The Birth of Violence in Video Games: Death Race (1976)
The first violent video game, Death Race, was released in 1976, developed by Exidy and based on the 1975 film Death Race 2000. The game was a racing game where players controlled a car, running over humans, called "gremlins," on a track. Death Race was a groundbreaking game that sparked controversy and debate about the content of video games, setting the stage for future discussions about violence in games.
The Context of the Game’s Release
The 1970s was a time of significant social change, with protests against war, racism, and environmental degradation. Video games were still in their infancy, and Death Race was one of the first games to deal with themes of violence and mortality. The game’s developers, Exidy, were experimenting with new ideas, and Death Race was one of their most successful and controversial titles.
The Game’s Mechanics
In Death Race, players controlled a car on a track, collecting points by running over "gremlins," human-like creatures that were scattered around the track. The game had a simple scoring system, where players earned points for running over the gremlins, with the goal of earning as many points as possible within the time limit. The game had a simple graphical representation, with colorful graphics and sounds, making it accessible to players of all ages.
Controversy and Censorship
Death Race was immediately met with controversy and criticism. Parents and social organizations condemned the game, labeling it as "sick" and "murderous." In response to public outcry, several video game retailers refused to sell Death Race, and some were even banned in certain countries. The controversy surrounding Death Race led to calls for regulation and censorship in the video game industry.
Impact and Legacy
Despite the controversy, Death Race was a commercial success, selling millions of copies worldwide. The game’s popularity led to the development of other violent video games, such as Granny, which was released in the 1980s. Death Race also spawned a series of sequels and spin-offs, including Death Trap, which added new features and game modes to the original formula.
Death Race: A Timeline of its Release and Reception
| Year | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Film Release | The film "Death Race 2000" is released, starring David Carradine. |
| 1976 | Game Release | Exidy releases Death Race, a racing game where players run over "gremlins." |
| 1976 | Controversy | Death Race is met with public outcry and criticism from parents and social organizations. |
| 1977 | Ban | Death Race is banned in several countries due to its violent content. |
| 1980s | Sequels and Spin-offs | Sequels and spin-offs of Death Race are released, including Death Trap, which adds new features and game modes. |
| 1990s | Legacy | Death Race is recognized as a pioneer in the violent video game genre, paving the way for future games. |
Conclusion
Death Race, released in 1976, was a groundbreaking game that introduced violence and mortality into the world of video games. The game sparked controversy and debate about the content of video games, setting the stage for future discussions about violence in games. Today, Death Race is recognized as a pioneer in the violent video game genre, and its legacy continues to shape the industry.