Pong

Pong is one of the first computer games ever created. This simple "tennis-like" game features two paddles and a ball, with the goal of defeating your opponent by being the first to gain 10 points. A player scores a point when the opponent misses the ball. The game can be played with two human players or one player against a computer-controlled paddle. Originally developed by Allan Alcorn and released in 1972 by Atari Corporation, Pong quickly became a huge success, marking the beginning of the video game industry's commercial success.

What is Pong?

Pong is a table tennis–themed twitch arcade sports video game, featuring simple two-dimensional graphics. Manufactured by Atari and originally released on 29 November 1972, Pong set the stage for the modern video game era. With its minimalist design and straightforward gameplay, Pong captured the imagination of players worldwide, becoming an iconic symbol of early computer gaming.

How to Play Pong:

• Control Your Paddle: Use the paddle to hit the ball back and forth across the screen. The objective is to prevent the ball from passing your paddle while attempting to score points by making your opponent miss.

• Score Points: Each time your opponent fails to return the ball, you score a point. The first player to reach 10 points wins the game.

• Watch Your Opponent: Anticipate your opponent's moves and react quickly to keep the ball in play. A combination of strategy and reflexes is key to mastering Pong.

• Single or Multiplayer: Pong can be played against the computer or with another human player. Test your skills against increasingly challenging computer opponents or compete head-to-head with a friend.

Nolan Bushnell founded Atari in 1972 with the vision of creating innovative games and licensing them to other companies for mass production. Pong was initially a training exercise for Atari employee Allan Alcorn. After some tweaks by Bushnell, including adjustments to the ball's return angle and the addition of simple sound effects, the first Pong arcade machine was installed in a local bar and quickly became a sensation.

In 1973, Atari secured a line of credit from Wells Fargo and began mass production of Pong arcade machines. By the end of the year, Pong machines were shipped to locations across the United States and beyond, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon. Alongside other gaming classics like Pacman and Tetris, Pong became a symbol of the burgeoning computer gaming industry.

Atari sold over 35,000 Pong machines, but this figure represents only a fraction of the total number of Pong machines sold globally. The market saw an influx of Pong clones shortly after the original's debut, prompting Atari to respond with innovative offerings like "Double Pong," featuring four players and a larger screen. This competitive spirit drove Atari to push the boundaries of gaming technology, paving the way for future innovations in the industry.