Early history of video games
The history of video games spans a period of time between the invention of the first electronic games and today, covering a long period of invention and changes. Video gaming reached mainstream popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, when arcade video games, gaming consoles and home computer games were introduced to the general public. Since then, video gaming has become a popular form of entertainment and a part of modern culture in most parts of the world. The early history of video games, therefore, covers the period of time between the first interactive electronic game with an electronic display in 1947, the first true video games in the early 1950s, and the rise of early arcade video games in the 1970s ("Pong" and the beginning of the first generation of video game consoles with the Magnavox Odyssey, both in 1972). During this time there were a wide range of devices and inventions corresponding with large advances in computing technology, and the actual first video game is dependent on the definition of "video game" used.
Video gaming in the United States
The 1970s included the birth of the video game console. The first console released was titled "Magnavox Odyssey" and the foundation of Atari occurred around the same time, marking the start of "Pong's" development. Upon "Pong's" completion it become the hottest selling Christmas product of 1975. The evolution of the console was incredibly rapid. A few years after their invention, consoles received microprocessors and programmable ROM cartridge based games, allowing users the ability to change games by simply switching cartridges. Important consoles released at this time were the "Telstar, Fairchild Channel F., "and "Atari 2600." Arcade games also received advances with the game "Space Invaders", which allowed high scores to be tracked and displayed. A year later the game "Asteroids "built on the idea and gave high scorers the ability to enter initials by their scores.