Summary
- Release Year: 1950
- Genres: Puzzle, Tactical
- Platforms: Arcade
- Developers: Josef Kates
Bertie the Brain (1989): The Grandfather of Video Games
Introduction
In the vast and ever-evolving landscape of video games, it’s easy to take for granted the technological marvels and immersive experiences that we enjoy today. However, every journey has a starting point, and for the interactive entertainment medium that has captivated generations, that starting point is a humble game called Bertie the Brain. Released in 1989, Bertie the Brain holds the esteemed title of being the first known video game in history.
A Simplistic Origin
Bertie the Brain was created by Josef Kates, a Canadian physicist and computer scientist, as a demonstration of the capabilities of his self-designed computer, the Ferranti Mark 1. The game is a simple tic-tac-toe clone, with players taking turns placing their X’s and O’s on a 3×3 grid. However, despite its simplicity, Bertie the Brain laid the foundation for the countless video games that would follow in its footsteps.
Gameplay: A Classic Concept
The gameplay of Bertie the Brain is as straightforward as it gets. Two players take turns placing their marks on the grid, with the goal of getting three of their marks in a row, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The game ends when one player achieves this objective or when the board is filled without either player getting three in a row, resulting in a draw.
The AI Opponent: A Formidable Foe
One of the key features of Bertie the Brain is its built-in AI opponent. While the AI may seem primitive by today’s standards, it was groundbreaking for its time. The AI uses a simple algorithm to analyze the board and determine the best move to make. This level of interactivity, where a computer could respond to player input and make decisions, was a revolutionary concept in 1989.
Historical Significance: A Pioneering Achievement
Bertie the Brain’s historical significance cannot be overstated. It was the first game to be designed specifically for a computer, rather than being adapted from a board game or other non-electronic format. This marked a paradigm shift in the way that games were created and played, paving the way for the development of more complex and immersive video game experiences.
Legacy: The Birth of an Industry
The release of Bertie the Brain sparked a wave of innovation and creativity in the field of video games. It inspired other developers to create their own games, and within a few years, the video game industry was born. Today, the video game industry is one of the largest and most influential entertainment industries in the world, with billions of people playing video games on a regular basis.
Conclusion
Bertie the Brain may seem like a simple game by today’s standards, but its impact on the history of video games is immeasurable. As the first known video game, it laid the foundation for the interactive entertainment medium that we know and love today. Its simplistic gameplay and groundbreaking AI opponent set the stage for the countless video games that would follow, each building upon the legacy of Bertie the Brain and pushing the boundaries of what video games could be.
Review Score
7/10
