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Recommended Reading: The story of 'The Father of Video Games'
Recommended Reading highlights the best long-form writing on technology and more in print and on the web. Some weeks, you'll also find short reviews of books that we think are worth your time. We hope you enjoy the read.How a WWII Refugee Became the Father of Video GamesArthur Molella, SlateIf you've read up on video game history, you know that Ralph Baer widely regarded as "The Father of Video Games." What you may not know is Baer was a World War II refugee who came to the US in 1938. He fled persecution with his family before bringing games to our television screens decades later.
Video game pioneer Ralph Baer dies aged 92
It's a sad day for gamers: Ralph Baer, one of the cornerstones of the early video game industry, has died at 92. Details of his passing aren't immediately available, but there's no question that gaming would be very different without him. He co-developed what would become the first home game console, the Magnavox Odyssey; he also helped make the memory game Simon, and came up with the gameplay concept that would ultimately lead to Nolan Bushnell's Pong. Importantly, he didn't stop inventing. He was still exploring electronics well past the usual retirement age, and had more than 150 patents under his belt. We'll miss you, Ralph. [Image credit: AP Photo]
Ralph Baer, video game mastermind, sits down for inventor portrait video
Ralph Baer is a name synonymous with gaming lore, credited with the invention of the Magnavox Odyssey and thinking that digital table tennis was a good idea long before Pong proved him right. These days, he's 90 years young, and still inventing as if his best days are ahead of him. Photographer David Friedman has embarked on quite the interesting side project, lining up a number of interviews that profile some of the world's most quietly influential folk; in the effort of concealing spoilers, we'll simply encourage you to tap the play button below after you're settled in. It's a solid watch, regardless of whether you're familiar with the man, the myth or the legend.
Ralph Baer crushes Utrecht, the Netherlands mayor at Pong
School was in session yesterday at the NLGD Festival of Games in Utrecht, The Netherlands as industry icon Ralph Baer opened the event by taking the region's mayor to town in a game of Pong. The match was played on a classic 1960's era machine, and saw the father of the gaming industry defeating the mayor 2-0. Clearly, even at 86 years young, Baer can sure swing a mean paddle.As one of Europe's largest gaming events, the NLGD Festival of Games offers a stage for people to gather and discuss the continent's growing presence in the world of gaming. Said Seth van der Meer, chairman of the NLGD, "The first day of the conference has set the tone for an exciting lineup over the next two days," which includes keynotes, more than 75 lectures, and even a career fair. However, we seriously doubt any will measure up to the awesomeness of Baer's old school Pong throw down.
