January 1984
03/08/24 • 210 min
Jack Tramiel leaves Commodore,
Apple advertises the Mac &
Amstrad enters the home computer market
These stories and many more on this episode of the VGNRTM
This episode we will look back at the biggest stories in and around the video game industry in January 1984.
As always, we'll mostly be using magazine cover dates, and those are of course always a bit behind the actual events.
Alex Smith of They Create Worlds is our cohost. Check out his podcast here:
https://www.theycreateworlds.com/
and order his book here:
https://www.theycreateworlds.com/book
Alex's Humble Bundle Inclusion:
https://www.humblebundle.com/books/game-architecture-worldbuilding-and-ai-taylor-francis-books
Get us on your mobile device:
Android: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly92aWRlb2dhbWVuZXdzcm9vbXRpbWVtYWNoaW5lLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz
iOS: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/video-game-newsroom-time-machine
And if you like what we are doing here at the podcast, don't forget to like us on your podcasting app of choice, YouTube, and/or support us on patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/VGNRTM
Send comments on Mastodon @[email protected]
Or
twitter @videogamenewsr2
Or
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vgnrtm
Or
Links:
Complete Links for this episode can be found here:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/100014130
7 Minutes in Heaven: Moon Dust
Video Version: https://www.patreon.com/posts/100007281
https://www.jaronlanier.com/
https://www.mobygames.com/game/47859/moondust/
Corrections:
December 1983 Ep - https://www.patreon.com/posts/december-1983-98325214
Ethan's fine site The History of How We Play: https://thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/
1974:
D&D is released
https://twitter.com/GameResearch_E/status/1751283969583141097?t=_dYbQapJicUWEGYRO-0Q8g&s=03
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons
Blue Sky operators catch Pong fever
https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-blue-sky-oper/94003918/
https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-evening-independent-fraudulent-order/94006031/
Atari sells Syzygy
https://archive.org/details/cashbox35unse_30/page/53/mode/1up
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari
Odyssey begins to get noticed
https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-magnavox-odyssey/81646620/
https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-magnavox-odyssey-profile/94005725/
The Times-Picayune, January 5 1974, Section 1, pg. 9
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnavox_Odyssey
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_(1968_TV_program)
Despite funding cuts, high schools continue to add computers
https://www.nytimes.com/1974/01/16/archives/computers-flourish-as-classroom-tools-by-victor-k-mcelheny-high.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicomputer
HP introduces programmable pocket calculator
https://www.nytimes.com/1974/01/17/archives/hewlettpackard-markets-pocket-calculator-doing-computers-job-many.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HP-65
Watson Jr. steps down
Computerworld Jan 9, 1974, pg. 1,2
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_J._Watson_Jr.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_J._Watson
Japan braces for oil embargo triggered downturn
https://www.nytimes.com/1974/01/06/archives/in-japan-oil-may-expose-ills-of-growth-japan-haunted-by-growth-ills.html
Computer animation conference to feature at 2nd Annual New York animation festival
https://www.nytimes.com/1974/01/09/archives/screen-2d-animation-festival-begins.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgCxCZNkQ9E
1984 meets suburban gridlock in kids book
https://www.nytimes.com/1974/01/13/archives/three-novels-one-by-an-american-from-england-by-dee-wells-285-pp.html
https://archive.org/details/endlesspavement00jack/mode/2up?view=theater
Travelers Insurance Co adopts SSNs
Computerworld Jan. 16, 1974 pg. 1
1984:
Chuck E Cheese grows up
https://archive.org/details/Video_Games_Volume_2_Number_04_1984-01_Pumpkin_Press_US/page/n13/mode/2up
https://chucke.fandom.com/wiki/Wolfman_Zapp
Chuck E Cheese isn't Bushnell's only restaurant edeavor
https://www.nytimes.com/1984/01/07/us/restaurantf-has-recipe-for-multimillion-dollar-computer-deals.html
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/12/19/silicon-valleys-power-restaurant-lion-compass-closing-after-35-years/
Unlicensed arcade shutters after killing
https://www.nytimes.com/1984/01/06/nyregion/a-video-arcade-the-city-...
Jack Tramiel leaves Commodore,
Apple advertises the Mac &
Amstrad enters the home computer market
These stories and many more on this episode of the VGNRTM
This episode we will look back at the biggest stories in and around the video game industry in January 1984.
As always, we'll mostly be using magazine cover dates, and those are of course always a bit behind the actual events.
Alex Smith of They Create Worlds is our cohost. Check out his podcast here:
https://www.theycreateworlds.com/
and order his book here:
https://www.theycreateworlds.com/book
Alex's Humble Bundle Inclusion:
https://www.humblebundle.com/books/game-architecture-worldbuilding-and-ai-taylor-francis-books
Get us on your mobile device:
Android: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly92aWRlb2dhbWVuZXdzcm9vbXRpbWVtYWNoaW5lLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz
iOS: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/video-game-newsroom-time-machine
And if you like what we are doing here at the podcast, don't forget to like us on your podcasting app of choice, YouTube, and/or support us on patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/VGNRTM
Send comments on Mastodon @[email protected]
Or
twitter @videogamenewsr2
Or
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vgnrtm
Or
Links:
Complete Links for this episode can be found here:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/100014130
7 Minutes in Heaven: Moon Dust
Video Version: https://www.patreon.com/posts/100007281
https://www.jaronlanier.com/
https://www.mobygames.com/game/47859/moondust/
Corrections:
December 1983 Ep - https://www.patreon.com/posts/december-1983-98325214
Ethan's fine site The History of How We Play: https://thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/
1974:
D&D is released
https://twitter.com/GameResearch_E/status/1751283969583141097?t=_dYbQapJicUWEGYRO-0Q8g&s=03
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dungeons_%26_Dragons
Blue Sky operators catch Pong fever
https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-san-francisco-examiner-blue-sky-oper/94003918/
https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-evening-independent-fraudulent-order/94006031/
Atari sells Syzygy
https://archive.org/details/cashbox35unse_30/page/53/mode/1up
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atari
Odyssey begins to get noticed
https://www.newspapers.com/article/honolulu-star-bulletin-magnavox-odyssey/81646620/
https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-gazette-magnavox-odyssey-profile/94005725/
The Times-Picayune, January 5 1974, Section 1, pg. 9
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnavox_Odyssey
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elvis_(1968_TV_program)
Despite funding cuts, high schools continue to add computers
https://www.nytimes.com/1974/01/16/archives/computers-flourish-as-classroom-tools-by-victor-k-mcelheny-high.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minicomputer
HP introduces programmable pocket calculator
https://www.nytimes.com/1974/01/17/archives/hewlettpackard-markets-pocket-calculator-doing-computers-job-many.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HP-65
Watson Jr. steps down
Computerworld Jan 9, 1974, pg. 1,2
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_J._Watson_Jr.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_J._Watson
Japan braces for oil embargo triggered downturn
https://www.nytimes.com/1974/01/06/archives/in-japan-oil-may-expose-ills-of-growth-japan-haunted-by-growth-ills.html
Computer animation conference to feature at 2nd Annual New York animation festival
https://www.nytimes.com/1974/01/09/archives/screen-2d-animation-festival-begins.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgCxCZNkQ9E
1984 meets suburban gridlock in kids book
https://www.nytimes.com/1974/01/13/archives/three-novels-one-by-an-american-from-england-by-dee-wells-285-pp.html
https://archive.org/details/endlesspavement00jack/mode/2up?view=theater
Travelers Insurance Co adopts SSNs
Computerworld Jan. 16, 1974 pg. 1
1984:
Chuck E Cheese grows up
https://archive.org/details/Video_Games_Volume_2_Number_04_1984-01_Pumpkin_Press_US/page/n13/mode/2up
https://chucke.fandom.com/wiki/Wolfman_Zapp
Chuck E Cheese isn't Bushnell's only restaurant edeavor
https://www.nytimes.com/1984/01/07/us/restaurantf-has-recipe-for-multimillion-dollar-computer-deals.html
https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2017/12/19/silicon-valleys-power-restaurant-lion-compass-closing-after-35-years/
Unlicensed arcade shutters after killing
https://www.nytimes.com/1984/01/06/nyregion/a-video-arcade-the-city-...
Previous Episode
William Volk - Avalon Hill, Activision, Lightspan, PlayScreen
Few developers can boast careers spanning more than 4 decades, but today's guest, William Volk has developed games for virtually every platform released, covering every genre, including strategy, RPG, adventures, educational titles, puzzle games, and more. Sit back and enjoy the insights, memories, and experience of a true legend of the industry!
Recorded October 2023
Get us on your mobile device: Android: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly92aWRlb2dhbWVuZXdzcm9vbXRpbWVtYWNoaW5lLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz iOS: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/video-game-newsroom-time-machine
And if you like what we are doing here at the podcast, don't forget to like us on your podcasting app of choice, YouTube, and/or support us on patreon! https://www.patreon.com/VGNRTM
Send comments on twitter @videogamenewsr2 Or Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vgnrtm Or [email protected]
Links: https://www.anagramquest.com/ https://www.mobygames.com/person/3264/william-d-volk/ He Put in a Bar, in the Back of His Car - https://youtu.be/pEQ_VLo4pBY?si=mw5p8i7-dlDo5-Zp https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homestake_experiment https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cromemco https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avalon_Hill https://www.nytimes.com/1985/03/24/jobs/the-computer-telecommuters-say-theres-no-workplace-like-home.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marvin_Minsky https://www.mobygames.com/game/7390/ports-of-call/ https://www.mobygames.com/company/3165/aegis-interactive-entertainment/ https://www.macintoshrepository.org/6195-mac-challenger Infinite Loop - https://youtu.be/clxpPQbj234?si=aN1f215CSDnRmkVj https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LightWave_3D https://www.mobygames.com/game/9222/the-manhole/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HyperCard https://www.mobygames.com/game/1219/return-to-zork/ https://www.mobygames.com/game/44036/cosmic-osmo/ https://www.mobygames.com/company/434/cyan-worlds-inc/ https://www.mobygames.com/game/39698/rodneys-funscreen/ https://youtu.be/yZbJL5Egyzs?si=abJ5FJ_CS9O-wZju https://www.mobygames.com/company/42078/lightspan-inc/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Realtime_Associates https://kidscreen.com/2001/10/01/lightspan-20011001/ https://psxdatacenter.com/games/U/L/LSP-010360.html https://www.gamezone.com/news/wayans_brothers_the_dozens_announced_at_e3/ https://www.pgconnects.com/hong-kong/speakers/william-volk/ https://www.gamedeveloper.com/production/william-volk-veteran-game-developer-mobile-pioneer https://apps.apple.com/us/app/trump-dump/id1070999857 https://www.apple.com/de/tv-pr/originals/extrapolations/ https://www.theclimatetrail.com/ https://www.calstate.edu/attend/student-services/Pages/esports.aspx https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Oscar-Clark/dp/1138428302 https://www.mobygames.com/game/52384/controller/ https://www.gamedeveloper.com/production/why-johnny-can-t-ship https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_Child_Left_Behind_Act
Copyright Karl Kuras
Next Episode
January 1994
Commodore hits the skids,
Sega bets big on entertainment centers &
The emulation revolution is born!
These stories and many more on this episode of the VGNRTM
This episode we will look back at the biggest stories in and around the video game industry in January 1994.
As always, we'll mostly be using magazine cover dates, and those are of course always a bit behind the actual events.
Alex Smith of They Create Worlds is our cohost. Check out his podcast here:
https://www.theycreateworlds.com/
and order his book here:
https://www.theycreateworlds.com/book
Get us on your mobile device:
Android: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly92aWRlb2dhbWVuZXdzcm9vbXRpbWVtYWNoaW5lLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vcnNz
iOS: https://podcasts.apple.com/de/podcast/video-game-newsroom-time-machine
And if you like what we are doing here at the podcast, don't forget to like us on your podcasting app of choice, YouTube, and/or support us on patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/VGNRTM
Send comments on Mastodon @[email protected]
Or
twitter @videogamenewsr2
Or
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/vgnrtm
Or
Links:
If you don't see all the links, find them here:
https://www.patreon.com/posts/100523595
7 Minutes in Heaven: Cliffhanger
Video Version: https://www.patreon.com/posts/100523418
TV ad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0EAfkdgcxb4
https://www.mobygames.com/game/23868/cliffhanger/
Corrections:
December 1993 Ep - https://www.patreon.com/posts/december-1993-99076522
Ethan's fine site The History of How We Play: https://thehistoryofhowweplay.wordpress.com/
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108255/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_3_tt_8_nm_0_q_super%2520mario%2520bro
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_64_Game_Pak
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RedOctane
https://patents.google.com/patent/US20070232374A1/
https://www.mobygames.com/game/15033/donkey-konga/
1993:
Sega goes all in on big arcades
"(January 17, 1994). Sega plans amusement parks for ASEAN countries. Report From Japan. https://advance.lexis.com/api/document?collection=news&id=urn:contentItem:3SKM-Y8R0-004C-929W-00000-00&context=1516831.
Yomiuri Shimbun. (January 1, 1994, Saturday). Sega, French superhero; open amusement centers. The Daily Yomiuri. https://advance.lexis.com/api/document?collection=news&id=urn:contentItem:3SC6-V1K0-001X-J1FP-00000-00&context=1516831."
Play Meter Jan. 1994, pg. 2
https://www.facebook.com/sega.megapolis/
Blockbuster gets in on FEC biz
Replay Jan. 1994 pg. 2
https://parkrovers.com/home/2020/10/18/blockbusters-failed-indoor-theme-park
VR, meet redemption, redemption, meet VR
Play Meter Jan. 1994, pg. 2
Karaoke wars heat up in Japan
(January 19, 1994). 'Karaoke wars' intensifies. Report From Japan. https://advance.lexis.com/api/document?collection=news&id=urn:contentItem:3SKM-Y8P0-004C-9293-00000-00&context=1516831.
NBA Jam beats records
Play Meter Jan. 1994, pg. 2
Japanese recession hitting video game makers
Play Meter Jan. 1994, pg. 18
SF2 Turbo ships a million units
https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_054_January_1994 p. 259
Acclaim numbers skyrocket
https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_054_January_1994 p. 259
Microsoft signs deal with Sega
https://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/18/business/company-news-microsoft-will-supply-software-for-sega.html
https://microsoft.fandom.com/wiki/Sega_Saturn#Microsoft_technology
https://archive.org/details/NEXT_Generation_08/page/n25/mode/2up
https://segaretro.org/Windows_CE
Namco signs on to Playstation
Play Meter Jan. 1994, pg. 20
https://www.mobygames.com/game/company:1043/platform:playstation/sort:-date/page:1/
Sony reveals PSX stats
https://archive.org/details/ElectronicGamingMonthly_201902/Electronic%20Gaming%20Monthly%20Issue%20054%20%28January%201994%29/page/n67/mode/2up
NEC reveals PCFX stats
https://archive.org/details/ElectronicGamingMonthly_201902/Electronic%20Gaming%20Monthly%20Issue%20054%20%28January%201994%29/page/n67/mode/2up
https://www.pcengine-fx.com/forums/index.php?PHPSESSID=cv914932bsf7di7a8k17n7oqoj&topic=1420.0
https://retrocdn.net/images/6/60/Edge_UK_004.pdf pg. 54
NeoGeo enters CDRom race
https://retrocdn.net/images/6/60/Edge_UK_004.pdf pg. 9
Konix Multisystem is back!!
https://retrocdn.net/images/6/60/Edge_UK_004.pdf pg. 7
Sega "delays" SegaVR
https://archive.org/details/GamePro_Issue_054_January_1994 p. 259
Video Game monopoly inquiry begun in t...
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