What Was the First Video Game Death?
The concept of death in video games is a staple of the medium, with countless characters meeting their demise in a variety of ways. But have you ever wondered what the very first video game death was? The answer may surprise you.
The Pioneer of Death
The earliest known video game with death as a mechanic is Bertie the Brain, an arcade game created in 1950 by Josef Kates. This was a simple game of Tic-Tac-Toe that was displayed at the Canadian National Exhibition. Bertie the Brain was the first electronic game to have a concept of death, where a player’s score would reset if they made a mistake, effectively ending their game.
Early Consoles and Death
The first home console, the Magnavox Odyssey, was released in 1972 and featured several simple games, including one called "Shooting Gallery." In this game, players used a light gun to shoot targets on screen, and if they missed, their score would be reset. This was a basic form of death, but it laid the foundation for future games.
The First Adventure Game and Death
In 1980, the first adventure game, Mystic Castle, was released. This game featured puzzles and exploration, and players could die by making wrong moves or not solving puzzles correctly. Death was represented by a skull icon and a "Game Over" screen.
The Introduction of Saving
In the early 1980s, games began to allow players to save their progress, making death less of a consequence. This change was made possible by the introduction of cassette tapes, which allowed players to record and save their progress. The first game to feature saving was the 1981 game "Wizard and the Princess."
The First Video Game Character Death
The first game to feature the death of a main character was the 1983 game "Dragon’s Lair." This game featured a choose-your-own-adventure style storyline, where players made choices that affected the game’s outcome. If the player made a mistake, the main character would die, and the player would have to start over from the beginning.
Modern Games and Death
Today, death is a common mechanic in many games, with some games offering a "respawn" feature, where players can come back to life. Other games may offer alternative endings or rewards for achieving certain goals.
Summary
The concept of death in video games has come a long way since Bertie the Brain in 1950. From simple arcade games to complex console titles, death has played a significant role in the evolution of the medium. Whether it’s a quick respawn or a permanent death, the impact of mortality on gameplay has shaped the industry into what it is today.
Timeline of Video Game Death
| Year | Game | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | Bertie the Brain | First electronic game with a concept of death |
| 1972 | Magnavox Odyssey | Basic form of death in shooting gallery game |
| 1980 | Mystic Castle | First adventure game to feature death |
| 1981 | Wizard and the Princess | First game to feature saving |
| 1983 | Dragon’s Lair | First game to feature death of a main character |
Key Points
• Bertie the Brain (1950) was the first video game to feature death
• Early consoles, like the Magnavox Odyssey, had simple forms of death
• Mystic Castle (1980) was the first adventure game to feature death
• Wizard and the Princess (1981) was the first game to feature saving
• Dragon’s Lair (1983) was the first game to feature death of a main character
• Today, death is a common mechanic in many games, with some games offering respawns or alternative endings