainment System/Channel F. ClassicGaming.com. Retrieved on 18 February, 2006.
- ^ Gonzalez, Lauren. When Two Tribes Go to War: A History of Video Game Controversy / The Major Offenders. GameSpot. Retrieved on 18 February, 2006.
- ^ Winter, David (2006). Coleco Telstar. PONG-Story. Retrieved on 18 February, 2006.
- ^ Hansen, Dale (2002). 1292 Advanced Programmable Video System FAQ version APVS.01 (text). Retrieved on 18 February, 2006.
- ^ Adams, Rick. A history of 'Adventure'. The Colossal Cave Adventure page. Retrieved on 17 February, 2006.
