Ralph Baer, a true pioneer of video games, has passed away
at the age of 92, Gamasutra can confirm via independent sources close to
Baer.
Baer developed the very first console video game system, originally known as the Brown Box, but later licensed and sold as 1972's Magnavox Odyssey, which laid the foundation for video games as we know them today.
Baer, an engineer and inventor through and through, also developed the light gun, recognized as the very first peripheral for video game consoles, the interactive memory game, Simon, and other inventions.
He'd been widely recognized for his achievements throughout the course of his life, such as receiving the National Medal of Technology from President George W. Bush, and an induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
He also received a 2008 Game Developers Choice Pioneer Award (video above). "Thank you very much," he said at the time. "I appreciate the honor, and I'm still cranking out stuff. Goodbye."
Baer developed the very first console video game system, originally known as the Brown Box, but later licensed and sold as 1972's Magnavox Odyssey, which laid the foundation for video games as we know them today.
Baer, an engineer and inventor through and through, also developed the light gun, recognized as the very first peripheral for video game consoles, the interactive memory game, Simon, and other inventions.
He'd been widely recognized for his achievements throughout the course of his life, such as receiving the National Medal of Technology from President George W. Bush, and an induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame.
He also received a 2008 Game Developers Choice Pioneer Award (video above). "Thank you very much," he said at the time. "I appreciate the honor, and I'm still cranking out stuff. Goodbye."
Folks, had it not been for this pioneer, we would not have any form of video games on our television sets, on handhelds, on cellphones, or even computers. Heck, we wouldn't even have had cell phones, home computers or even tablets. Life wouldn't have been interesting without the man who made the video game industry possible.
Here's to you Ralph Baer. RIP and thank you for bringing to us video games
Ralph Baer: March 8, 1922 - December 6, 2014
Works Cited: Gamasutra
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