Pong
History
Pong is one of the earliest arcade video games and the first sports arcade video game. It was created by Allan Alcorn and released by Atari, Inc in 1972. The game was based on table tennis, and named "Pong" because of the distinctive sound the game made when the ball was hit. The game was a commercial success and led to the start of the video game industry.
Gameplay
The gameplay of Pong is simple and straightforward. It is a two-dimensional sports game that simulates table tennis. The player controls an in-game paddle by dragging it vertically across the screen's left or right side. Players use their paddles to strike the ball back and forth. The goal is for each player to reach eleven points before the opponent; points are earned when one fails to return the ball to the other.
Development and Release
Pong was the first game developed by Atari. After producing Computer Space, Nolan Bushnell hired Allan Alcorn because of his experience with electrical engineering and computer science; Bushnell and Dabney also considered him an ideal candidate to work on a training project, Pong. Initially intended as a simple training exercise, Pong quickly became a hit in testing and was put into production.
Impact and Legacy
Pong has been referenced and parodied in multiple television shows and video games. It has also been a part of several video game and cultural exhibitions. Pong laid the groundwork for the entire video game industry and has an enduring legacy in the industry and popular culture.