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Notable events of 1972 in video gaming. See also history of computer and video games.
[edit] Events
- Following the poor sales of Computer Space, Nolan Bushnell leaves Nutting Associates to move his coin-op engineering and design firm with Ted Dabney in to a full fledged company. When officially incorporating, Bushnell discovers that a roofing company had already been using their name (syzygy). In its place, the new corporation is named "Atari."[1]
- On 24 May, Magnavox unveils the Odyssey, the first video game console, at a Burlingame, California convention. Nutting Associates, manufacturer of Computer Space, sends Nolan Bushnell to observe the launch. Bushnell reports back that he found the device underwhelming, and expresses no concern over the competition.[1] Later that year, Magnavox files suit against Atari over Pong, claiming that Atari founder Nolan Bushnell appropriated the concept from Tennis, one of the games available for the Odyssey, after having witnessed it at the Odyssey's unveiling. Before the court could find against Atari, Nolan and company agree to license the game from Magnavox and Sanders for a one time fee of $700,000.[2]
[edit] Notable releases
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d Herman, Leonard et al. (2002). The Games Begin 1971–1977. GameSpot. Retrieved on 15 February, 2006.
- ^ Gegan, Shaun (1997). Magnavox Odyssey 1.71 FAQ. ClassicGaming.com. Retrieved on 15 February, 2006.
- ^ Jerz, Dennis G. (2002). Hunt the Wumpus -- Gregory Yob (c. 1972). Interactive Fiction — Foundational Works. Retrieved on 15 February, 2006.
- ^ Conclusion. Game Design Workshop: Designing, Prototyping, and Playtesting Games. Retrieved on 15 February, 2006.
- ^ Empire Classic homepage. Empire Classic website. Retrieved on 7 April, 2007.
