The gaming industry has come a long way since the release of the first arcade games in the 1970s. Today, it’s a multi-billion dollar industry that has captured the hearts of millions of people worldwide. But beyond the thrill of gaming lies a world of fascinating facts that few people know about. From the origins of popular gaming icons to the secrets behind your favorite games, we’re about to take you on a journey into the unseen world of gaming.
1. The First Video Game Was Not Pong
While Pong is often credited as the first video game, it’s actually not true. The first video game was created in 1947 by physicist William Higinbotham, who developed a game called “Tennis for Two” at the Brookhaven National Laboratory. This simple tennis-like game was played on an oscilloscope, and it’s considered to be the first computer game ever made.
2. The Legend of Zelda Was Inspired by Dungeons & Dragons
The iconic Legend of Zelda series was inspired by the popular tabletop game Dungeons & Dragons. Creator Shigeru Miyamoto was a fan of the game, and he incorporated many of its elements into the first Legend of Zelda game. The game’s world, characters, and even the concept of collecting items were all inspired by the world of D&D.
3. Pac-Man Was Originally Named “Puck-Man”
In Japan, the popular arcade game Pac-Man was originally named “Puck-Man.” The name was later changed to Pac-Man for international releases, but the game’s logo remained the same. Interestingly, the game’s creators, Toru Igarashi and Toshihiro Nishikado, were inspired by the idea of a pellet-eating creature, and the game’s concept was born.
4. The Xbox Was Almost Called the “DirectX Box”
When the Xbox was first released in 2001, it was almost called the “DirectX Box.” Microsoft had planned to release the console under this name, but the company ultimately decided to go with the simpler “Xbox” moniker. The DirectX name was already associated with Microsoft’s graphics technology, and the company didn’t want to confuse consumers.
5. The World’s First Virtual Reality Headset Was Created in 1838
You might think that virtual reality (VR) is a modern technology, but it actually has a long history. In 1838, Sir Charles Wheatstone created the first VR headset, called the “Stereo Prismatic Dissector.” This device used mirrors and lenses to create a 3D image, and it was used for entertainment purposes.
6. The Legend of Final Fantasy Was Inspired by a Failed Business Venture
The popular Final Fantasy series was inspired by a failed business venture between Square (now Square Enix) and Nintendo. The company had planned to develop a game for Nintendo’s Famicom console, but the partnership fell through. The game’s creators, including Hironobu Sakaguchi, were inspired by the idea of creating a final game before going bankrupt, and the rest, as they say, is history.
7. The Most Expensive Game Ever Made Was a Failure
In 2014, the game “Destiny” was released to great fanfare, but it ultimately became one of the most expensive games ever made. The game’s development cost a whopping $500 million, and it was marketed as a major franchise. However, the game received mixed reviews and sold fewer copies than expected, making it a costly failure for publisher Activision.
There you have it – 7 fascinating facts about the world of gaming that will make you a true gamer. From the origins of popular gaming icons to the secrets behind your favorite games, there’s more to gaming than meets the eye. So next time you’re playing your favorite game, remember the fascinating stories and facts behind it.