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Gaming is now everywhere, particularly due to the fact that we all have smartphones. Between those devices, home computers, and dedicated consoles, we can game in a myriad of ways. And it’s not just accessibility: gaming has become much more ‘mainstream,’ to the point that a capital-G Gamer refers to someone that lives and breathes games, not just plays them.
But there was a time where this wasn’t the case, a time where the hobby was just starting. Home consoles weren’t as common as before, and computers were far more related to work than to leisure. These few pictures showcase a simpler time, where the word gamer wasn’t even being used.
r/OldSchoolCool/AimlessPeacock
The Novelty
It wasn’t all that weird to see adults play video games back then, particularly if they were tech enthusiasts. Even though only one of them is playing, you can see both of them marvel at being able to interact with something on the screen.
r/OldSchoolCool
Pong
Like many technological developments, the first recognized video game came about during military tech testing. Legend says it was created by a submarine radar technician, for both fun and to test the software.
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Couch Gaming
Even back then, couch gaming was definitely a thing. It involved using the family TV to play games until dinner was ready, or until someone wanted to watch the news on the device.
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Publicity
While gaming was a new medium, it was a fast growing one. Arcades were all the rage, and they quickly appeared in magazines and other publicity outlets being sold to potential buyers.
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Pelé Soccer
Many sports stars participated with Atari in showcasing sports games, with Edson Arantes do Nascimento, also known as Pelé, having a video game named after him. Winning the Soccer World Cup probably had something to do with it.
r/OldSchoolCool/Sunburys
Pinball Is Also Gaming
Nowadays, considering the humble pinball machine as part of gaming culture might seem quaint, but back then, you’d see a pinball machine as much as an arcade cabinet, if not more.
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Competitive Gaming
Yes, competitive gaming is as old as gaming itself. While some adults were into gaming back then, the competitions were held between kids and teens; the ones with the most free time to perfect their gaming technique.
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The Old Guard
As the 70s rolled around, more and more games were added to the arcades, each with a more modernized cabinet look. Even back then, Pong felt like the grandad of the other cabinets due to its more subdued design.
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Christmas Spirit
Due to the decorations in the background, we can say that this picture takes place sometime around Christmas. We can see the start of kids no longer running around, but glued to a screen playing games all day.
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Publicity, Home Edition
Selling things for corporate conglomerates and selling things for home use are different monsters. Here, we can see the different actors, poses and even angle of the device shown to sell it, even though we are still talking about Pong.
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The Perfect Gift
Few things make a child happier than getting that gaming console they were nagging you about for days, weeks or even months. It isn’t just a toy, it’s a device that lets them embark on nearly endless adventures.
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In The Way
While kids certainly enjoyed games a lot, this one is a bit too young to have the motor abilities to use a joystick. Clearly the adults were playing, needing to stop since their toddler decided to explore the TV.
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The Atari 2600, Today
All of the previous pictures were a window of the 70s, mixing nostalgia with a bit of a history lesson. This is the Atari console as a fan keeps it today, quite dusty, but still in perfect working order.
r/OldSchoolCool/Scott-Spangenberg
Handheld Football
Gaming on the go started with the rest of the gaming innovations in the 70s, but as you can see, the screen size is quite limited. It’s incredible to think about how far we’ve come today.
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Telstar Arcade
While having a home console meant not having to leave the house, the arcades still had the benefit of having fun ‘peripherals’ like steering wheels and guns. The Teslar Arcade aimed to bring that to user’s homes, to not much success.
The post 15 Photos from the Simple But Perfect 1970s Gaming Life appeared first on Den of Geek.
