Timeline of the Video Game Console/Social Impact of
Video Games
By Sabraya Knight
A Virtual Paradise
All around the world, people enjoy good video games. From
children to adults, people love to pick up a controller and
play for hours. There are millions and millions of video games
out in the world, with many more sprouting from different
genres. However, video games would be nearly worthless
without the consoles to play them on. This power point
focuses on the creation of video game consoles, and the social
impact of video games.
The Very First Video Game Console
In 1972, the very first video game console created was the
“Magnavox Odyssey”. It was created by the manufacturing
company Magnavox. One of the few games that was made for
the first Magnavox Odyssey was Pong, a cult-classic video
game known throughout the world. The “Magnavox Odyssey
is pictured below.
Pong God
The game of “Pong”, one of the very first video games for
the Magnavox Odyssey, was created by Ralph Baer. Pong
was also the first arcade game. Pong instantly became a
success, and is still considered one of the greatest and
classic games of all time.
Gameboy
Many years passed, and so did many versions of the Magnavox
Odyssey. With every passing year, game manufactures
thought of ways to improve the quality of their consoles. In
1989, Nintendo released the very first “Gameboy”, and
Gameboy would become a very popular line of handheld
consoles. From 1989 onward, gaming was not limited to just
the household or the arcade.
A New Era: Playstation
In 1994, Sony Entertainment released the first “Playstation”.
This turned out to be extremely popular, and soon, different
versions and alterations were released to the public.
Handheld Upgrade
In 2004, the “Playstation Portable” was released in Japan;
“Playstation Portable” was released in North American the
following year. Fans of the popular “Gameboy” were probably
impressed and amazed at the PSP’s amazing features, video
quality, and slick design. Features of the PSP included
earphone input, music downloads, and Internet access.
Worldwide Gaming
The entertaining world of video gaming has gone far and
beyond, and is currently evolving as we speak. Video gaming
has gone so far that it has reached many Las Vegas casinos,
following right after the legalization of video game casinos in
Illinois. This shows that people of all ages can enjoy the
pleasures of video games, whether in the household, on the
go, or in the casinos.
Life Lived By A Controller
While video games are fun, there are many downsides in
playing many hours of video games. A prime example is the
gamers' development of a “video game addiction”. A video
game addiction could lead to isolation from the outside
world, a decrease in social skills, debt, and even depression.
There are many programs and interventions held for people
who are stricken with a video game addiction, but are results
REALLY satisfying?
Solutions!
One solution to solving the problem of video game addictions
is to sponsor more programs in helping to prevent video
game addictions. The gamer is, however, still responsible for
his or hers time spent on video games. Another solution
would be better time management, such as a schedule
organizing their activities.
Conclusion
The video game industry has grown full and rapidly, earning the
interest of both children and adults. Video games are a
wondrous source of entertainment, but too much time spent
on playing video games is bound to have a negative impact on
gamers' lives. If the right steps are taken and the effort is
given, video game addiction could be the farthest thing from
a person’s mind. The future of video games, video game
consoles, and for gamers looks to be very bright and
entertaining.
Bibliography
Information
 Plunkett, Luke. Every Video Game Console Ever Made(August 3, 2010), September 10,
2010[http://www.kotaku.com.au/2010/08/every-video-game-console-ever-made]
 Author not given. Video Game Addiction(n.d), September 10, 2010[http://www.video-gameaddiction.org/]
 Bellis, Mary. The History of Computers and Video Games(date not given), September 23,
2010[http://inventors.about.com//library/inventors/blcomputer-videogames.htm]
 Cohen, D.S. What is Gameboy(date not given), September 23,
2020[http://gameboy.com/od/hardwareprofiles/p/WhatIsGB.htm]
 No author given, Playstation(September 22, 2010), September 23,
2010[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playstation
 No author given, Playstation Portable(September 22, 2010), September 23,
2010[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Playstation_Portable]
 No author given, Worldwide Gaming(No month or date, 2010), September 23,
2010[http://worldwidegaming.com/]
 Rauh, Sherry, Video Game Addiction(no date given), September 23,
2010[http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/video-game-addiction-no-fun]
Bibliography
Information(cont.)

No author given, Ralph Baer(September 23, 2010), September 23,
2010[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_H._Baer]
Pictures

http://en.wikipedia.org./wiki/File:Gameboy.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gameboy_Advance_On.png

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Game-advance-sp.jpg

http://en.wikipedai.org/wiki/File:SCPH-30000_vertical.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Playstation3vector.svg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PSP_White.png

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PSP_Browser.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2009_Taipei_IT_Month_Day1_Sony_PSP_white.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ralphbaer.jpg