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| CHAPTER 10 // TIMELINE | |
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Penny arcades become popular, showing off automated phonographs, kinetoscopes, and mechanical games like strength testers and sports simulations. |
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The first coin-operated pinball machine is invented by Automatic Industries. |
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The flipper bumper is introduced by the D. Gottlieb Company, giving pinball players more control. |
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Thomas T. Goldsmith and Estle Ray Mann patent a "Cathode-Ray Tube Amusement Device," featuring the cathode-ray tube (CRT). |
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Magnavox releases the Odyssey, sold for $100 and featuring a twelve-game inventory. |
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Atari releases the first commercially successful arcade video game. |
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The Atari 2600, using an 8-bit processor and interchangeable game cartridges, is introduced. |
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The first Nintendo Entertainment System is released in Japan. |
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Warner Communications shuts down its Atari division. |
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Sega releases the Genesis, the first 16-bit console. |
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Nintendo releases the Game Boy, a popular handheld console. |
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The ESRB institutes a rating system for video games. |
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With its CD-ROM technology and emphasis on 3-D gaming, the PlayStation becomes the first console to ship 100 million units. |
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Sega Dreamcast becomes the first home console to feature a built-in modem boosting online play. |
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Microsoft enters the console market providing new competition for Sony and Nintendo. |
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Blizzard releases World of Warcraft, which brings the MMORPG to a mass audience of 11 million. |
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Nintendo's Wii reinvents video gaming with an innovative motion controller. |
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The U.S. Supreme Court grants electronic gaming freedom of speech protections. |