NATIONAL VIDEO GAMES DAY
Fast Facts
- OBSERVATION
- Celebrates the invention of video games!
- DATE
- Each year on September 12
- FACT
- Pong was one of the first successful video games on the market.
- VIBE
- Fun, nostalgic, Challenging.
NATIONAL VIDEO GAMES DAY
On September 12, National Video Games Day celebrates all the ways we enjoy a good video game challenge.
#NationalVideoGamesDay
Video game players across the United States enjoy this day with much enthusiasm. From their very earliest days, video games have been a blend of art form and industry.
“The commercial success of Pong led numerous other companies to develop Pong clones and their own systems, spawning the video game industry.”
Video Game Timeline
1947
Thomas T. Goldsmith Jr. and Estle Ray Mann filed the first patent for an interactive electronic device. It was called the “Cathode ray tube amusement Device.”
1951
The Nimrod computer is introduced at the Festival of Britain. It was the one of the earliest computers specifically for gaming.
1952
Alexander S. Douglas creates the 0X0, a tic-tac-toe computer game, for the EDSAC computer at the University of Cambridge.
1958
William Higginbotham engineers the electronic interactive game Tennis For Two.
1961
Spacewar is created, becoming one of the first computer games.
1972
Magnavox Odyssey launched the first home console, selling the product for $100.
1975
Atari’s released a home version of the game Pong.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL VIDEO GAMES DAY
Let the video game challenges begin! Whether you invite friends to join you in the newest video game or go it alone, be sure you get a game in. You also need to make sure you have plenty of snacks!
National Video Games Day Celebration Ideas
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Arcade galleries are making a comeback. If there is one near you, head on over and get some gaming in.
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Introduce your favorite video game to your kids. Have them share their favorites with you.
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Host a video game tournament or challenge players online to a high-score challenge.
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Post your high scores on your favorite video game platform.
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Are you stuck on a tough level? Seek out tips and hacks to get you through.
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Use #NationalVideoGamesDay to start the conversation on social media.
NATIONAL VIDEO GAMES DAY HISTORY
Our research was unable to find the creator of National Video Games Day.
Video Game FAQs
Do video arcades still exist?
Yes, they do. Though they declined in the 1990s, it's not game over for video arcades. Arcades across the United States have evolved through the years. Some are tucked into themed restaurants and bowling alleys. Others target the retro-loving crowd. And still, others spotlight the arcade with delicious food and beverage options available for a more adult crowd.
Do people get paid to play video games?
Yes. First, there are the people hired to test and demonstrate video games. Then there are those who compete worldwide in tournaments for cash and prizes. Many gamers stream their games for profit - the more people who watch them play, the more opportunity for a payday. Some games pay players with coupons and other prizes.
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