Pong was the first commercially successful video game and was released in 1972. I have fond memories of playing Pong as a kid. But it didn’t take long before I was bored with it.
When Tank Battle came out, I loved the challenge of playing hide-and-seek while trying to bank shots at my opponent. In my day, we never dreamed that being good at video games would help us get to college.
Times sure have changed.
Today’s video game environment is big business, and high school and college students are cashing in on the trend by competing in regional and national tournaments and earning college scholarships for their skills. The team format creates community among gamers, too. Gamers are no longer relegated to a dark and lonely bedroom. High schools and colleges are building gaming arenas with fast internet and low-latency computers and monitors that optimize game play and the audience experience.
And of course, there are plenty of career opportunities for those who create the games.
Check out the story on page 12 to learn more about how gaming has changed.
If you are a geography buff, check out our story on page 10 about holiday-themed town names. In some of these communities, Christmas is a year-round job.
Regardless of what holidays you and your family celebrate this year, I wish you a warm and safe holiday season. Thank you for being a faithful reader, and I’ll see you next year.